A COMMUNITY outreach scheme to tackle the “loneliness epidemic” has launched in Bournemouth.

Chat Cafe Local is encouraging people to “leave lockdown’s loneliness behind” as it adds more cafes to its fast-growing support network.

The programme is supported by Yellow Buses, alongside 30 specially selected cafes people can visit for social interaction while wearing their sunrise coloured pin badge.

Anne Anderson, Founder of Chat Cafe Local, is offering a free membership pack that includes a pin badge which members can wear to show they’re happy to talk.

She said: “It just tears my heart apart to think that people are so isolated and alone.

“I want to change the mask of fear into a badge of hope.”

Chat Cafe Local advertises ‘we see you, we hear you and we value you’, with this message echoed by the extensive list of cafes involved.

Espresso Kitchen, which has locations in Bournemouth and Boscombe, will be putting up stickers in their windows.

Francesca Silvestre, who has owned Espresso Kitchen for over 10 years, said: “For our regulars it doesn’t make much of a difference because we’ve been promoting this internally for a long time but we are looking forward to having new regulars.

“To anybody who is struggling from loneliness, don’t be afraid to reach out a little bit everywhere you go.”

Yellow Buses will transport people to Chat Cafes, as well as provide badges that drivers can wear to show their support.

Fiona Harwood, sales and marketing manager of Yellow Buses, said: “We’ve helped [Anne] get it off the ground because we’re the perfect platform to take people to these cafes.

“We already see people traveling on our buses because they want company.

“We want our drivers to wear the badges to encourage people to talk a bit more."

Some people may not feel comfortable with taking such a large step out after being isolated for so long.

But Anne is reassuring everyone to first take small steps to the front gate, end of the road, and eventually to the local cafe.

She added: “Whatever the reason people choose to go for, they’re going to get a lovely welcome and they’ll feel at home."

Anyone is welcome to become a member, completely free of charge, and can do so by emailing chatcafelocal@gmail.com or phoning 07821 921117.