Huddersfield Town and the Huddersfield Town Foundation have partnered with the Chatty Café Scheme to launch a new community initiative at the Accu Stadium aimed at tackling social isolation. Starting on Wednesday 29 April 2026, the Legends Café will host a weekly Chatter and Natter table, providing a dedicated space for residents to connect over a complimentary hot drink.
The sessions will take place every Wednesday from 9.30am to 10.30am. Open to anyone, the initiative will feature light-touch activities such as quizzes and themed conversations to help encourage interaction. The Huddersfield Town Foundation has ensured that staff members are trained as Dementia Friends, making the environment welcoming and supportive for those living with dementia.
Beth Cook, Senior Health and Wellbeing Manager at the Foundation, noted the importance of the project, stating that the organisation understands the power of a simple conversation and is pleased to create a space where people in Kirklees can feel valued and supported. Zoe Shackleton, Head of Human Resources and EDI at Huddersfield Town, added that the scheme aligns with the club’s commitment to ensuring the stadium remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone.
The national Chatty Café Scheme was founded in 2017 by Alexandra Hoskyn and now operates in over 900 venues across the United Kingdom. Research conducted by Coventry University in 2023 indicated that 96 percent of people who use the tables report feeling less lonely, while 97 percent experienced improved mental health. These community efforts are significant, as government statistics show that more than 3.9 million adults in the UK report feeling lonely often or always, which carries substantial economic and personal costs.
The Huddersfield Town Foundation, which serves as the official charity of the football club, has delivered approximately 13.1 million pounds in social value to the Kirklees community since its establishment in 2012.
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