Sheffield's Springboard Cafés

“I was made very welcome. I love it; it feels like a new start for me, the people are fantastic and make me feel welcome.”
-Café user from the Parsons Cross Learning Zone

In collaboration with Sheffield City Council, NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group has supported the launch of three ‘Springboard Cafés’, located across the city. The all-day drop-in ‘Cafés’ have been designed to help people who are feeling low, isolated, anxious or struggling to manage their mental wellbeing.

Ran fortnightly, the Springboard Cafés recognise the damaging effects of social isolation and loneliness; they provide a place for people to come along, have a chat about their situation and find out what support is available to help them move forward. The café-style setting aims to create a friendly atmosphere, where people can meet, receive advice, and feel encouraged to try new things.

The Social Cafés also offer a programme of activities and events. This self-directed support provides a way for people to help themselves, feel more autonomous and take control of their situation.

David Luck, Mental Health Commissioning Officer for Sheffield City Council, commented: Our ‘Springboard Cafés’ offer a safe and positive place for people with low level mental health conditions to access friendship and support.

“At the heart of the cafes are trained, volunteer recovery coaches, often with lived experience. Sean is one of these recovery coaches – the cafés moved him from severe depression (which led him to consider suicide), to a place of hope for his future.

“We hope many other people who attend the Cafés will begin or continue on the road to mental health recovery”.

The three cafes operate at St Mary’s, Bramall Lane, Manor Top Library and the Parsons Cross Learning Zone and are welcome to everyone. 

You can also hear more about the Cafes and Sean’s story in the Sheffield Star.