(Written by Matthew Hall – LSLCS Crisis Support Worker at WBC)
With the UK building up to a general election before the festive period, with things feeling as insecure and confusing in this pre/post (stuck in the middle (!) of a Brexit world) – it may not be surprising if all of this can feel too much. I work as a Counsellor and Crisis Worker across Leeds, and hear from a lot of the people I work with that they are simply sick and tired of this process, feeling disillusioned and messed around by the whole thing. If you feel like this, I genuinely hear you….
You may not feel like celebrating or being in the festive spirit – and this can be a real challenge for a lot of people when services shut down that they rely on over the Christmas/New Year period. What we offer at the Well Bean Café is simple – a safe, caring and accepting space if you are struggling with your mental health or are feeling isolated and alone. We are open seven days a week, across the whole of festive period.
Please note on days that are classed as a bank holiday (when there in no public transport available) we provide taxis to and from the service. So on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve and New Years Day – we will be able to provide taxis to and from the service for all visitors referring to the service on these dates. If you need to refer to the Well Bean Café anytime across this period – please call the number(s) below.
DETAILS OF WHERE/WHEN THE WBC IS OPEN THROUGHOUT THE WEEK ARE BELOW:
SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY 6PM TO 12AM @ LINCOLN GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE, CROMWELL MOUNT, LS9 7ST.
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY 6PM TO 12AM @ TOUCHSTONE HOUSE, 2-4 MIDDLETON CRESCENT, BEESTON, LS11 6JU.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 6PM TO 12AM @ THE NEW WORTLEY CENTRE, 40 TONG RD, LS12 1LZ
OUR SELF REFERRAL LIFE IS: 07760 173476 (both lines open 6 to 12pm ALL WEEK)
OUR PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL LINE IS: 07760 173505
We offer a genuinely safe place – with caring staff/support workers, offering the following services: A non-judgemental social place to relax in, freshly cooked food with hot/cold drinks on tap (no charge), 1 to 1 therapeutic support sessions (up to an hour – from a person centred standpoint), practical support – with a focus on social crisis, information and signposting to others helpful services in Leeds, as well as having board games, art books, music and even a pool table that can be used by anyone. Our workers are here to welcome you with a friendly smile.
The Well-Bean – Hope in a Crisis Café is a service run in partnership between Touchstone and Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service.
*PLEASE NOTE – ON YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE WELL-BEAN CAFÉ – WE WILL PROVIDE A FREE TAXI (TO AND FROM) THE SERVICE, TO TAKE AWAY THE WORRY OF GETTING TO US FOR THE FIRST TIME*
Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service also provide a number of Crisis Services (face to face) and via phone or text. Their website is lslcs.org.uk for information on the rest of their service, including day time support as well as a number of different support groups.
DIAL HOUSE is open 5 days a week (Fri to Mon, and Wed). Call 01132 609328 from 6pm to refer.
THE CONNECT HELPLINE is open every night of the year, 6pm to 2 am. They offer phone, text and online support is you feel like you don’t want to leave/cant leave where you are currently. Call them on 0808 800 1212 or go to www.lslcs.org.uk to refer for online support.
