Are you an older adult looking to build new social connections? In partnership with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library and Rural Frontenac Community Services, we’re hosting free Talking Café events that offer a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and community connection.
Talking Cafés are relaxed, lightly facilitated gatherings where participants guide the conversation based on their interests. You’re welcome to join in, listen, come and go, and connect at your own pace. These cafés are a great way to meet new people, make friends, share experiences, learn about community support services, and sometimes even spark creative solutions to everyday challenges.
Talking Cafés are held at various locations in and around the Kingston area. Join us for one session or attend them all—no registration required! Some Talking Cafés are held following our Aging Well speakers’ series; learn more about Aging Well.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday, July 10, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Kingston East Community Centre (779 Hwy 15)
Friday, August 7, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Kingston East Community Centre (779 Hwy 15)
Friday, September 4, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Kingston East Community Centre (779 Hwy 15)
Become a volunteer facilitator
About CCKC: Compassionate Communities Kingston was founded in 2017 to bring the global compassionate communities movement to Kingston. We are inspiring intergenerational compassion in our communities by providing older adults with knowledge, connection and support — promoting vitality, purpose and a sense of wellbeing.
How Can Individuals Support Your Organization? Individuals can support CCKC by volunteering as Talking Café Facilitators. Facilitators help create warm, welcoming spaces where older adults can connect, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversations. Volunteers gently guide discussions, foster an inclusive environment, and help reduce social isolation.
Position Description: Talking Cafés are informal, drop-in gatherings that offer older adults a friendly space to connect, share stories, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Each Café is supported by a volunteer facilitator who gently guides the discussion and helps create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Volunteer facilitators play an important role in:
• Encouraging conversation and ensuring everyone feels welcome
• Helping maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive atmosphere
• Guiding the flow of discussion with warmth and ease
Position Activities / Responsibilities: As a Talking Café Facilitator, you play a vital role in creating warm, welcoming spaces where older adults can connect and enjoy meaningful conversations. Your responsibilities include greeting participants, creating a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging but never pressuring participation, and gently guiding discussions with open-ended questions when needed. Before each session, you arrive early to set up the space and refreshments, and during the Café you foster a friendly, respectful atmosphere where everyone feels heard.
What can Volunteers hope to learn or gain from this experience? Volunteers can gain a rich and rewarding set of skills and experiences from being a Talking Café Facilitator. They develop confidence in leading small groups, guiding conversations, and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces. Facilitators strengthen their communication and active-listening skills, learn gentle techniques for managing group dynamics, and gain experience supporting older adults in a community setting. They also build meaningful connections, contribute to reducing social isolation, and experience the satisfaction of helping others feel seen and valued. Volunteers receive training, ongoing support, and the opportunity to grow personally and socially while making a positive impact in their community—one conversation at a time.
Time Commitment: Volunteers are asked to facilitate Talking Café sessions lasting 1 to 1.5 hours each. Additional time may be needed to arrive 15–20 minutes early for setup and stay a few minutes afterward for feedback and notes. Sessions take place at various Kingston and Frontenac County locations, and volunteers can choose dates and sites that fit their schedule. The overall commitment is flexible, designed to accommodate your availability while ensuring a positive experience for both facilitators and participants.
Required Qualifications: Volunteers should be warm, patient, and comfortable engaging in friendly conversation with older adults. Good listening skills, an inclusive mindset, and the ability to gently guide group discussions are important. No formal training or professional background is required—full guidance and support are provided. All facilitators must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) and online training (approximately 1 hour) before beginning their role. The cost for a VSS will be refunded after you have attended three meetings. Volunteers should also feel confident managing light group dynamics and redirecting conversation when needed, while respecting boundaries and maintaining a supportive environment.
Want to apply to be a volunteer Facilitator? Please complete the application below and share a bit about yourself and your interest in the role.