MEET THE GOVERNORS: KGH governor says Covid-19 has shown the need for places like Kettering's Crisis Cafe

Covid-19 has shown the huge importance of places like Kettering s Crisis Cafe, according to one of KGH's governors.

The governors at KGH have teamed up with the Northants Telegraph to give our readers an insight into their role and the work they do.

Andrew Stephen, nominated governor and chairman of Mind Crisis Cafe Kettering, has written the latest in a series of pieces about the governors which we will be bringing to you in the coming weeks.

Mr Stephen told the Northants Telegraph: "Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the mental health and well-being of many individuals.

"Fortunately, Crisis Café’s are still offering face to face mental health support across Northamptonshire.

"Kettering Mind’s Crisis Café on Russell Street, Kettering is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between midday and 11pm.

"It is facilitated by Mind and NHFT and provides a safe space for individuals.

"The aim is to support people to reduce the immediate crisis and to safety plan preventing the need for A&E admission; drawing on strengths, resilience, and coping mechanisms to manage their mental health and well-being."

Steph Orr, resource centre team leader for Kettering Mind, added: “I’m so proud of the whole team for continuing to safely deliver this vital service during such challenging times.

"Since March 2020 we have supported over 1,000 individuals in the Crisis Café which shows the need for this service to continue.”

The Crisis Café has measures in place to ensure the safety of all staff and individuals who attend.

There is no need to call, just drop in to a warm, welcoming and safe environment.

For 24/7 mental health support, you can contact NHFT’s Integrated Response Hub for Mental Health on 0800 4480828.

We will be hearing more from the governors in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for the stories if you want to learn more about the governors and their role at KGH.

If you have a question for the governors, email it to [email protected].

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