A GLOBAL initiative that connects communities and ‘gets people chatting’ has launched in the Riverland.
Country agency ac.care has launched the Riverland’s first Chatty Café, a weekly event at Berri hoping to brighten the day of residents while reducing social isolation in country communities.
The Riverland community is invited to join the distinct yellow ‘Have A Chat’ table from 10am to 11.30am at Sunbake Café Berri at Riverland Central Shopping Centre every Monday as part of the fun, social outing.
Community Connections Riverland support worker Sue Dayman encouraged residents to come along and meet new people in a safe, comfortable social space.
“Building friendly social connections does not need to take grand gestures, it is often the simple and small things like a brief chat that can brighten someone’s day,” Sue said.
“Our Chatty Café provides that safe, social space where people from all walks of life can come together and chat for a minute or an hour – the choice is theirs.
“We know that forming these connections can take time and that is why we are going to meet weekly on Mondays, allowing people to return or new faces to join in and simply have a chat.”
The Chatty Café is the newest in a series of community groups and opportunities Sue oversees at Berri Community Centre, including Tuesday Tunes, Wednesday’s Growing Together group and other regular activities in the redeveloped outdoor space at Kealley Street.
“Everyone is welcome at Berri Community Centre, whether you are coming in for a coffee or to grab some fresh produce, seeking support from our programs or just looking to connect with others,” Sue said.
“We continue to learn more about how social isolation affects mental health and general wellbeing so we feel it is important to provide regular opportunities for people to come together and meet new people,” she said.
“Through our existing programs, it has been rewarding to see people try new things, showcase their own skills or simply just have a good time in company.
“The Chatty Café is another opportunity for our community to form those connections and friendships with local people.”
The Riverland’s Chatty Café is held Mondays from 10am to 11.30am at Sunbake Café Berri at Riverland Central Shopping Centre.
For more information, contact Sue Dayman on 8580 5300 or visit the ac.care Berri Community Centre at 5 Kealley Street, Berri.
You can also stay updated on the latest news, events and opportunities by joining the Berri Community Centre noticeboard on Facebook.
