Testimonials
The Chai and Chat Community would not be complete without its Chai members.
I started attending Solihull Chai & Chat for Over 50s South Indians from the very first day it launched in July 2024, and it has truly been exactly what I needed right here on my doorstep in Solihull.
Life can be very busy, so having a warm, welcoming and inspiring community like this has been such a blessing. The Chai & Chat initiative created by the amazing Manisha Sharma, her husband Vishal, her sister Jasmine, and their friend Anishta has provided a fantastic service to the South Indian community in Solihull.
Every fortnightly session is fun, inspirational, educational, and filled with positivity. What makes this group so special is how every single person brings their own unique talent, life experience, and wisdom to share. Every time I attend, I make new friends and leave feeling uplifted.
The group continues to grow, and with it, the love, friendship, and support amongst everyone keeps growing too. I feel so fortunate and grateful to be part of such an amazing community.
Thank you to everyone involved for creating something so special.
D.U.
Chai Member
I've really enjoyed attending Chai and Chat. After living in Solihull for over a decade, it's the first community I feel so at home in. Everyone is so lovely and I've made some lovely friends. Thank you Manisha and team.
N.H.
Chai Member
If someone had told me I'd find one of my favourite parts of the week in a community group, I might have raised an eyebrow. Now I would raise a cup of chai.
Chai and Chat Community is genuinely something special. From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed with warmth, you can feel the team truly care about every single person in the room.
The Chai and Chat team have created a space where everyone belongs, you can feel a real connection. There's no judgement here, only open ears and open hearts. Everyone has a voice, and what's lovely is each voice is heard.
There are talks that leave you feeling like you have learned something, demonstrations and art which open your horizons. It's not all deep and meaningful — there's laughter and games.
You choose the sessions that suit you, which means it fits into your life.
Good company, great conversation and chai. What more could you ask for?
J.R.
Chai Member
I am really enjoying being part of this group, as it's the only over-50 Asian community in the area that I'm aware of.
The team is great at bringing everyone together and creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere, as well as a safe space to learn, share and grow.
I really value how the sessions combine different forms of wellbeing and connection — whether it's creative arts, singing, playing games, mindfulness, or even exploring more serious topics and discussions. It allows people to open up, connect and explore things in a relaxed and accessible way.
I also appreciate how other local community groups are welcomed in, helping people build new connections and learn about different opportunities available in the area.
One of the things I value most is being able to dip in and out depending on my life schedule, and still feel comfortable picking up where I left off. Thanks C&C Team.
H.D.
Chai Member
Joining Chai and Chat has been an excellent opportunity to reconnect with others and enjoy new skills and learn in a supportive, caring environment. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming — just come along and see for yourself!
T.B.
Chai Member
For over fourteen months I have personally experienced The Chai and Chat Group to be welcoming, friendly, fun, informative, helpful and enjoyable.
Manisha's team (everyone excellent) introduces speakers from all cultures and backgrounds talking about interesting varied subjects from a wide spectrum of life's experiences, inspiring members — women and men of all ages and backgrounds — to help, motivate and better their lifestyles, including events, walks, and day trips to interesting places at low costs.
The whole team regularly take part in new and old games and events from different cultures: meditation, holistic, mindfulness, gentle exercises (to suit all), including playing cards, darts, carrom board, rummikub, music, dancing, sing-song and much much more — in fun, laughter, at some competitive level.
• Highly recommend The Chai and Chat Group for all ages (over 50) from all walks of life and backgrounds.
• Good value for money.
• Chit-chat and laughter with a cup of chai and harmony.
• Flexible, pay as you go, to suit your lifestyle and interests.
T.S.
Chai Member
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