New Chatty Café brings community connection to Hailsham Leisure Centre
Freedom Leisure, which began operating in Wealden 25 years ago and continues to manage 3 leisure centres on behalf of Wealden District Council, including Hailsham Leisure Centre, are pleased to launch the Chatty Café scheme, providing a new opportunity for local people to connect, chat and feel part of the community.
The Chatty Café will take place every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Hailsham Leisure Centre, offering a warm and welcoming space for people of all ages. At the heart of the initiative is the ‘Chatter & Natter’ table, a designated table where conversation is encouraged and nobody has to sit alone.
Hosted by a friendly volunteer, the Chatty Café is designed to support wellbeing by encouraging simple, everyday conversations. Visitors are invited to drop in, enjoy a drink and a chat, meet new people and share stories in a relaxed and inclusive environment. There is no need to book, and everyone is welcome.
The Chatty Café scheme is a national initiative created to tackle loneliness and social isolation by encouraging face‑to‑face connections in everyday community spaces. By bringing the scheme to Hailsham Leisure Centre, Freedom Leisure and Wealden District Council are reinforcing their commitment to supporting both physical and mental wellbeing across the district.
Freedom Leisure Area Manager, Toby Reed said “Leisure centres are about far more than fitness, they are community hubs. We’re delighted to be supporting the Chatty Café scheme at Hailsham Leisure Centre and offering a space where people can come together, feel welcomed and enjoy meaningful social connection.”
The sessions are open to all, whether people are regular leisure centre users or visiting for the first time. Attendance is free, with refreshments available to purchase from the café.
For more information about the Chatty Café scheme at Hailsham Leisure Centre, visit: www.thechattycafescheme.co.uk