The BEAM Café aims to offer a safe space for anyone in the community who could benefit from a listening ear, peer support, and links to other groups or services, if applicable.
The new project is a collaboration between the Boston Neighborhood Team, Boston Parish and St Barnabas.
It is led by community connector Heidi Freeman, who said, “The BEAM Café will complement existing mental health services that include other community support both in and around the Boston area.
“We believe it is important to strengthen support within the community and continue to challenge any stigma towards mental health.
“This project is very worthwhile, and we really hope that we can spread the word as much as possible and bring our community together.”
BEAM is an acronym for Building Engagement Around Mental health.
The cafe is currently open Tuesdays from 12-3pm and Wednesdays from 4-8pm, from St. Botolph’s Church, but hopes to offer more sessions, especially after hours, from other locations.
Heidi emphasized that for this to happen, the project needs volunteers to help host the cafe,
“BEAM cafe offers non-clinical support, therefore we are looking for volunteers who are passionate about mental health, who are caring, empathetic and non-judgmental or who can use their lived experience and knowledge of the mental health challenges of a safe way. to support others,” he said.
l Anyone wanting more information or interested in volunteering should call Heidi on 07833 786816.
