2. Introducing Coffee Companions
Vision
Creating contacts, building healthy communities, by letting others know when their company would be welcome – starting with a cup of coffee.
1 meaningful contact = 7 years.
Loneliness = 15 cigarettes
All ages
START with coffee (or tea), lead to meal ………at Christmas!
individuals, groups and locations
Christmas leads to ………………coffee

3. The problem The solution

4. Introducing Coffee Companions and the Chat Mats
Coffee Companions is for anyone, anywhere who wants to put down the paper, turn off the phone and just have a chat with their coffee and know they aren’t intruding.
Using a Chat Mat is easier than mind reading.
Buy off internet/website
Individuals – for self, old friends and new
Groups
To give to existing members
To get new members
Listed locations

5. What do people say? A pair of new mothers: An older woman
“We can go anywhere to talk about babies and nappies but our parents aren't close and we’d love local ‘parental’ conversation”
An older woman
“Oh, I’m always up for a chat, I was just filling time”
A middle aged man
“When I was younger I lived on a canal boat. After breaking my leg I was going stir crazy. My doctor said I needed to get out for coffee but I was worried that if my employer saw me they’d think I was skiving. She wrote a prescription!”
“That will give me the perfect excuse to ask my neighbour for a lift – she needs to get out, I don’t have a car.”

6. Weekly Companions Hour
Listed Locations
Weekly Companions Hour
Minimum one hour a week – noted on window sticker
Host provided by location or local group/individual
Identified by:
Listing on website for
Locals and visitors
Referring agencies; groups/clubs, health providers, distant relatives and others
Sticker in window
Pay
£10 for registration pack (information, stickers and samples)
3months free introductory listing
Minimal charge to ensure ongoing accuracy (£10pm)
Unlisted locations
- Work places, hospitals or other shared but not public places

7. Benefits
Everyone
Knowing who you can talk to when you fancy a chat
Knowing who wants someone to talk to/doesn’t mind sharing their table
Your community
Companionship can improve physical, emotional and social lives.
Loneliness is like smoking15 cigarettes a day. An infectious smile is more positive.
Older people focus, intergenerational contact encouraged, helping all ages adapt to changes in their personal circumstances
Locations
A recognised hub within your community attracting new customers
Happier customers sharing more than coffee – companionship, food and a choice about sharing their table.
Motivated staff providing more than just a cup of coffee

8. Help Our help Your help Together Spreading the word
Providing materials so you don’t need to reinvent the wheel
Your help
Understand local impact
Current community
Demographics
Function
Room for improvement
Create cultural change
Together
Improve the support we give you to give your communities
Share experiences to motivate better engagement

9. Thank you for listening Any questions? www.CoffeeCompanions.co.uk
coffeecomps