A new scheme has been launched to encourage café customers to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Talking Tables launches on Monday 10 September, and Trinity Market is the first local venue to sign up. The market, which was completely regenerated in 2017, will host a dedicated Talking Table – somewhere for people to sit if they want to start or join conversations with each other.

The scheme is intended to bring people together, making it easier to meet, talk and connect. Cafes and venues which are part of the scheme will display door stickers and posters and the designated Talking Table will carry signs inviting people to sit down.

The launch day falls on World Suicide Prevention Day, a move intended to highlight the value of reducing social isolation and providing opportunities for people to talk.

Cllr Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for public health, said: “Everyone is welcome at a Talking Table. The idea is to give people a chance to chat, connect, talk to someone new. You absolutely don’t have to be on your own to sit at a Talking Table, couples, families, friends; everyone is welcome.

“Everyone has times in their life when they feel lonely or isolated and when you do, striking up a conversation can feel harder than ever. A Talking Table is somewhere that anyone can sit down and know they will immediately be with other people who want to speak to them. It removes the stigma some people can feel about going out for a coffee alone.

“Trinity Market is our first venue to sign up, which is fantastic because it’s such a busy space where there is a real mix of places to eat and drink, but we are keen to recruit as many other cafes, venues and other spaces as possible. We want people to have the option of joining a Talking Table wherever they go”.

For more information about joining the Talking Tables scheme, call: 01482 300300 or email publichealth.hull@hullcc.gov.uk.

All participating venues will receive a free support pack which includes posters, window stickers, table displays, advice and more.