Conversation groups are the talk of the town

A LOCAL woman has established a new initiative aimed at getting people off their phones and communicating face-to-face again.

Conversation Salons is the brainchild of Heather Bourke who wants to see Dublin become a more connected, friendly, inclusive, integrated, socially engaged city.

The non-profit making initiative aims to reclaim face-to-face conversation in the digital age. The events are held in relaxed informal café style gatherings that bring together people of different backgrounds, ages, nationalities and worldviews for interesting and stimulating conversation on a whole range of topics.

Ms Bourke says: “Conversation Salons are all about getting people away from their phones and screens, having real face-to-face conversations with people in your community, moving away from chit chat and getting to talk about things you really care about, all about human connection and welcoming all types of people and celebrating what a diverse city Dublin is and how interesting people are once you invite them to share their stories, ideas and life experiences.

“Cities are full of strangers and we like breaking down the barriers between strangers through conversation!

“People aren’t having face-to-face conversations anymore, simply because of our busy lifestyles and because we spend so much time online and looking at our phones.

“We’re addicted to our fake lives on social media and I think it has so many implications for the fabric of society in terms of relationships, empathy, human connection, mental health and community.”

Conversation Salons are starting in Killester on Tuesdays, September 17, October 1, 15 and 29, from 7pm- 9.30pm, at 53 Avenue Bistro, 53 Collins Avenue East, Killester. Admission is €5.

There is also one in Third Space Café, Smithfield, on  Wednesdays, September 11 and 25, and October 9 and 23, from 7.15pm-10pm.

Ms Bourke is looking for volunteers to help set up more salons.

If you’d like to help get in touch: http://conversationsalons.ie/contact-us/

Website: http://conversationsalons.ie