Let's Chat Group, Hasland: Fostering Community Connections with a Positive Ripple Effect

In the heart of Hasland, Chesterfield, the Let's Chat Group provides the kind of support and social connection that transcends the limitations of age, mobility and life circumstances.

This community-driven endeavour, fuelled by the passion and dedication of its founder, has not only provided an opportunity for participants to feel connected to each other, it has also contributed to a positive ripple effect within the wider community.

After having experienced redundancy and retirement simultaneously, the group’s organiser filled the gap by turning to his community and embarking on a journey of volunteering with the Grassland Hasmoor Big Local Partnership.

Inspired by Ricky Gervais and the ‘Living Benches’ in an episode of "The Afterlife," he began by creating an outdoor opportunity for local people to connect by installing Let’s Chat benches in Eastwood Park, Hasland. 

With his determination to eliminate obstacles, both physical and emotional, he then set out to create a regular way for people to come together indoors for genuine connections and support and set up the Let’s Chat Group.

Reflecting on the motivation behind his efforts, he said,

"I had a passion and belief to do something about what I saw in the world, and I wanted to make a difference.

 “It really is a fantastic feeling when you know you’ve had a small impact on someone else’s life.  I’ll do it while ever I’m fit and able.  Just hearing someone say they enjoyed it. That they’re happier than they were, or that they now know where to go to get the support they need”. 

As a former Personal Advisor at a bank, the group’s volunteer organiser built the confidence and skills to speak with people in all kinds of situations.  As part of his role, he worked with bereaved families and developed a keen understanding of how people hide their loneliness and the struggles they face. He said,

“It gave me meaning in my work and now, as a volunteer, I’m putting these skills to a different use. I’m not frightened to approach people, to ask questions and find things out when people don’t know where to go to get what they need.  I’m a good listener - like the HMV sign - good at listening to what people say and picking up on what they need.  I look to see if I can identify barriers and see if can get round them”.

The Let's Chat Group, which runs on two Fridays a month at the Hasland Club, quickly became a warm, accessible haven, breaking down barriers to participation and social connection.

“The Hub @ The Club is nice and easy for anyone, even if they have mobility issues.  There’s a bus stop straight outside.  Everyone who comes to the Let’s Chat Group lives within about a mile of the club”. 

“There is no pressure. We talk about anything.  What’s going on in the village, life in general, politics or sport.  It’s a mix of men and women, all of them over 70.  We just chat.  Some like to have a bit of fun playing board games or cards.  

We find that people in couples want the company too.  It adds to their quality of life not just their own conversations. Some people go to lots of different clubs but they still feel the benefit of coming regularly to feel connected.  Some are bereaved.  Others find it hard to mix but come because they know it’s good for them. 

People can also find out about what else is going on, including other groups on offer around the area. We can also help if people want any other signposting or information”

The power of social connection reaches beyond the group’s regular members. 

One participant went on to initiate another group to help people feel confident using computers and IT.  Another man from a local woodworking group came along to the Let’s Chat group and shared his powerful and painful story of loneliness and isolation.  That opened up the conversation and allowed all to find solace and connection through sharing their own personal experiences. 

This dynamic exchange of skills, personal stories and support has contributed to a ripple effect that extends beyond the Let’s Chat group’s regular meetings and positively impacts the wider community.

As well as the regular meetings, the group organiser was keen to create a special event for the Let’s Chat members.

“We wanted to do a special event to really bring cheer to the group.   We wanted to remove any barrier to anyone walking in. All people have to do is turn up.  It’s free and that removes a barrier.”

The Summer Tea Party was a delightful gathering, offering extra special refreshments, removing financial barriers to social connection and bringing smiles to the faces of around 20 local people.

Reflecting on the impact of this special event, the organiser notes,

"It made everyone smile. A feel-good morning at the end of summer." The event not only provided a moment of joy but also served as a testament to the power of community support and the positive atmosphere fostered by the Let's Chat Group.

“2 hours’ worth of chat makes a difference.  It’s a safe space for people to come and be looked after.  It’s free and warm with refreshments, and the funding for the tea party enabled us to do a ‘special event’ for the people that attend our group.  We were able to buy really nice tea, fruit and cake”

Responsive support from Feeling Connected:

The Let’s Chat group organiser values the personalised and responsive nature of the support offered by the Feeling Connected Project.

"Services provided are spot on. You understand what the needs are and have expertise and can advise what to do with the funding."

He also commended the ease of the application process and the project’s genuine commitment to community well-being.

As part of the Feeling Connected Family, the group organiser is also eager to pay it forward, sharing his experiences and insights with other volunteer organisers through face-to-face interactions at Feeling Connected workshops and events.

The Let's Chat Group not only provides regular opportunities for social connection that benefits the health and well-being of individual members.  It is also a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together.  The group organiser’s determination to remove barriers to participation, together with the exchange of skills, support and personal experiences, has led to a dynamic ripple effect that positively impacts the wider community.

The Let’s Chat Group, Hasland meets on the first and third Friday of each month at The Hub @ The Club, Hasland, S41 0LH.  (The Hasland Club)

For more information contact the organisers on 07825 183569