Late January 2018, sitting in a bus station, I got chatting to an elderly woman, a widow, she travelled out twice a week to play bingo with her friends and when my bus arrived, apologised for speaking to me, surprised I told her not to be silly, but this indeed got me thinking about The Talk Scheme.
How about instead of letting the art of conversation die away, we bring it back? And bring it back we shall.
All with a simple accessory. A badge
My name is Hannah, I’m 21, from Yorkshire and was inspired to do something that could tackle the issue of isolation, but also mental health stigmas and other barriers people face daily. I know and realise how important talking is about these things hence the reason behind this simple yet well-received idea. The scheme has grown so well in the few months of start-up and I’m now in talks of setting up regular ‘Talk Groups’ for people of all ages to attend, have fun and make new friends with no judgements at all.
People who choose to buy and wear a ‘Talk’ badge will not only be helping to promote talking in general but as word spreads, should help show that wherever you are, no matter the look you may wear upon your face, you are willing and open to hold a conversation with a stranger. Likewise, if you’re someone who often finds themselves out and about alone, the badge should do its job and encourage others to strike a chat with you!
From each badge sale, 20 pence will go back to a charity linked to the work the scheme encourages. Periodically, this will chance and right now it’s Age UK. The badges are £1.50 each, with an extra 50p for postage.
They can be purchased at www.thetalkscheme.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @TheTalkScheme to see if there are any businesses local to you who are stockists. Any queries send us an email thetalkscheme@outlook.com.
Reviving conversation, one badge at a time. for ore information about The Talk Scheme please click here
