'Calmer Cafes': Support in Shropshire for those in mental crisis over the festive period
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire Mental Health Support and Telford Mind want to remind residents that they aren’t alone
Mental health cafes run by the NHS and charities in Shropshire are reassuring anyone who may have struggled over the Christmas period that they are not alone.
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire Mental Health Support and Telford Mind want to remind anyone experiencing a mental health crisis that they can get help over the Christmas period and throughout the cost-of-living crisis.
‘Calmer Cafes’ or ‘Calm Cafes’ run by mental health support workers offer a service for people who are struggling with their mental health, who need a safe place to talk, support or simply to be among others this Christmas.
The Calmer Cafés in Shropshire are a well-used support facility that Shropshire Mental Health Service provide and can be found in Shrewsbury and Oswestry – due to restrictions in numbers, you will need to call prior to visiting to book a place.
The Calm Cafes delivered by Telford Mind offer people living in Telford & Wrekin a similar space to support people with their emotional and mental health.
No appointment is necessary and as well as offering support, professionals can also refer and direct people to further services if required.
Calm Cafés in Telford & Wrekin can be found in Oakengates, Telford Town Centre and Sutton Hill.
Heather Ireland, Manager of Shropshire Mental Health Service, said: “There are a myriad of reasons why someone’s mental health might take a hit over the festive season.
Christmas can be a difficult time, this could be from the “pressures” of Christmas day itself, the financial cost, family tension and expectations can be high.
Feelings of stress and pressure can sometimes leave us feeling isolated and it is important to know that there is support out there.
“To access the Calmer Café's, in Shropshire you will need to book in advance by calling 01743 368647 You will be greeted with a friendly smile and somewhere to sit and chat with people. Complimentary drinks and biscuits are also available"
“We have many people who reach out to us, one lady I recently spoke to told me that without the café she didn’t think she would have got through the last 12 months, following the loss of her brother and another who told the team that the café saved her life during the darkest period of her life.”
Where to find help:
To access the Shropshire Mental Health Service, Calmer Cafés, call: 01743 368647
Calmer Café No. 1 - Shrewsbury
Upstairs at Shropshire MHS – Suits 3&4 Observer House, Hollywell Street, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6LB - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 5.30pm – 9.30pm (Will remain open on Monday 2nd January 2023)
Calmer Café No. 2 - Oswestry
12A Salop Road, Oswestry SY11 2NU - Thursday 4pm -8pm (Will remain open on Thursday 29 December)
Telford Mind Calm Cafés:
To access the Telford Mind Calm Cafes, call: 07434869248
Outpost Oakengates, TF2 6EP - Monday 5pm – 8pm
Meeting Point House, TF3 4HS - Tuesday & Thursday 5pm – 8pm
Hub on the Hill, TF7 4HG - Wednesday 5pm – 8pm
Telford Calm Cafes are closed on 31 Dec 2022, 1 Jan, 2 Jan and 3 Jan 2023 - https://telford-mind.co.uk/calm-cafe/
There is also plenty of other support available to you if you need urgent help.
Contact Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on 0808 196 4501. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you call, you’ll speak to a professional in your local NHS mental health service. They can discuss your current mental health needs and provide further support if needed. Call the NHS urgent mental helplines are free.
If you would prefer to text someone, you can text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free from all major UK mobile networks. You’ll then be connected for an anonymous conversation by text message. This is not an NHS. This free, confidential, 24/7 messaging mental health support service is run by a charity called Mental Health Innovations.