Kesgrave Chinwag marks five years of tackling loneliness

Why it matters: What started off as a small gathering under a marquee has grown into a monthly event that welcomes 150 to 160 attendees. It offers older residents a space to build friendships, reduce loneliness and rebuild confidence.

The details: Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (KWMCC) took over running the Chinwag from Age UK Suffolk. The first meeting held in the centre's garden was in 2021.

Over the past five years, the event has become a monthly source of free entertainment, refreshments and companionship for attendees. The anniversary celebration included an afternoon of entertainment and refreshments, alongside recognition of the volunteers, community partners and organisations who have supported the initiative.

Guests at the celebration included Kesgrave Town Council's chair and events and estate manager, the secretary and treasurer of SPARK, and East Suffolk Council's partnership manager, along with representatives from local schools, charities and businesses.

What they're saying: Fiona Farrell, chinwag coordinator, said: "Seeing everyone come together to celebrate this milestone was fabulous! When we started, we had a vision of creating a space where people felt welcome to come and enjoy a sociable afternoon – catch up with 'old' friends and make new ones – but the reality has far exceeded our expectations. The success of our Chinwag isn't about any one person – it belongs to every volunteer who showed up, every partner who believed in us, and every person who walked through our doors looking for a bit of company."

Stuart Lawson, general manager at KWMCC, said: "I am so proud of what has been achieved here over the last five years or so. To build something that is now an integral part of the monthly diary for Kesgrave residents, that helps combat isolation, builds friendships and gets people out and about in the community, is testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make it happen."

What's next: KWMCC says it remains committed to ensuring the Chinwag continues to give older residents a place to build friendships and be part of their local community for years to come.

The bottom line: Five years on from a small marquee gathering, the Kesgrave Community Chinwag has become a monthly fixture for hundreds of older residents, highlighting the strength of its volunteers and community partners.

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