How Chatty Cafe can help you
August 27th, 2026
Brace yourself. This story may make you cry.
I want to introduce you to Sara — a real person, living a real life, with a deeply caring story.
Sara is a mum of three, and she is also her mother’s sole carer.
Her mum is currently in hospital under the care of the palliative team. Even though there is an entire team of clinicians around her, Sara still feels that she needs to be there — by her mother’s bedside, making sure she is comfortable, cared for and treated with dignity.
And Sara’s day doesn’t start when she arrives at the hospital.
It starts at home.
With three children to look after during the school holidays, she prepares their breakfast, organises activities and makes sure they have everything they need before she makes the journey to the hospital — an hour away.
“What holiday?”
For Sara, there is no real break.
Once she arrives at the hospital, her focus turns completely to her mum.
She helps her settle comfortably. She gently brushes her teeth and carefully brushes her hair. I recently brought Sara some lovely, gentle, non-intrusive personal care products for her mum, and Sarah proudly showed them to me.
Because these little things matter.
When someone is seriously ill and receiving palliative care, maintaining their dignity can mean everything.
Sara makes sure her mum has her favourite food. She thinks about what might make her comfortable. She notices the little things that others might miss because she knows her mum better than anyone.
And while she is caring for her mum, she is still thinking about her children.
She prepares Alfie’s lunch. She makes sure the children are okay. She keeps everything going from a distance while carrying the emotional weight of watching her mum become so unwell.
Then there is the financial cost.
Hospital food, travel and parking can add up to an enormous amount. Sara has spent more than £80 in a single day on parking and other costs before her day has even ended.
But perhaps the biggest question is:
Who looks after Sara?
We do! Because carers need care too.
‘I was very overwhelmed and needed a break, I saw the chatty café poster and I was met with the lovely volunteers who took me to the café, I enjoyed a warm tea and a chat and felt instant relief beyond the walls of the Hospital which made me feel sick every day”.
What is The Chatty Cafe?
Kismet Café, in partnership with Carers Centre Tower Hamlets, is proud to be part of the Chatty Café scheme, offering a relaxed and carer‑friendly space where unpaid carers can take a break from both the hospital environment and their caring role.
Every Wednesday between 12 to 2pm The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit social enterprise dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation.
Chatty Cafe
When? Take places every Wednesday between 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Where? Kismet Café on Cavell Street (E1)
There’s no need for an appointment, and all our support is completely free!
