It’s good to talk - Council supports initiatives to combat social isolation and loneliness

As part of Buckinghamshire’s Healthy Ageing Strategy and Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the council is committed to supporting older residents and communities to address loneliness and social isolation by supporting a range of projects and initiatives.

Two examples of how the focus is working in action are the Chatty Café Scheme and The Friday Club Haddenham.

The Chatty Café Scheme is a national initiative designed to help people connect, share stories and enjoy friendly conversation.

Buckinghamshire Council has recently partnered with the scheme to bring ‘chatty tables’ to 15 local venues in the county. Since January, cafes have been operating in venues including Adams Park Stadium in High Wycombe, the Rhubarb Café in Aston Clinton, Wendover Library and Belgrave Lodge in Aylesbury.

The Friday Club Haddenham was set into motion at an event hosted by the local Community Board where concerns were shared that many older residents were experiencing chronic loneliness.

The new club is held every Friday from 10am to 3pm at Haddenham Park Care Home and is led by Active in the Community CIC, an experienced organisation at running volunteer supported activity clubs.

Speaking about The Friday Club Haddenham, Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: “It’s fantastic to see how a simple discussion at a Community Board event can grow and evolve into a tangible asset for the local community. This new day club represents a collaborative, community led response to the growing issue of loneliness among older people and is expected to play an important role in improving health, wellbeing, and social connection across Haddenham. I’d like to express my thanks to all those who have helped make it happen.”

Both initiatives support the council’s Age Friendly Bucks Programme, which aims to build inclusive, supportive environments where residents can thrive as they grow older.

Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing said:

“We want Buckinghamshire to be a great place to age – where everyone feels valued, stays involved, and enjoys a good quality of life. Through partnerships like the Chatty Café Scheme and supporting initiatives like The Friday Club Haddenham we’re helping local organisations create inclusive social connections for local communities, which is essential for ageing well. This work reflects our commitment in the Healthy Ageing Strategy and the age-well element of our new Bucks Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”

To find your local Chatty Café visit: Find a Chatty table – Chatty Cafe Scheme UK

For more information on The Friday Club Haddenham and register as a participant here. If you would like to volunteer at the club email [email protected] to register your interest.

You can view Buckinghamshire’s Healthy Ageing Strategy 2024 – 2029 online: https://www.healthandwellbeingbucks.org/Resources/Councils/bucks-public-health/downloads/HealthyAgeingStrategy2024.pdf

Buckinghamshire’s Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy is also available to view online: Appendix 1 for Health Wellbeing Strategy.