Sam’s Mental Health Café re-opens in Kirkcaldy after lockdown

Sam’s Mental Health Café is set to reopen next Friday at Linton Lane Centre in Kirkcaldy as lockdown restrictions continues to ease.

The drop in project which offers mental health support to anyone over the age of 16 will be open between 3.00pm – 9.00pm on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the centre in Templehall from July 24.

The team offers peer support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, crisis support, emotional wellbeing and mental health support.

The café launched last April through a partnership with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and Scottish Association For Mental Health (SAMH) with the project becoming part of a foundation of mental health support offered to Fifers.

Ross Reilly, peer development practitioner said: “The team all understand the many problems faced by people with mental health issues from their own lived experience of mental health issues and recovery journey.

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"That’s what makes Sam’s different – the team have been there, and know strategies to help bounce back.

Ross, who became a peer development practitioner after battling with his own mental health issues knows how important it is to have the proper support in times of crisis.

He adds: “The biggest step on my recovery journey from suicidal thoughts was connecting with people who truly listened to me.

"Fife is leading the way with supporting the development of mental resources and with Sam’s reopening, Fifers will once again have access to a skilled,

knowledgeable mental health peer support team.

"We will be working within current covid-19 guidelines and people will be supported throughout their visit. Face masks will be in use and they will also be available if anyone forgets their own.

www.samscafe.org.uk

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