Through simple but powerful initiatives like Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafés, Chatty Libraries and the Kindness postbox the Network helps people reconnect with others and improve their wellbeing.
 

🪑 Chatty Benches – Sit, Chat & Connect

Chatty Benches are clearly marked public benches that encourage people to sit and strike up a friendly conversation. Whether you’re taking a break or simply passing through, these benches offer a gentle invitation to connect.
 

 Chatty Benches can be found at:
 

• Dungannon Park

• Ballyronan Marina

• The Roundlake, Fivemiletown

• Ballysaggart Lough

• Portglenone Riverside Wall
   

☕ Chatty Cafés – Warm Drinks, Friendly Faces

The Chatty Café Scheme creates dedicated spaces in local cafés where people can meet and talk. Each participating café designates a ‘Chatty Table’—a spot where anyone can sit, relax, and enjoy conversation with others.
 

🏠 Chatty Café Locations in Mid Ulster:

• Café Connect – Creive Centre, Stewartstown, Dungannon

• The Killymaddy Centre – Ballygawley Rd, Dungannon

• Hope Café – 78 Rainey Street, Magherafelt

• The Olive Tree – 3 Rainey Street, Magherafelt

• Café Latte – 36 Scotch Street, Dungannon
   

Each café sets its own schedule for Chatty Table availability—just look out for the signage and enjoy a warm welcome.
 

📚 Chatty Libraries – Read, Relax & Connect

In partnership with local libraries, The Chatty Library sessions offer a relaxed, informal setting where people can gather, chat, read newspapers, and enjoy everything their local library has to offer—free of charge.
 

📖 Chatty Library Times & Locations:

• Fivemiletown Library – Every Friday morning need to confirm time

• Dungannon Library – Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:00pm

• Cookstown Library – Mondays, 10:30am – 1:00pm

• Magherafelt Library – Fridays, 10:30am – 1:00pm
   

These sessions are perfect for anyone who wants a gentle way to meet others, especially in a quiet, supportive environment.
 

💌 Kindness Post-box – Sending Smiles Across Generations

Launched by the Mid Ulster Loneliness Network on 23rd February 2022, the Kindness Post-box initiative is a heartwarming project that brings joy to older residents in care homes through handwritten letters, drawings, and cards—delivered by local children, families, and community members.
 

🌈 How It Started

Originally inspired by a project in Enniskillen during lockdown, the Kindness Post-box was introduced in Mid Ulster as a pilot in 2022, connecting Holy Trinity Primary School, Cookstown with Fairfield’s Nursing Home. Children created messages of hope and kindness just before Christmas, spreading cheer to those most affected by loneliness and isolation.

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📧 Growing Connections

Following the success of the pilot, the initiative expanded to include:
 

• Primate Dixon PS, Coalisland with Ashbrooke and Sanville Private Nursing Homes

• Ampertaine Primary School with Benbradagh Residential Home

• Bellaghy Primary, St John Bosco, and St Mary’s Primary Schools linked with The Open Door Complex and wider community members
   

After exchanging letters, schools and community groups even held Christmas events, including carol singing, to deepen intergenerational bonds.
 

🧰 Built by the Community

Men’s Shed groups across the council area have supported the initiative by building the Kindness Post-boxes, making it a truly community-driven project from start to finish.
 

This simple gesture of kindness is helping bridge generations, tackle loneliness, and remind everyone that they matter.
 

📧 Why These Initiatives Matter

Whether it's a quick hello on a park bench, a warm chat over coffee, or a heartfelt letter through the post, these small acts of connection can have a big impact.
 

The initiatives help:
 

• Increase social interaction

• Reduce loneliness and isolation

• Promote mental wellbeing and self-worth

• Foster intergenerational understanding

• Ease the burden on health services
   

📢 Get Involved

Whether you're a school, café owner, care home, or community member, there are many ways to be part of this movement.
 

🔗 Learn more on the initiatives by contacting a member of the steering group via the webpage form

Let’s make Mid Ulster a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and connected—one smile, one conversation, one letter at a time.