Charities given funding for Crisis Café’s.
Leicestershire and Rutland-based organisations can apply for grant funding to set up Crisis Cafés.
Crisis Café’s are an alternative to attending A&E. They're places that people can go to if they're experiencing a crisis, usually to access mental health support and advice. All have seen a rise in the number of people through the doors post-pandemic.
There are four café’s already up and running. Two of which are in Leicester city centre, one in Loughborough and one in Market Harborough.
Each Crisis Café aims to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming space for individuals struggling with emotional and mental wellbeing who do not require immediate medical care.
The programme aims to provide funding for up to 25 Crisis Cafés. It's run in partnership with Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL), Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Dave Cliffe, Sector Support Team Lead at VAL, said: "Our aim is to open 25 [Crisis Cafés] in total, extending the reach and providing vital support throughout communities.
“These cafés will be open to everyone, whether you’re struggling with substance abuse, stress, anxiety, financial worries or family troubles.
"There will be someone on hand to listen, support and help you plan the next steps.”
Those staffing the cafés will be peer support workers and volunteers, all of whom have experience in dealing with mental health issues.
They spend as much time as needed with those who come in, providing support, advice and guidance. The aim will then be to steer them in the right direction for any further support or treatment.
Each café location will be allowed to apply for a maximum of £30,000.
The grants can be applied for online on the VAL website.
Words by Emily Miller
Emily is a Senior Journalist for Niche Magazine with over a decade of journalism experience. She enjoys going to gigs, visiting galleries and walking in all weathers.
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