October 21, 2026
Making Space for Conversation at Marketgate
At Marketgate, we believe that even the smallest conversations can make a big difference.
Loneliness can affect anyone at any stage of life. In an increasingly busy world, finding opportunities for meaningful social connection can sometimes be difficult. We are doing our part to help tackle it within the Lancaster community. The conversation benches are a welcoming space designed to encourage people to stop, sit and share a chat.
Whether you’re visiting the centre on your own, taking a break from shopping or simply fancy a friendly conversation, our benches offer visitors a simple way to connect and engage with others and feel more connected to the community.
Sometimes a simple hello is what can brighten someone’s day. By creating more opportunities for people to talk, we hope to make Marketgate a place where everyone feels welcome, included and a little more connected.
A little conversation can go a long way!
Looking for a little extra support? There are plenty of local organisations and helplines available to help.
Whether you’d like to meet new people, find local community groups or speak to someone who understands, the following services may be able to help:
Local Support Services
- Lancashire Mind Community Hub: A welcoming space to connect, create and feel part of your community. For more information, visit: https://www.lancashiremind.org.uk/project/lancashire-mind-community-hub/
- Adullam: A programme in Lancaster offering an opportunity to build new friendships, learn new skills and receive help and advice. For more information, visit: https://www.adullamprogramme.co.uk/
- Positive Futures Crisis Cafe: Free, face to face, out of hours, friendly and supportive community space open to anyone in mental distress. For more information, visit: https://positivefutures.uk/crisis-cafe/
- If you’re a student, there are plenty of wellbeing services available. For Lancaster University students: https://portal.lancaster.ac.uk/ask/mental-health/. For University of Cumbria students: https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Health-and-Wellbeing/
Helplines and Someone to Talk To
- Samaritans: call free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123. For more information, visit their website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/
- SAFE Socialease: For anyone experiencing isolation or loneliness. Visit: http://www.facebook.com/Socialeasecafe or contact Keeley (SAFE Manager): 07568937988 / propupproject@gmail.com
- AgeUK Lancashire Good Day Call Service: Feeling lonely? Sign up or find out more: Call 0300 303 1234, email gooddaycalls@ageuklancs.org.uk / advice@ageuklancs.org.uk or visit the AgeUK Lancashire website