PIPS Hope and Support recently had the opportunity of hosting Professor Sir Michael McBride, the Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, at the first of a kind, The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café.

During his visit, Sir Michael sought to gain insight into the invaluable work being carried out through this vital community resource. He engaged in discussions with PIPS Hope and Support's senior managers, trustees, and strategic partners, which included Seamus Mullen from NIAS, Jan McGall, the Director of Mental Health & Disability Services at SHSCT, as well as various local and regional stakeholders. The primary focus of these conversations revolved around the support and services offered by The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café within the Southern Trust area.

The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café serves as an adult mental health support service that operates in conjunction with Daisyhill Hospital Emergency Department. It provides a peaceful and welcoming environment, distinct from the clinical setting, for individuals experiencing crisis. The café serves as a haven, offering solace and assistance to prevent the escalation of mental health challenges.

By welcoming Sir Michael McBride to The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café, PIPS Hope and Support showcased the significance and value of this establishment and its commitment to addressing mental health issues within the community.

Those who have visited The WELL-Bean Café in the past year have discovered a wide range of support and resources. From counselling and skill-building to mindfulness lessons and emotional encouragement, the café offers a variety of services to help individuals in need.

Qualified counsellors and trained volunteers are readily available at the café to provide professional support, practical advice, and guidance. They ensure that individuals are connected to the appropriate services and resources they require, precisely when they need them.

The WELL-Bean Café is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Southern Trust, Primary Mental Health, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), PSNI, Probation Board, and the GP Federation. This partnership has allowed the café to become a hub of support and assistance for the community.

Conveniently located on River Street in Newry, the café operates on Friday and Monday evenings from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 7:00 pm. Access to the café is available through drop-in visits, referrals from health and social care professionals, and other voluntary organisations.

By providing a welcoming and inclusive space, The WELL-Bean Café aims to empower individuals and promote their mental well-being. Whether seeking guidance, counselling, or simply a supportive community, the café is dedicated to offering a range of services to meet the diverse needs of its visitors.

Speaking after the event, Seamus McCabe, CEO of PIPS Hope and Support, expressed his enthusiasm for The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café.  “This exceptional out-of-hours professional crisis service caters to adults facing mental or emotional distress, offering a much-needed solution to their mental health concerns. The range of services provided by the café is invaluable, particularly for those seeking support during weekends and evenings. With a dedicated and highly trained team, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals who seek our help. If you are currently grappling with mental or emotional challenges, I strongly encourage you to reach out to The WELL-Bean (Crisis) Café and take advantage of the available facilities.”

Sir Michael McBride commenting on his visit to The Well-Bean Cafe said, “I was delighted to visit The WELL-Bean Café. This unique facility offers a welcoming space for person-centred care for people experiencing mental health challenges. The café offers guidance and support which is already leading to enhanced mental health and wellbeing outcomes. The café provides a welcome and often preferable alternative from the Emergency Department for someone experiencing a mental health or situational crisis, working in close conjunction with the Southern HSC Trust and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. This is an exemplary initiative which has learned and adapted from best practice in England creating an innovative and bespoke model in Newry. I look forward to hearing of the further success of the crisis café in future.”