It’s witnessed in our communities often: a longing for social engagement, connection and to feel seen and heard.  

So, what does it take to build powerful social connections, decrease loneliness and social isolation and create a sense of belonging in our communities? The answer may be surprisingly simple and may just be located at your favourite local neighbourhood venue. 

In an effort to reduce loneliness and social isolation, Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation have partnered with The Chatty Café Scheme, an Australian community-based initiative to pilot designated ‘Have a Chat’ tables at participating leisure venues across Australia. 

The pilot program aligned with Loneliness Awareness Week (4-10 August) and was specifically designed to incorporate the already successful initiative into leisure venues where community members have the chance to come together. 

Because let’s face it, when you can pop in for a game of ‘Who Am I’ and a chat over a cuppa in a welcoming environment, life gets a lot more joyful!  

Here are a few moments of togetherness Belgravia Leisure venues across Australia had to share: 

• At Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre in Queensland, their ‘Have a Chat’ table was host to an array of board games, tea, coffee and baked goods, with 29 attending on one day to soak up the sun and lively conversation. One group played a game of ‘Who Am I/Celebrity Heads’, that had members rolling with laughter.  

• At Manning Aquatic Centre Bathurst in New South Wales, team member Rowee Stair shared: “One of our regular members would sit at the table daily; she would pick a talk card each day and start a conversation with me. It was lovely to share and learn new things about each other.”  

• Sweet treats and warm beverages were also on offer at the ‘Have a Chat’ table at Stromlo Leisure Centre in the Australian Capital Territory for the community to share. 

• In Western Australia at B Active East Fremantle, locals met up at Carnaby’s cafe for a community chat, with regular members getting involved in the fun in an inviting communal area. 

• In Victoria, at the Mill Park Leisure Centre and MOVE Moonee Valley venues, Keilor East Leisure Centre and Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, ‘Have a Chat’ tables were a place of warm and casual conversation by venue entrances. At Yarrambat Golf Course, Chatty Cafe ran in The Grasslands area for members.  

More venues where this fantastic initiative was trialed include The Rex Barossa Aquatic & Fitness and Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre in South Australia, as well as Splash Devonport in Tasmania. 

Jeff Walkley, CEO of Belgravia Foundation, shared: “This initiative strongly aligns with Belgravia Foundation’s Social Inclusion Policy and Community Engagement Approach. It responds to what has consistently heard through Community Network Forums for the past 18 months: that social engagement and connection remain #1 priorities within our communities”. 

The initiative was made possible by coordinated venue efforts from Belgravia Leisure team members across Australia. Participating venues set up tables, displayed posters, used the Chatty Café app to engage the community and encouraged local partners, all actions which led to creating memorable moments. 

Chatty Café Australia emphasised the importance of community spaces and their impact:  

“The Chatty Cafe initiative creates opportunities for anyone to talk while they drink tea, coffee, juice or eat a snack or meal – whether it is for five minutes or an hour. Just a plain old-fashioned friendly, relaxed conversation might just brighten someone’s day more than you know.” 

For many across Australia, this connection helps maintain a daily purpose and provides an opportunity to participate in the community in a meaningful way.

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