MERRY Hill aims to get people to connect to boost their wellbeing by hosting Chatter & Natter tables in partnership with Chatty Café.

The Chatty Café Scheme was designed to encourage conversation and help people connect to reduce feelings of loneliness or social isolation.

The initiative has expanded rapidly since launching in 2019, growing from a few Chatter & Natter tables to a network of more than 750 venues in 2022.

Merry Hill’s Chatty Café is the first to open in a regional retail destination and will run between 9.30am and 11:30am on January 24 to 26 at Eat Central.

Attendance is free and anyone interested can simply turn up on the day.

Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, said: “Our community is very important to us and we’re always seeking ways to bring people together and, we’re excited to partner with Chatty Café.

“They’ve already brought happiness to thousands of people so far. We hope Merry Hill visitors feel encouraged to stop by the Chatter & Natter tables and leave the centre feeling brighter than when they arrived.”

Abigail Murry, operations manager at The Chatty Café Scheme CIC, said: “We’ve seen the benefits the scheme has had on improving the mental health and happiness levels for attendees and volunteers alike. It provides a unique opportunity to create strong connections in the community, with the chance to make new friendships, and even learn about groups and activities in the area to take part in. We look forward to offering this to Merry Hill visitors.”

The partnership with Chatty Café comes as part of Merry Hill’s wider Brighter Days Ahead campaign which includes additional wellbeing initiatives in January including a spa-inspired event at Lush from 5pm to 6:30pm on Sunday January 22. It costs £15 per person and in-store booking is required.