News / Community
Connecting the community through coffee and conversation
Chatty Café helps isolated community members to make new friends
Liz Kennedy-Good
Friday, August 9, 2024
EVERY Tuesday morning Brunswick Neighbourhood House in De Carle Street rolls out its coffee cart and invites the community to join its Chatty Café.
This is a new program for BNH in 2024 and is part of the nationwide Chatty Café Scheme.
The café provides a space for isolated members of the community to get to know one another while enjoying a barista-made coffee.
Alongside the Chatty Café BNH also runs its chess club so there’s an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a game of chess with their coffee as well.
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“Whether you’re after a cappuccino or a flat white, or just feel like joining for a chat, everyone is welcome,” said Heather Saltmarsh, volunteer chatter at café.
“Some of the visitors to the Chatty Café are students who are new to the area and keen to meet others and improve their English.
“We welcome everyone, especially those that might feel isolated, to join us for a coffee and a chat.
“I enjoy being involved as you get to meet new people every week who come in and share their stories.”
Anne Mucha attends the Chatty Café each week after playing pétanque in nearby Warr Park.
“I come here for the good coffee and nice atmosphere,” she said.
Another regular attendee, Geoff Dongalen, likes to bring along the lyrics to his favourite songs to discuss such as Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’.
“I like to meet new people and enjoy drinking a latte,” said Geoff.
At $4, it is one of the cheapest cups of coffee in Brunswick with volunteer baristas working the machine who are improving their coffee making skills while supporting community connection.
Emma Jobling is one of the volunteer baristas and decided to get involved because she wanted to learn how to make coffee.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence through volunteering and really enjoy chatting to the people who come along,” said Emma.
Chatty Café runs every Tuesday at BNH, 43a De Carle Street, between 10am–12pm (excluding public holidays or if BNH is closed). The Chess Club is $2 to join each week. Those interested in volunteering can email info@bnhc.vic.edu.au
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