Shawmind, in Newark, re-launches its Breathe Café as it adapts to coronavirus crisis and social distancing rules
A café that provides mental health and wellbeing support is taking its services online as social distancing rules limit the number of people who can meet up.
Shawmind, based in Newark, is re-launching its Breathe Café, which was set up in July last year.
Between then and the end of the year the original Breathe Café, pop-up and hub groups welcomed more than 400 people to spaces as varied as Newark College, Magnus Church of England Academy, LetsXcape and The Turquoise Teapot.
The open and accessible online group will provide a safe space for people experiencing mental ill health and access to support and resources for their families and friends.
After an introduction from the charity manager, visitors will be encouraged to talk through their feelings, thoughts and worries with experienced Shawmind volunteers, who will be able to direct them to other services in their communities and offer to be a listening ear in the coming weeks.
Shawmind's charity manager, Su Hallam, said: “Before lockdown we were regularly welcoming a number of new and regular visitors to our groups in Newark, thanks to the support of a number of local venues and our wonderful volunteers.
“We have been holding on to the hope of being able to re-establish the groups, but with the situation as it is, we have decided to take the groups online, so that people can still get the reassurance, support and guidance they need, from the comfort of their own home.
“I’m really looking forward to taking the group online, so we can offer our support to people all over the UK, not just in our home town of Newark.”
Starting on Tuesday, September 22, the first Breathe Café will take place on Zoom from 7pm to 8.30pm. The group will then take place fortnightly, alternating between a lunchtime and evening meeting time.
To register for a free place at the first event visit http://bit.ly/Shawmind. Details of future events will be on the charity's social media pages.
