Innovation Fund helps support running the Quiet Lounge anxiety cafe
The Devon Mental Health Alliance Innovation Fund has been awarded to The Quiet Lounge by our Community Mental Health Development Leads in Torbay & South Devon.
Volunteering in Health (ViH) recently delivered two informal, café-style 6-week groups covering self-help approaches and solution-focused peer support for people experiencing low level anxiety and associated difficulties.
Content of the sessions was based on checking in with each other, looking at anxiety’s effects on the body, thoughts, and behaviours. A simple cartoon handout was provided each week covering that week’s content, and participants were given opportunities to ask about their interests, with further books and signposting information being made available.
The project provided an informal, non-judgmental space to discuss anxiety, and share skills and information with peers, creating volunteer opportunities for those who have previously completed a Quiet Lounge course. Clients find this to be a great stepping stone to getting back to attending other groups and activities to improve mental health.
“A big thank you for being there for me when I needed it. It meant a lot to me.”