Limerick cafe offers a warm, safe space for those in need of mental health support
Since it opened, Solace Cafe in Limerick City has seen more than 120 people
A CAFE to offer mental health support to adults out of hours has officially opened.
HSE Mid-West have partnered with the Limerick Mental Health Association to deliver the Solace Cafe in the city centre.
Located on Sarsfield Bridge, the cafe offers free, out of hours, non-clinical mental health support to anyone aged 18 and over.
At present, the cafe is open Thursdays to Sundays from 6pm until midnight. This is to target times of highest risk when there is a reduction in the services available elsewhere.
The service at the cafe supports early intervention and crisis prevention by offering an alternative to presenting at the emergency department.
Officially opening Solace Cafe, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for mental health, Mary Butler, said that since it opened before Christmas more than 120 people have already used the service.
“The Solace Cafe is a warm, friendly place where anyone going through a tough time can come in, have a chat and get a bit of support. It's not a clinical setting, it's a safe, welcoming space right in the heart of Limerick city for people who need someone to talk to.”
During her visit it was announced that funding will be in place for three more solace cafes around the country.
One hour support sessions in confidence can be booked and staff are trained support workers and peer connectors.
Call 061 446786, email [email protected] or text 085 2612025 for information or to book a session.