Johnny's Happy Place to close cafe but extend services online and over the phone

Johnny's Happy Place in Kettering will be closing its cafe for the foreseeable future but says it will be "running differently".

In a post on their Facebook page, the community cafe said: "We've made the awfully difficult decision to not run JHP from Keystone from tomorrow (Saturday) onwards, for the foreseeable future.

"This decision was made before the government's advice this evening. We have a duty to keep both our visitors and volunteers safe.

"This doesn't mean JHP is closing, it just means we'll be running differently throughout this difficult period."

JHP is normally open on weekends at Keystone on Rockingham Road, Kettering, and offers free drinks and food for £1. It also runs art and creative writing classes and free drop-in counselling.

While the cafe will be closed, art classes and creative writing sessions will move online via video sessions. Anyone can join and you can find the class group details on JHP's Facebook page.

JHP also said: "We are currently working on creating a weekend befriending service whilst we are shut and which will potentially continue once we are back open - we are working on a process through where people text a number and we arrange a call back.

"The counselling will continue, hopefully from next weekend, they too will have phones and again, once this is worked out we'll let you know."

The board hope to have these services running next weekend.

JHP was set up by Denise Mackay after the death of her son, Johnny, in October 2014 and today's post, written by her daughter Charlotte, said: "We know we are a lifeline for so many people and to be honest it's been a huge lifeline for my mum, Denise.

"Each weekend being at JHP brings her so much joy. It's a reason for her to get up in the morning. She'll miss it enormously and will suffer hugely while we are physically closed but she is nearly 72 and needs protecting."

Anyone who has been to JHP or met Denise will know just how passionate she is about the community cafe and the services it offers.

Whilst the cafe will not be open tomorrow, JHP's board members (apart from Denise) will be outside Keystone tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am and midday with takeaway bags of cake baked by Denise.

The board will be there for those who miss the announcement or those who usually turn up.

The message ended: "We're sorry we can't do more at this time but hopefully this befriending/counselling service and the virtual workshops will help a little.

"We'll carry on posting articles both national and local, happy news, JHP updates and will share all phone numbers/ support lines ASAP.

"Wishing you all safety, love and hope through this unsettling period."

If you ever feel like you need to talk to someone, you can contact Mind on 020 8519 2122 or Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected].