Minister Butler officially opens Waterford ‘Solace’ Café to support people in crisis

The Solace Café in Waterford has been officially opened by the Minister for Mental Health and Government Chief Whip, Mary Butler T.D.

Serving as a friendly and supportive community space offering mental health support, the Solace Café was established by the HSE and is being run by arrangement with our partner Non-Governmental Organisation, Aware.

Having begun operation in Waterford in recent months, the Solace Café is a resource for any adult experiencing mental health difficulties, feeling overwhelmed, in crisis or supporting someone in crisis.

Access to the Solace Café is by arrangement.

The Café is open Thursday to Sunday evenings from 5 pm to 10pm. The aim of Solace Café is to provide a free, out-of-hours/weekend, non-clinical and supportive space in the community for those aged 18 years and over. The Solace Café is located in Enterprise House (New Street Court), New Street, Waterford City X91 YN7X.

You can book ahead on www.solacecafe.ie, by e-mail via waterford@solacecafe.ie or by phone on (051) 269 012.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Butler said:

“I am really proud to have secured €1.3 million in recurring annual funding to open the Solace Café here on New Street in the centre of Waterford today. The café is supported by a full multidisciplinary crisis resolution team, based in John’s Hill Primary Care Centre.”

“We know mental health challenges are not confined to Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, so it’s great to have the Waterford Solace Café open and available to visit at evenings and weekends. I’m also really pleased that the crisis resolution team has extended the service to 7 days a week, providing vital supports to people in distress at weekends.”

“The Café here on New Street is a welcoming and friendly space for anyone who needs it. I want to encourage all adults in Waterford who are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or in need of someone to talk to, to book an appointment at the Solace Café and access compassionate, confidential support close to home.”

Dr. Sinéad Reynolds (Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Waterford/Wexford, HSE Dublin and South East) added:

“The HSE are very pleased to be working with Aware in supporting individuals and their family members/carers who are experiencing mental health challenges. As a non-clinical, community-based, space for adults, there will be initial one to one support available that will help people to safely draw on their strengths, resilience and coping mechanisms to manage their mental health and wellbeing and to help them to deal with an immediate crisis. Those who attend the Solace Café will be advised of and may be directed to relevant mental health and wellbeing services and community supports as required, including access to psychosocial and recovery support.”

Also speaking at the official opening, Chief Executive Officer of Aware, Stephen Butterly said:

“As a community-based organisation, Aware exists to support people impacted by depression, anxiety and bipolar. We welcome the addition of the Solace Café to the range of free supports available to the people of Waterford and we are very pleased to be partnering with the HSE on this vital initiative. Our team looks forward to welcoming everyone to the Solace Café that needs practical, non-judgemental support to help them on their journey to recovery or support.”

For further information on Aware, see www.Aware.ie”

There is a welcoming team of social care professionals at the Café. In a calm, non-clinical environment, they provide free one-on-one support when other services may not be available. There is non-judgmental listening support, helpful practical support (e.g. information, signposting to services, coping strategies) and guidance on accessing local health, community and mental health services.