Since launching in September 2025, Compassionate Communities Kingston Canada and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library have been helping older adults build connections and reduce social isolation through their growing Talking Café program.
The initiative has already hosted 28 sessions, reaching 258 participants across Kingston and area communities. Organizers say the program continues to expand through new partnerships and growing community interest.
“We partnered with the library because it’s always been a collaboration between Compassionate Communities Kingston and Kingston Frontenac Public Library,” said project coordinator Lenore Klein.
Talking Cafés are informal gatherings where older adults can meet new people, share stories and take part in meaningful conversations in a welcoming environment. Volunteer facilitators help guide discussions while participants decide what topics they would like to explore.
“The goal is to help older adults get out of the house and reduce loneliness and isolation,” Klein explained. “If Talking Cafés help create and strengthen social connections in the community and reduce the number of older adults who feel socially isolated or lonely, then the initiative is successful.”
The program has also partnered with Kingston Community Health Centres through its “Feel Good Fridays” program at the Rideau Heights Community Centre. The weekly drop-in integrates Talking Café discussions into existing programming for older adults, with approximately 20 people attending the Talking Café component each week.
Another partnership with Rural Frontenac Community Services has helped expand the program into rural communities through monthly sessions in Sharbot Lake.
Klein says the impact of the program is often seen in the personal stories shared by participants.
“There was a gentleman who lost his partner about a year ago and became very isolated,” she said. “He heard about the Talking Cafés, came to one session and now he attends regularly. He’s even become almost an advocate for the program, encouraging other people to come out. It’s really beautiful to see how the program is helping people reconnect.”
Many sessions also include educational presentations through the “Aging Well” partnership with the library. Topics are selected through community research and participant feedback. Upcoming sessions include presentations from Service Canada about benefits and supports available to seniors, along with opportunities for one-on-one assistance.
Klein says the combination of learning opportunities and social connection is what makes the program unique.
“The Talking Café piece is really about connection and socializing and meeting new people,” she said. “You can actually see those connections forming between participants.”
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help facilitate future Talking Café sessions. Facilitators help create safe, welcoming spaces where older adults can connect and converse.
Volunteers are asked to facilitate sessions lasting between one and one-and-a-half hours. All facilitators must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening and approximately one hour of online training before beginning.
More information about volunteering and the Talking Café program is available at Compassionate Communities Kingston Talking.