Alex Cann

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Robbie Williams

Millennium

Listen Live

Chatty café scheme launched in Harrogate to tackle loneliness

Thursday, 27 March 2025 07:27

Colleen Gruenwald and Katrina Rickert at the launch of Harrogate's Chatty Café. (All images: Gerard Binks Photography)

A new 'Chatty Café' scheme has been launched in Harrogate to tackle loneliness in the community.

Set to be held every week at The Saints Coffee, the café aims to encourage people of all ages to talk to others.

A ‘chatter and natter’ table within the cafe on St Winifred’s Avenue will be hosted by a volunteer to facilitate conversation every Wednesday between 2pm and 3:30pm.

The scheme is the UK's leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness, with support from Alana Care Solutions.

A launch event was held at The Saints Coffee yesterday (Wednesday) thanks to owner Katrina Rickert.

Colleen Gruenwald, who helped start the scheme in Harrogate, said:

“I go to the Saints Café most Saturdays after doing parkrun and after watching how Kat appreciate her clientele, I saw that she clearly loves supporting others.

“I approached her to ask if she would be willing to host a chatty coffee within her premises and she leapt at the chance!”

Colleen added:

“Chatty Cafe isn’t just for people who may feel a bit lonely or isolated, it’s for anyone who wants to come along - they don’t have to buy something, they can just come and join in.”

Find out more about Chatty Café Schemes across the UK online here.

More from Local News

Harrogate choir named national finalists for third consecutive year

The Harrogate Ladies’ College Chapel Choir will represent Yorkshire at the 2026 Barnardo's National Choir Competition, having secured a third consecutive appearance at the prestigious final.
Chairman admits 'deep disappointment' but urges faith in Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town chairman Irving Weaver has admitted he shares supporters' frustration with the club's league position - but insists the fight to remain in League Two is far from over.
Winter Olympics: Harrogate man captains Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team

A Harrogate man is captaining Trinidad and Tobago's bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics, which begin today (Friday) in Italy.
Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White visits Harrogate restaurant

Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White has full of praise for a Harrogate fish and chip restaurant following a visit earlier this week.
Reasons behind the inevitability of above-inflation council tax rise at North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire councillors are expected agree a 4.99 per cent increase in their authority’s share of the council tax bill when they meet next week.
Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places

Harrogate has been named in Booking.com's 'Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities for 2026' - and is the only UK destination to feature in the list.
Police search for Ripon glasses thief

Police have released CCTV images of a woman following the theft of glasses from a Ripon shop.
Harrogate bus firm celebrates one year since launch of all-electric fleet

The Harrogate Bus Company is celebrating one year since the order of 41 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly vehicles was completed.
Community invited to give feedback on plans for new homes in Scotton

Bellway Strategic Land is hosting a public consultation event for local people to have their say on plans for new homes in Scotton.
Tributes paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires

Tributes have been paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires, who has died aged 74.
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity

A festive tractor run through Ripon has raised more than £7,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research, following confirmation of the final total this week.
Almost 300 Harrogate NHS patients faced two-month wait for cancer treatment last year

Almost 300 patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust waited longer than the NHS standard of 62 days to begin cancer treatment last year, according to the latest available figures.
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year

A popular gaming and toys event is returning to Harrogate for a third year.
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers

A record-breaking twelve students at the North's top-performing state school are celebrating Oxbridge offers.
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?

Afternoon tea remains a popular way to spend a relaxed afternoon in and around Harrogate, with venues ranging from country estates to town-centre hotels.
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?

Harrogate Restaurant Week is returning this month, in partnership with Harrogate BID.
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games

A Harrogate powerlifter has been selected to represent Team England at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City

Young players from Pannal Sports Junior FC enjoyed a matchday to remember after winning a competition that saw them step onto the pitch at a Manchester City Women fixture.
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out

Two Yorkshire PR experts say demand is outstripping supply for their events for small businesses.
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat

A Ripon woman who overcame life-changing injuries to complete a demanding charity challenge has been nominated for a Yorkshire Choice Award, recognising her courage.