By Shukri Bashir
The New Parks Mental Health Café at the Team Hub CIC building is offering accessible and immediate mental health support for people in the area.
Operating on Thursdays from 12.30 to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 11.30am to 4.30pm, the café offers drop-in sessions and one-on-one support, making it easy for people to receive support without the need for appointments.
Managed by Gary O’Donnell, with support from experienced workers Lucy Giles and Sally Girling, the café provides a wide range of services.
Backed by NHS funding and supported through a partnership with local police, the team focus on creating a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for anyone seeking help with mental health challenges.
The mental health team are also active on other days, hosting a variety of activities to help individuals connect, heal, and find joy in community-based support.
It also provides specialised programmes, including men’s mental health groups, gardening, crafts, bingo, walking groups and much more including additional support services for under-18s, those going through bereavement, and other long-term mental health needs.
The New Parks Mental Health Café team pride themselves in its accessibility. Through NHS and GP referrals, as well as internal referrals, the café ensures seamless access to care for those in need.
Known for its focus on community involvement, with staff who are local to the area, it offers a deep understanding of the challenges faced by visitors.
“Creating a space where people feel welcome is our top priority,” said Gary. “Mental health doesn’t operate on a schedule and neither should support.”
Another notable feature of the café is its use of therapy animals. Nelly the dog, and Leo, a friendly gecko, provide comfort and emotional support for visitors, helping to create a calming atmosphere.
Since its creation, the café has helped more than 2,100 people, fostering a sense of belonging and trust within the local community.
“This job is so rewarding in so many ways…seeing a person at a low point then seeing them smiling and happy is so rewarding,” said Sally.
They said it is not just about providing mental health services; it is about building a strong, supportive team where both staff and visitors can rely on each other during difficult times.
“Sometimes when someone comes in and their story affects us and we are struggling, we have built a support system where we can get someone else in the team to step in,” said Gary.
The New Parks Mental Health Café’s success is evident in the positive impact it is having on individuals and the broader community.
By providing both immediate care and long-term support, it is filling an essential gap in Leicester’s mental health services.
For more information or to visit, drop by during any opening time, or visit their Facebook social media.
