“I would say it’s like a harbour in the storm.”
Keep The Heid Mental Health Cafés
offer a safe space to talk about mental health.
Sessions are facilitated by a mental health professional and a peer volunteer with lived experience of mental health problems.
“It’s like an anchor to getting better for me.”
Sessions are completely free. There is no need for a referral, to book in advance or for a formal diagnosis. Anyone aged over 16 is welcome and sessions are held in easily accessible community spaces.
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT
Keep The Heid was set up simply to provide a space for people to talk about their mental health with others who may be facing similar problems.
We are not here to ‘fix’ people, but we do hope to reduce some of the isolation and loneliness that can result from poor mental health. By talking about anything and everything and being open about our struggles we also hope to reduce some of the stigma associated with mental health.
I think it’s just such a safe space.. it really eased my isolation.”
We are not an advice service, but we will signpost you to other services if you would like.
We do not have a waiting list and there is no need to book so simply come along when you feel you need support. Some of our users come every week while others come occasionally – either is fine.
“There’s no 6-month waiting list – that’s a lifetime when you’re ill - you just wander in.”
We know that coming through the door is the hardest part and our facilitators and volunteers are there to make you feel welcome. There is no pressure to talk, you can just listen.
“It's a wonderful thing to be able to share and learn that it's ok to not be ok, to get things out there in a very trusting place is a true lifesaver.”
Need Help Now?
Unfortunately, we can't be available outside the café sessions so if you need support urgently then the following are a good start:
Call 0300 790 6292
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
NHS Mental Health Support East Lothian
Helpline number:
0800 83 85 87
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
Breathing Space
Call 116 123 (24h a day)
Samaritans
HOW IT WORKS
What Happens in a Session?
Sessions open at 7pm and begin with an opportunity to chat and have a cup of tea. Then at 7.30pm we do a one-word check-in to see how everyone is doing.
One of our facilitators then leads a short, guided meditation (you don’t have to do this bit if you don’t want to) then our volunteer shares something that has impacted their mental health that week.
The floor is then open for anyone who wants to share, or you can just listen. The facilitator’s job is to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to speak if they would like and to make sure everyone sticks to the group agreement which includes a few ground rules to keep everyone safe. At the end of the session there is a short, guided meditation and a check-out to see how everyone is feeling before they go home.
“It’s definitely had an impact on me because … I don’t want to end my life now, even though I’ve tried to a couple of times before.”
There is always plenty of tea, coffee and snacks available and if you have a favourite snack or dietary requirements just let the facilitator or volunteer know and they will make sure there are options available.
