Chatty café opens in Yeovil to tackle social isolation
It's hoped the space will provide comfort and support
A chatty café has opened in Yeovil to provide comfort and support to people who may be feeling lonely.
Local mental health service WellBe have launched the initiative at the Barolo Lounge in the centre of town.
They aim to create a welcoming and friendly space to strengthen social connections and provide support.
"We need connection like we need food and water," said Jo Buckland, WellBe director.
"Human beings thrive in every area if we have a sense of belonging,
"We're here to offer that to our community and come out into the town, when people might not be able to come directly to us."
The café provides free drinks to make the space as accessible as possible, preventing finances becoming a barrier to connection.
"If you're coming from a place where you feel disconnected or where you don't feel comfortable, it can feel like a risk coming when you don't know people.
"So we're trying to demonstrate that we're warm, we're welcoming and we'd love to meet everybody."
The Chatty Café is open between 1:30pm and 2:30pm every Monday.