By Grimsby crisis cafe seeing high levels of loneliness in locals
Grimsby’s crisis cafe has reported seeing high levels of loneliness in locals as the nation gets talking for mental health awareness week.
Based at NAVIGO in Grimsby town centre, the organisation said it’s supported around 250 people with 65% saying they visited the café because they were lonely.
As part of mental health awareness week, the team looked back on the impact the Safespace Crisis Café has had on the local community.
Project Manager Ali Cook told Lincs FM: “Safespace offers an open door, drop-in service providing instant, practical support for vulnerable people with a range of destabilising social problems impacting upon their mental health.
“It’s a judgement-free zone and we welcome those who are in need – whether that be due to loneliness, isolation or emotional vulnerability.”
The café is also helping to reduce pressures on the A&E and emergency services, Ali added: “People aren’t always sure where to go at a time of distress. They don’t necessarily require emergency NHS or police intervention but they present themselves at A&E because they don’t know where else to go and are often sat waiting to speak to someone.
“Safespace offers a welcome alternative where an individual can walk through the door and talk to someone straight away, while relieving the strain on other, already in demand, services.”
Anyone struggling with their mental health can telephone 01472 256256 option 3, Freephone 08081 968442 or text ‘ORANGE’ to 85258, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
