Open Talk Cafe - Program Highlight
By Petra Uzelman, Clinical Research Nurse, UBC (Open Talk Cafe Host)
Photograph of Prince George captured through a Lensball, by Ma’ingan Lisa (Open Talk Cafe participant)
An Open Talk Café is an open, judgement-free space intended to get people together to engage in friendly conversations and foster connections. The concept of an Open Talk Café was created by the wonderful organization, Beyond the Conversation. The ultimate goal of an Open Talk Café is to help lessen and ease the burden of social isolation and loneliness so many of us face by fostering quality connections and eventually developing friendships that can be taken beyond the Open Talk Café space. The BC Brain Wellness Program developed it’s very own (virtual) Open Talk Café that launched during the Spring Program.
“Open Talk Café has been a fun way to meet people from diverse backgrounds and share conversations about interests, hobbies and adventures. I wasn’t sure that an online meetup would be as engaging as meeting face-to-face. But in a brick-and-mortar café it is more difficult to sit down with strangers and just chat. Open Café conversations are relaxed, bring up new ideas to pursue, and involve people living far away. Afterwards I feel refreshed and thankful for the opportunity.”
— Lynn, Open Talk Cafe participant
“I really like the Open [Talk] Cafe. It helps me to make connections with others and I learn new and interesting things from the other participants. Everyone has such interesting and creative stories to share. I believe having a safe place to share our sacred voices is important, especially for people with disabilities. It helps build confidence and is empowering. I have always felt welcomed by everyone in the group and not judged whatsoever because of my disability. I feel very comfortable in Open [Talk] Cafe and it was my favourite class I took part in during the spring session. Being a part of the group helps me with my communication skills and has been very rewarding. I look forward to seeing everyone in the summer sessions!”
— Ma'iingan Lisa, Open Talk Café participant
Since it’s initiation, the BC Brain Wellness Program’s Open Talk Café has sparked a plethora of fantastic conversations. It has been wonderful to see connections flourish among participants and to witness the incredible offerings of creativity, fresh ideas and support. During our classes thus far we’ve discussed everything from knitting (one participant had knitted the most adorable little outer space figures), to gardening (one participant is very engaged in a community garden), to sharing our favorite experiences in nature (we learned the term “forest bathing”), Japanese artistry techniques, our favorite restaurants in Vancouver, to struggles within the medical system for those with chronic diseases.
One participant shared the featured photograph of this post, capturing Prince George, B.C., using a Lensball, during one of our sessions. This was a particularly fantastic session where we all shared some our most cherished hobbies with one another.
The featured photograph is just one example of the incredible creativity shared during our conversations. I know I’m not exaggerating to say each and every one of us was inspired more than once to try or explore something new. Having participants from all walks of life has allowed for rich and varied conversations that have sparked fantastic connections between people whom otherwise would likely never have met.
If the Open Talk Café sounds like something you’d be interested in, you can learn more and register here. All are most welcome. We’d love to see you at our next session!