Mental health café in Waterford city to receive €1.3 million a year in funding
The announcement was made by Waterford TD and Minister of State Mary Butler
A mental health café in Waterford city is set to receive €1.3 million a year in funding, it has been announced.
Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler officially opened the Solace Café on New Street on Friday, June 12.
The Solace Café was established by the HSE and is being run by arrangement with its partner non-governmental organisation (NGO), Aware.
Having begun operation in Waterford in recent months, the Solace Café is described as “a resource for any adult experiencing mental health difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, in crisis or supporting someone in crisis”.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Butler said: “I am really proud to have secured €1.3 million in recurring annual funding to open the Solace Café here on New Street in the centre of Waterford today.
“The café is supported by a full multidisciplinary crisis resolution team, based in John’s Hill Primary Care Centre.
“We know mental health challenges are not confined to Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, so it’s great to have the Waterford Solace Café open and available to visit at evenings and weekends.”
She went on to encourage anyone who is experiencing mental health difficulties to visit the café.
“The café here on New Street is a welcoming and friendly space for anyone who needs it.
“I want to encourage all adults in Waterford who are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or in need of someone to talk to, to book an appointment at the Solace Café and access compassionate, confidential support close to home.”
Dr. Sinéad Reynolds, who is the HSE’s Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, also welcomed the opening of the café.
Dr. Reynolds said: “The HSE are very pleased to be working with Aware in supporting individuals and their family members/carers who are experiencing mental health challenges.
“As a non-clinical, community-based, space for adults, there will be initial one to one support available that will help people to safely draw on their strengths, resilience and coping mechanisms to manage their mental health and wellbeing and to help them to deal with an immediate crisis.
“Those who attend the Solace Café will be advised of and may be directed to relevant mental health and wellbeing services and community supports as required, including access to psychosocial and recovery support.”
The Solace Café is open Thursday to Sunday evenings from 5 pm to 10pm.
The aim of the café is to provide a free, out-of-hours/weekend, non-clinical and supportive space in the community for those aged 18 years and over.
It is located in Enterprise House (New Street Court), New Street, Waterford city (X91 YN7X).
You can book ahead on www.solacecafe.ie, by email via [email protected] or by phone on (051) 269 012.