A NEW business has joined a scheme which aims to reduce loneliness.

Morrisons, in Maldon, is now part of the official Chatty Café scheme alongside Costa in Maldon High Street.

The scheme has more than 900 cafes taking part around the UK to encourage people to socialise.

Lisa Croucher, a Morrisons checkout operator, set up the group which has had a string of successful meetings since.

Wanting to help others have a place to get together and talk, she contacted United in Kind, an organisation which aims to reduce isolation and loneliness in Essex.

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She then had a meeting with Morrisons manager Dean Bradbrook and Kathy Vale, the shop's community champion, where she told them about the Chatty Café scheme.

Lisa said: “They both thought it was a brilliant idea and backed me fully for doing it.

“I sent off for the Chatty Cafe pack and started to advertise in store.

“We run the Chatty Cafe every Wednesday from 10am until 11am.

“Everyone is welcome if you would like to come along for a chat. Hopefully, we can help with isolation.”