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Galway community café mental health initiative
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Café and peer connectors a boost for Galway mental health
Galway Community Café is a newly established HSE out-ofhours mental health service. The café is staffed by a team of people with lived experience of mental health difficulties. The community café is an early example of one of the recommendations in ‘Sharing the Vision’ – the recently published new national mental health policy – being put into practice!
Because of current COVID-19 restrictions, the café is open at present on a virtual basis. Anyone wishing to have a chat or learn more about the café is welcome to make an appointment through the website for a phone call or video chat with a peer connector.
Danni Burke and Rachel Maher are both Peer Connectors at the Galway Community Café.
“I grew up in Galway city and have lived here most of my life. I live by the sea with my dog, Lexi. I became involved in the café project a few years ago through the local forum and later joined the operational group. The café was conceptualised by local people with mental health difficulties before I even became involved,” said Danni.
The project gained traction eventually thanks to Thom Stewart from An Áit Eile, the local forum, Niall Ó Tuathail, Mental Health Engagement and Recovery, Cosáin CLG and others working in the background. Local business owner Kevin Nugent kindly offered his premises, Mr Waffle, as a venue for the café in response to a tweet from Niall Ó Tuathail about the need for a community mental health café in Galway.”
After many long meetings, late nights and workshopping service design with the local forum, the café opened its doors in early December 2020.
“I am so proud of everyone involved
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Danni Burke (front), Geraldine O’Connor (standing), Cathleen Cunningham (seated), Rachel Maher (crouched), David Bohan (seated).
in making the café a reality and the passionate café team members. We are here for a chat by video or phone for anyone interested in learning more about the café or wishing to speak to a peer. Please don’t hesitate to book an appointment because you may feel you’re not in enough distress or taking space from someone else.
“We all need support and particularly during these uncertain times so please whatever your experience is, it is just as valid as someone else’s. Good news can be helpful to share so please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a Peer Connector.”
Galway girl Rachel said she was ‘instantly blown away by the innovative, non-clinical approach’ of the café.
“It has been made a reality from the ideas of those with lived experience and a personal passion to create a space and a service for others, and this passion and ethos has remained from initial conceptualisation right through to the present day,” she said.
“Having experience of my own mental health journey, and supporting others on theirs, I felt that this was a service and support that I would have loved to have availed of, and I was determined to support it anyway I could. I was delighted to be brought onto - as a Peer Connector - the amazing team and was excited for our official first day open in December 2020, where we could finally meet and say ‘hello’ to the people of Galway.
“We have had to change things up because of COVID-19 restrictions, but that doesn’t mean we are less present or dedicated to anyone who wants to use our service. Through finding new ways to connect and engage with individuals, we are aiming to make sure the space is here for those who may need us, and even those who may not.”
They can be contacted by phone or video call and aim to be available for people from all over Galway County, and not just those in the city.
