Suffolk Mind opens free mental health hub in Ipswich

Why it matters: The hub gives adults who are feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope or unsure where to turn a free, non-clinical place to seek support in the town centre.

The details: Run by local mental health charity Suffolk Mind, REST stands for Recover, Eat, Support and Talk.

• The hub is based in the former Steam House Cafe at 22 Carr Street, which closed earlier this year.
• It is open Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00, and closed at weekends.
• Although it will not operate as a coffee shop, every visitor will be welcomed with a drink and a listening ear.
• It follows what the charity describes as successes at similar hubs in Norfolk, run by Norfolk and Waveney Mind.

How to get support: There are three ways to access the hub:

• Drop in during opening hours
• Refer yourself using Suffolk Mind's online referral form to book an appointment
• Be referred by a healthcare professional or another organisation, such as NHS 111 or your GP

The charity says it will always do its best to see drop-in visitors on the day, but the hub may sometimes be at full capacity. If so, staff will arrange the next available opportunity or help people access other support. Suffolk Mind encourages people to self-refer to get the most out of their visit.

What to expect: Alongside the hub offering practical support, safety planning and help connecting people with other services, it will also offer:

• REST and Recover: up to six one-to-one sessions tailored to each person's goals.
• REST to Connect: a six-week group programme covering self-esteem, managing emotions, anxiety and anger, coping skills, and goal setting. It is a closed group, so people join a waiting list for the next programme.
• REST, Support, Talk: informal community groups with a flexible, drop-in feel and activities such as crafting, creative writing and mindful colouring, running on Tuesdays (13:00-15:00) and Fridays (10:00-12:00).
• Workshops: occasional one-off sessions on emotional wellbeing, which will be advertised in advance.

What they're saying: Jon Neal, chief executive of Suffolk Mind, said: "We are delighted to open the doors to Suffolk's first-ever REST Hub.

"The hub is a comfortable space where people can take time out and talk to experienced mental health professionals over a cuppa about what they are experiencing and explore the support available to them.

"It's all about making it easier for people to reach out for help when they're experiencing mental ill health, before they reach crisis point."

He added: "Our thanks go to our colleagues over the border at Norfolk and Waveney Mind for supporting us in bringing this important service to Suffolk."

Rafaele Reeve, REST Hub manager at Suffolk Mind, said: "Our REST Hub has been created to give people somewhere they feel comfortable walking into, without judgement and without pressure.

"Sometimes having a conversation can be the first step towards feeling better."

The bottom line: Ipswich now has a free, walk-in space where adults can talk to professionals about their mental health, which Suffolk Mind hopes will help people get support before they reach crisis point.

More information about the REST Hub, including how to self-refer, is available on the Suffolk Mind website or by calling 0300 111 6000.

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