Expansion of Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés set to open across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés offer local support for people who need immediate help with their mental health.

The cafés are drop-in centres for anyone to come and talk about their mental health – no appointment needed.

Justin Hammond, Associate Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability at the Integrated Care Board, said:

“This is an important project for the development of urgent mental health services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Once all these 10 cafes open, we will have 25 cafés up and running across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“These extra cafes mean that people who need urgent help can find this help more locally. People can simply drop-in to the cafes, so there is no need to get in touch with a GP or other service to make an appointment before getting help.”

Tanya Hibbert, Executive Director of Mental Health Services for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust said:

“We are so excited for this expansion of the Neighbourhood Mental Health cafés for our local communities. We have seen an increase in numbers attending across the cafés already open, so to widen the presence further across the city and county will mean that more people can travel less to access this valuable support. The range of new providers will enhance the localised support for the communities they serve.”

Councillor Diane Ellison, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Rutland County Council, said:

“I’m delighted that Rutland finally has a dedicated Mental Health Café and that Pepper’s is the location. Pepper’s is already well-known for being a safe and welcoming place to go. Having a recognised Mental Health Café here is a bonus for everyone in Rutland because any of us could need help with our mental wellbeing at any time. People must be able to access support in different places – not just through their GP.”

Councillor Louise Richardson, lead member for health and wellbeing at Leicestershire County Council said:

“Mental Health is an important aspect of the Health and Wellbeing strategy for Leicestershire County Council. Therefore, we very much welcome the arrival of new Crisis Cafés in Leicestershire which provide an opportunity for those who are vulnerable and in need of support around their mental health.

“With access to help and support at a critical time in their lives, in a safe and friendly space closer to home, we want to prevent escalation and improve the mental health of those attending.”

Councillor Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor for Public Health for Leicester City Council said:

“I am delighted to welcome these new cafes to the city. We know that people want more local support for their mental health and these cafes could provide that first step for someone to reach out for help.

“I am looking forward to getting out and visiting them as they start to open over the coming weeks and months.”

Almost a year after the launch of the first 15 cafés, six new providers will be running their own, as well as two providers from the first round.