Questions and Answers

For individuals who have been isolated for a long time, stepping out and joining a new group can be really daunting. 

1. What is CCC and what do they do?
We advertise and invite anyone of any age/ability/culture/who is struggling with loneliness firstly to sign up for our Empowering Free Monthly Newsletter from home on email. Secondly we invite you to join in one of our local Chitter Chatter Chat Tables with others who are also preventing/healing or helping others on the recovery journey. We also invite you for Free Nature Walks once a month. We are a friendly bunch so take a big gulp of courage and come into the venue, we will smile, say hello, get you a seat and introduce others when you are ready.
2. How can CCC help someone like me who feels lonely?
When we are lonely we are disconnected from ourselves and others so being with others who care, allows you the free reign to express yourself and not be judged by yourself or others.
3. What types of activities does CCC offer?
We begin with an icebreaking question and as the meeting goes on people refer back to it and a light community discussions develops as we all forget loneliness for 90 minutes. People forge friendships and make plans for outside CCC.
Sometimes we have guest speakers on health and wellbeing attend so we can learn more about services and benefits, or any other subject a guest has asked for.
As above, we go on Nature Walks too.
4. How often do CCC meetings or events occur?
CCC's run 6 days a week in Dorset, usually in the afternoons starting at 2.30 but Weymouth's is early on Thursday mornings with a 9.30 start but you can arrive later if you like and stay later as our lovely volunteer has to go onto work
5. Is there a cost associated with joining CCC?
There are no costs but we are asking guests to donate a pound of two to help pay for core/volunteers costs as funding is really few and far between.
6. Do I need to sign up in advance, or can I just show up?
Just show up, come and go as you please.
7. What kind of people attend CCC events?
People who are struggling with loneliness, It's approximately 65% female but lots of guys come. They miss female energy.
8. Is there an age limit or specific demographic that CCC caters to?
No
9. How are the meetings or events structured?
A lovely local, safeguard trained volunteer hosts and welcome guests new and old. They manage the dynamics and engage with all guests. Sometimes they offer a game to play, or discuss a special topic but mostly they leave you to talk to your new found or future friends.
10. Do I have to participate in all activities, or can I just observe?
Do whatever you like, lots of people come for company. Some even sing us a song, or tell us jokes, people do whatever they want, it is their club and they are developing it for the future.
11. What should I expect at my first CCC event?
A lovely friendly welcome, an invitation to join in and take a seat. From previous experience we know that some people can only manage a short time, first time, then the next time they stay a bit longer. Guests can go to any of our CCC's.
12. Are there any safety or health protocols in place?
Our volunteer will be looking out for risks and if there is an incident the volunteer will report it to the cafe management as we are customers in their cafe/pub/care home so they have the  first aid and insurances.
13. Is it okay if I bring a friend or family member for support?
Of course.
14. What if I don't feel comfortable talking to new people right away?
Everyone feels like that at first but it fades. You manage your anxiety the way you know best. Speak with the volunteer.
15. Can I speak to someone from CCC before attending an event?
Yes. Give Anne a call on 07986323789 or email thechitterchatterclub@gmail.com
16. How can I get to the event location if I don't have transportation?
Taxi, bus. We do  not offer transport. You could make a friend within CCC and make future transport arrangements.
17. What happens if I can't attend every session?
Come and go as you please.
18. How can CCC help improve my mental health and wellbeing?
Guests report feeling more confident in the first few weeks. Loneliness makes us all have insecure thoughts and unregulated emotions as being in a community becomes more normal, you'll naturally feel connected and a strong sense of belonging. naturally mental health will follow. Loneliness is the body's way of telling you that you need human connection.
19. Are there follow-up or continuous support options available? We help you to help yourself, then help others when you are able.
We run regular survey to measure health/wellbeing outcomes. Social mobility and community building for the future of new CCC's.
20. Chitter Chatter Clubs run for 90 minutes, 6 days a week, they are for all ages, abilities, races, genders, cultures. They are fun. 
December 2024
2021 new guests have come.
13598 guests have returned over and over.

Why was CCC set up?

Because Anne Anderson (Founder) a Northerner, has struggled with loneliness most of her life. When she moved to Dorset, she felt alienated as no one offered a hand of friendship. Up north, everyone talks to everyone, no one is left out. You feel seen, heard and valued. People look out for neighbours and one another.  
Post-lockdown, she made an attempt to get people out of their homes, make friends and heal loneliness by hosting chat tables in cafes all over Dorset. Today they are in cafes, pubs and care homes. Now most of the guests are talking to people on buses, in queues, in the street, in shops.
It's amazing.




Throughout the CCC's, Anne has observed that while people in the South are friendly, they often wait for others to make the first move in extending friendship. This can sometimes lead to a lack of initial engagement.

As more warm, friendly individuals from other regions and cultures, such as the North, Spain, and Italy, arrive in Dorset, they may encounter reserved responses, which can affect everyone's confidence. Over time, this hesitation to initiate connections/smile/acknowledge you as human can contribute to a sense of social isolation, often referred to as falling into a "well of unfriendliness." Anne shares this perspective based on her 38 years of living in the area.