'People just want someone to talk to'

A community group is helping tackle social isolation with a weekly cuppa.

The Biccies and Banter sessions see dozens of people get together in Maryport, Cumbria, for a two-hour chat.

Hosted in the Ewanrigg area of the town by The Centre West Cumbria charity, the Friday events recently marked their first anniversary.

Project worker Sharon Barnes described them as providing an invaluable service as "people just want someone to talk to and if you can help one person then it's worth it".

"It's very informal," she said. "There are no airs and graces.

"You're almost bound to know someone, but if you don't then you won't be on your own for long.

"There used to be a computer group, but we realised they never opened their computers because they just sat and talked so when that folded we thought there was space to do something quite informal and it has grown and grown."

Running between 10:00 and 12:00, breakfast is also available alongside tea, coffee and biscuits with participants asked to make a suggestion donation of £2 or £3 if possible.

Some weeks see experts from the likes of Citizens Advice provide guidance on a range of issues, while others see health teams talk through difficulties such as memory loss and direct people towards further help.

Up to 30 or so people attend each session with Barnes delighted by the confidence she said many of them develop once they get to know others present.

"They come in for the first time and then they're coming to our Tuesday Coffee and Crack two-course dinner or chair yoga classes.

"Then they're meeting those people out for a coffee or shopping so an isolated person suddenly has a network of new friends."

Carol Pearson, who lives in Maryport's Netherton area, has attended the group from its first week and said she "really looks forward to it".

Key to its success, she believes, is the way newcomers are greeted.

"It can be awkward [going somewhere for the first time], but everyone is made to feel so welcome.

"It's just a chance to get out and talk to folk."

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