New friendships made at cafe tackling loneliness

New friendships are being made at a "public living room" which is battling loneliness in a seaside town.

Hidden on the Harbour cafe in Seaham, County Durham, is hosting a free weekly space where people can turn up and "have a cuppa" and chat.

Resident Alex Morham, who is neurodivergent, said he "usually finds social spaces overwhelming" but the public living room has made him feel "comfortable and accepted".

Group founder Liam Downey said "too many people in Seaham are struggling alone" but he has noticed regulars growing in confidence and forming friendships.

Community interest company Nurture North, led by Downey, said it wanted to strengthen connections across the area, and has worked with charity Camerados to launch the free event.

He said: "This space is about bringing people together in the simplest, most human way - a warm room, a friendly face and a change to belong.

"The concept of the public room is a global social movement started by the Camerados charity and many residents feel isolated, especially since Covid."

Helen Wilverton, who recently moved to Seaham, said before going to the event she "didn't have anyone to talk to".

"Now I've made friends I actually look forward to seeing each week," she said.

"I've got people who check in on me and I feel part of something."

Seaham resident Hilda Jones said she thought the public living room was exactly what the town needed.

"A lot of people don't have anywhere to go or anyone to talk to, especially during the week," she said.

"Knowing there's a free, friendly space where you can just turn up and have a cuppa and a chat means a lot."

Stacey Morgan, who works at Hidden on the Harbour, said the team said yes to the idea straight away.

"We have always been about the community and this project fits perfectly with what we care about - giving people a safe place to talk and laugh.

"We see every day how much people need connection, and we're proud to be part of something that will make a real difference in Seaham."

Fellow staff member Susan Dunn said it has been "amazing to watch friendships form between people who might never have met otherwise".

She said: "The project has genuinely strengthened community spirit here.

"We've seen a real change in atmosphere on the days the public living room runs - people are chatting, laughing and supporting each other."

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.