November 12th 2017 marks the anniversary of the Well-Bean Crisis Café, it really doesn’t feel like we have been open a year. From having just one visitor on the first night of our service a year ago, the service has developed significantly – with over 350 service visits in the last quarter.
Though we have helped to cope with their own crisis’ – which often feel hopeless, challenging and complicated – what we offer is in essence very simple: we a offer a non-judgemental, accepting environment with empathic staff who will always be there with a warm empathic response.
One user of the Well-Bean Café (WBC) was happy to share the following:
‘I don’t know what I’d have done without the (Well-Bean) Café in the last few months. They accept me when it has been hard for me to cope with myself and my own stuff. I wish all places I have been to treated people like this. 1-1 supports have really helped – really, really helped me to lower my anxiety at times I didn’t think I could.’
Another visitor at the WBC was willing to share the following of their experience:
‘The staff are simply down to earth and real. I don’t feel like they are putting anything on – they are being genuine and real with me, which puts me at ease when I’m at the café. I trust this place, and it’s safe which is really important for me to feel.’
A further visitor enjoyed the social space at the WBC:
‘I like playing pool and games and just getting my mind away from my own head at times. Sometimes it’s better not to think about stuff, and here I can do that. The food provided is good too, warm and nice.’
We are passionate about what we do at the Well-Bean Café , and genuinely are here to help in moments of crisis. Thank you to all who have attended the service over the last year, and those who have supported our service – everyone helps create the warm and accepting atmosphere at the café – thank you genuinely. We hope to carry on developing the service in the future to be able to help more people. If you or someone else you know is struggling at the moment – then please spread the word about the café, show them this blog or pass on the phone number provided on the next page. We are here to help…. (please find info’ on how to self refer/make a professional referral below)
OUR PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL LINE IS: 07760 173505                                                              OUR SELF REFERRAL LIFE IS: 07760 173476 (both lines open 6 to 12pm Sat to Mon)
We offer a genuinely safe place – with support workers and trained therapists, offering the following services: A non-judgemental social place to relax in, hot food and not/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 – Kim, Simon, Matt, Amareen, Wendy, Holly, Maddie and Christian are to welcome you with a friendly smile J…
*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*