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'Loneliness can have a deep impact'

The Salvation Army Major Alison Friday dressed in Salvation Army uniform sits at table in The Canterbury Bakery talking to an elderly man over a coffeeThe Salvation Army
Major Ali Friday has been running a "loneliness cafe" in Canterbury since November

Christmas is a magical time in Canterbury but amongst the decorated trees, twinkling lights and festive market stalls are people struggling with loneliness.

This is why Major Ali Friday from The Salvation Army has been sitting at a table in The Canterbury Bakery offering anyone who walks in a cheery smile and the opportunity for a chat.

Her "loneliness cafes", called Heart to Heart, have been taking place for two hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the venue in The Marlowe Arcade.

Major Friday said she "recognised there was an issue of loneliness within the city and that it can have a deep impact on some people, so we wanted to be able to do something about it".

Major Alison Friday in The Salvation Army uniform holding a cup of coffee with The Canterbury Bakery waiter in the background
Major Ali Friday recognises that loneliness is an issue in Canterbury and is doing something about it

Over 20 people have joined Major Friday for a chat since the Heart to Heart events began four weeks ago, leaving her surprised at the diversity of those who have stopped by.

"People who are homeless, those struggling with loneliness, and even people who have just walked in," she said.

"It has been truly humbling to provide a listening ear to such a variety of people and see how meaningful a simple conversation can be."

Neil Terry, front of house manager at The Canterbury Bakery, also recognises that this time of year can be difficult and is pleased to be involved with the scheme.

"Christmas can be really lonely for a lot of people. It's nice to provide a place where people feel comfortable to get together and have a chat over a coffee and cake," he said.

Neil Terry, Front of House Manager at The Canterbury Bakery, stands in front of a shelf of bread loaves holding a tray of coffees
Neil Terry from The Canterbury Bakery is pleased to provide a venue for the '"loneliness cafe"

Major Friday said although Heart to Heart was being paused over Christmas, she hoped to continue it in the New Year and praised everyone who had attended so far.

She said: "It takes a lot of courage for someone to step in and open up. It's a reminder that everyone carries unseen struggles, and the power of a listening ear can truly make a difference.

"There is a real possibility that this will be extended. If people continue to come, then there is a clear need."

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