Stoke-on-Trent community cafe aims to tackle loneliness

Temple Street Methodist Church in Fenton runs a Chatter and Natter table every Thursday

A community cafe aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation has been praised by local residents.

Temple Street Methodist in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, offers a Chatter and Natter table from 09:30 to 12:00 GMT every Thursday.

It is part of the nationwide Chatty Cafe scheme which arranges regular meetings in cafes or community centres.

Support includes a food and clothes bank, an internet cafe and financial advice, as well as free tea and coffee.

The church has been nominated for its community impact at this year's Totally Stoked Awards, which aims to celebrate the local voluntary and community sector.

Areas of the town are some of most deprived in the country, according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).

• Listen: Welcome to Fenton's Chatty Cafe

Making the brews is volunteer Christine, welcoming visitors for a chit-chat on the dedicated Chatter and Natter table.

"They just start explaining to me what their difficulties are, I don't prod them," she said.

"They just volunteer that information, it's completely confidential.

"I'm Little Miss Chatty".

The cafe also offers a clothes bank and shower facilities

Christine has lived experience of finding sanctuary in the church, after an arson attack left her and her daughter sleeping in their car.

"It was terrible, one o'clock in the morning and the house was completely on fire," she explained, adding it was "miracle" they both got out.

"Shortly afterwards, I heard about this church so I came on a Thursday to see what it was like," she said.

"I thought, how lovely this is - it's like family, straight away."

The cafe is part of the nationwide Chatty Cafe scheme which aims to tackle loneliness

Others who attend, like Les Oakes, appreciate the company.

"I'm alone and on my own," he said.

"I don't really have a social life, I come down and I meet so many beautiful people and they're so kind."

The warm welcome and range of support means the church is packed with a diverse crowd every Thursday.

"The work we do is part of our worship," said Reverend Joe Adam.

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