New Talkin’ Table launched at Triangle Community Methodist Church

Talkin’ Tables has been combating loneliness in Bolton since 2021, with free, weekly, hour-long sessions.

The Bolton News has been following the growth of the initiative as it “combats loneliness one table at a time”.

The Triangle Community Methodist Church on New Church Road has now opened its doors to the latest addition.

The new Talkin’ Table has been partly facilitated by Joyce Read, who is the manager of the Triangle Coffee Lounge.

Joyce said: “Lynne Croston, who co-ordinates the Talkin’ Tables across Bolton, came in and asked us about it.”

Joyce explained that initially, they were stuck trying to find a Table Leader, as the popular coffee lounge is completely volunteer-led.

This meant that many in the community were already busy contributing their time in different aspects of the Methodist Church.

It was therefore perfect timing when the ladies found Tina Boyle from Horwich, who was keen to get involved.

Discussing her route to becoming a Table Leader, Tina said: “I started going to St Elizabeth’s Church each week, and Marjorie suggested it.

“I’ve done counselling before, and I think that a lot of people are very lonely and haven’t got anybody.

“I wanted to be part of helping.”

Talkin’ Tables at the Triangle Community Methodist Church Coffee Lounge (Image: NQ)

Tina’s advice to anyone is apprehensive about attending is: “Just make that step, one step at a time, and you will get there.”

Given the voluntary nature of the coffee lounge, it is already well-known across the community as a wonderful spot for a coffee and a chat.

Making it the perfect place to set up a Talkin’ Table.

Joyce said through word of mouth, she expects the group to gradually grow.

She explained that the coffee lounge welcomes supported people (such as those with additional needs), who grow in confidence through the warm environment.

This falls into perfect alignment with Talkin’ Tables’ vision of bringing people together in a judgment-free space.

At the launch, we caught up with founder Marjorie Hayward, who set up the project in July 2021.

Before moving to Bolton, Marjorie previously lived in Chorley, where she launched Friends For You, a successful befriending charity.

Retired NHS ward sister, teacher, and philanthropist Marjorie has devoted her life to caring for others.

Talkin’ Tables (Image: NQ)

She told The Bolton News: “The progress we’ve made is just amazing.

“This is the twenty-sixth table in Bolton with the twenty-seventh opening on June 4 at Café Italia on the Doffcocker roundabout.”

The loneliness initiative has even stretched to India, Kenya and Hungary, as well as to more than 100 locations across the country.

Marjorie added: “We’re absolutely spreading because everyone who hears about Talkin’ Tables wants one for their community because they can see the difference it makes to people’s lives.”

Marjorie explained the challenges and vulnerability that come with feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“If you come to a Talkin’ Table, there’s always a Table Leader, always a welcome and someone to chat to.”

Each venue hosts a session for one hour each week, at the same time.

This encourages people to get to know one another and helps to build a sociable routine.

Marjorie continued: “If you’re out there on your own and feeling a bit desperate and left out, come and join a Talkin’ Table.”

A one-hour session to sit and have a chat (Image: NQ)

There are four tables alone in the town centre, and co-ordinator Lynne is on a mission to have one in every corner of the Borough.

It isn’t just the participants who benefit from the sessions; we spoke with Table Leader Kath Foster, who leads at Beechville Care Home on Chorley New Road and Retreat.

Kath said she finds it “so worthwhile” and that she gets “far more back from it” in her view

“I thoroughly enjoy it and I’m always gutted if I have to miss a session for any reason,” she said.

Coordinator Lynne is keen to set tables up in Breightmet, Little Lever and Great Lever. To become a Table Leader, email lynneccroston@gmail.com.

To find out more and to see all of the Bolton locations to join a table, visit: www.talkintables.co.uk