Ministers officially open Blackrock Solace Café offering vital mental health supports for adults out of hours

A new service providing mental health supports for adults out of hours in south Dublin was officially opened by Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health last Thursday (14th).

The Blackrock Solace Café offers a free, out of hours, non-clinical mental health support service for adults aged 18 and over, who are experiencing mental health difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, in crisis or supporting someone in crisis.

The service operates from Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 10pm at Avila house, Block 5, Blackrock Business Park via appointment and is delivered by Aware in partnership with St John of God Community Mental Health Services and the HSE.

What the café offers:

• Free one-on-one support when other services are not available
• A calm supportive environment
• Non-judgmental listening support
• Helpful practical support e.g. information, signposting services, coping strategies
• Guidance on accessing local health, community and mental health services
• A welcoming team of trained volunteers and mental health professionals

Adults who need support of the Solace Café can book https://calendly.com/info-toqv.

Staffed by trained support workers and peer connectors, these sessions are provided in confidence in the safe space of the café.

Speaking in Blackrock at the official opening of the Solace Café,  Mary Butler T.D., Minister for Mental Health, said: “The Solace Café is a warm, friendly place where anyone going through a tough time can come in, have a chat, and get a bit of support particularly in a time of crisis.

“It’s not a clinical setting, it’s a safe, welcoming space right in the centre of Blackrock for people who need someone to talk to.

“This year we will continue to grow the Solace Café network in Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands.

“I am very grateful to AWARE, St John of God Community Mental Health Services, and all the staff and volunteers, who have worked so hard, your work every day makes a real difference.”

Jennifer Carroll, T.D., Minister for Health was also delighted to attend the official opening and said: “Like Minister Butler, I would like to thank AWARE and St John of God Community Mental Services and their staff, who work to bring this Café to life and support the people who access the supports and help here.

“Solace Cafés are an important part of the ‘Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020 – 2030) and I will continue to support Minister Butler in her work to provide more crisis support, peer led support, signposting and prevention in non-clinical spaces, such as these Cafés.”

“This Café forms part of a wider national initiative to develop and expand hours of mental health support in line with the Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and the National Model of Care for Crisis Resolution Services.

“By providing an accessible, non-stigmatising alternative to Emergency Department attendance, the service supports early intervention and crisis prevention and aligns with HSE and national mental health policy priorities for community-based, recovery focused care delivered in partnership with voluntary and peer led services.”

Stephen Butterly, CEO, AWARE, outlined: “Aware strongly believes in the power of community-based mental health services in supporting people through challenging periods in their lives. We are honoured to have the opportunity to provide this service in conjunction with the HSE and St. John of God’s Community Mental Health team in the South Dublin area, and we are very proud of how the Aware team have come together to deliver their support to all those engaging with the Solace Café service.”

Linda Moore, Head of Service, Mental Health, HSE Dublin South & Wicklow outlined: “The Solace Café is a safe and welcoming space where people can connect with trained peer supporters and volunteers who bring lived experience. The focus here is on active listening, practical support and signposting to the appropriate longer term services where needed.”

“It marks a significant step forward in how we support mental health in our community.

“This space has been created to offer warmth, dignity and connection to people who need it.

“This café is about meeting people where they are at, providing compassionate, non judgemental support and ensuring that no one has to face a difficult moment alone. We are proud to support our partner organisations in opening its doors and to stand alongside our community in a meaningful and practical way.”

Kevin Madigan, CEO, St. John of God Community Services, concluded: “St. John of God Community Services are delighted to partner with HSE and Aware on the Solace Café which is having a very positive impact on those who present with a mental health crisis.”