Monday 1st December 2025: This December, The Chatty Café Scheme is proud to mark its fifth year taking part in Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes campaign, a nationwide initiative encouraging people to pledge their time to help tackle loneliness, an issue affecting millions across the UK as mental health challenges and cost of living pressures continue to rise.
Since its launch in 2016, the 1 million Minutes campaign has inspired more than 880 million minutes of volunteering, giving people the chance to make meaningful connections with those who may otherwise feel isolated.
For The Chatty Café Scheme, these moments of connection begin with a simple conversation at one of its “Chatter & Natter” tables in cafés across the country.
With more than 720 participating cafés, including long standing partners such as Costa Coffee, The Chatty Café Scheme creates warm, welcoming spaces where a friendly chat over a cup of coffee can make a profound difference. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting these conversations and helping people feel seen, heard and part of their community.
“Loneliness is not just about being alone. It is about feeling invisible,” says Alex Hoskyn, Founder of The Chatty Café Scheme. “By donating just a little of your time this December, you could brighten someone’s day, spark a friendship or even change a life. That is the power of a conversation.”
“At Costa Coffee, we believe in the power of connection, and we are proud to have supported the Chatty Cafe Scheme since 2018.” said a Costa Coffee spokesperson. “Our stores have always been places for people to come together, and initiatives like this help ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy a warm conversation and a sense of community, especially at a time of year when it matters most.”
The Chatty Café Scheme invites people of all ages to pledge their time this December and join a nationwide effort to reduce loneliness and help build stronger, more connected communities.
Take action today: find your nearest volunteer opportunity at: https://thechattycafescheme.co.uk/volunteer/
