Mental Health Support Service (Social Cafes)

A Social Café is a regular event, run by experienced staff and volunteers, providing a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, where people can drop-in as they need to and, over refreshments, and talk with others in a similar situation. While the therapeutic value of refreshments is an essential component of the event, providing a café is not the aim of the scheme - the emphasis is on the support and open access opportunities provided.

Anyone can call in it any time (there is no referral programme or waiting list), and any site may be called in at regardless of where the individual lives. The Social Café scheme will also provide a programme of activities and events that will encourage people to participate in a wider range of activities.

It shall provide information that enables people to access services more effectively and to manage their specific conditions. This commissioned activity is targeted at people who are one or two steps away from having a level of need that makes them eligible for social care support with an individual budget; for people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks or other mental health conditions.

This target group will benefit from opportunities to meet with others, in a structured scheme that will reduce their isolation and enable them to manage their lives and conditions better. This should reduce the need for further and more prolonged health and social care services.

These activities are primarily, but not exclusively, targeted at working age adults. Please click the link on this page to head to our e-tendering portal, YORtender, where you can access the document, specification and submit your bid.