New Buttermarket hub is a safe place for people to talk and breathe
A new mental health hub has been launched for Newark people to stop and ‘just breathe’.
Mental health charity the Shaw Mind Foundation, based on Millgate, Newark, has created the Breathe:Hub, a safe space where people can go to seek any mental health advice or for a cup of tea and a chat in the café.
The hub is open Monday to Wednesdays, 10am to 2pm, in the Buttermarket.
It offers guests a hot drink and biscuit and the chance to chat about their worries, without having to be referred by their GP.
Peter Wingrove, the Shaw Mind Foundation’s operations director, said: “We are the first step people can take if you may feel down and want somewhere safe to sit and just breathe, or take a load off.
“Cafés give people more of a reason to be here as well, as they can come and not only have a sit down and read or just chill, but get the help they need.
“We hope to show people that they can come to a safe place and share their journey with us.
“We had a lady come in last week who told us she had been thinking of ending her life, but she decided to come here, which is wonderful.
“If we can save just one life, our whole ambition will be worth it.”
Breathe:Hub was officially opened on Wednesday by the Mayor of Newark, Mrs Irene Brown. Shaw Mind Foundation’s president Dr James Esprey also attended.
The Shaw Mind Foundation is now looking for more volunteers to help run the hubs.
Charity manager Su Hallam said: “Full training will be given to all our volunteers and they will have regular support.
“We would be interested in meeting people who have their own experiences with mental health problems too.”
In addition to the hub, the Shaw Mind Foundation is also aiming to expand into different programmes, including the Breathe:Write creative writing club, launching today at noon, and hope to launch pop-up services in schools and workplaces, called Breathe:Youth and Breathe@Work respectively.
For more information, or to ask about volunteering, email breathe@shawmindfoundation.org or call 01636 600825.
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