Recovery Cafés: a safe space when you need it most
Our Recovery Cafés offer a calm, welcoming space for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Open every single day of the year, including Christmas. They offer compassionate support for residents of Merton, Kingston, Sutton, Richmond and Wandsworth.
There’s no need for a referral. You can self-refer, come through NHS 111, be signposted by your GP, or simply walk in. However you arrive, you’ll be met with kindness, understanding, and a listening ear.
What you can expect
At the Recovery Café, our trained staff, many with lived experience, will help you feel safe, heard, and supported to take the next steps in your recovery.
We offer:
- One-to-one support – Together, we’ll create a personalised safety or recovery plan, and share practical tools such as calming techniques, breathing exercises, and basic CBT skills.
- A safe, non-judgemental space – A place to de-escalate from crisis, talk things through, or simply rest.
- Medium-term recovery support – Activities including arts and crafts, meditation, and peer-led groups to help rebuild confidence and connection.
- Signposting and referrals – Linking you to GPs, benefits and housing support, legal advice, advocacy, and local community resources such as The Listening Place and NHS counselling.
Specialist support services
Our cafés offer tailored help for different needs:
- Young People (18–25) – A dedicated service designed by young people, for young people, with peer-led groups, non-contact boxing, one-to-one assessments, and open conversations.
- Neurodiversity – Understanding, tailored support from a neurodiversity specialist.
- Addiction and suicide prevention – Compassionate, focused support for those at risk.
- Veterans – A dedicated service led by someone with military experience, supporting those living with PTSD or adjusting to civilian life.
Real stories, real hope
For Recovery Café Manager Mary, the most rewarding part is “seeing someone who came in feeling completely lost start to believe in themselves again.”
She adds: “We’ve supported young people who’ve gone back to university and others who’ve found the confidence to take their first steps back into work or volunteering. Seeing them re-engage with life and the community is incredibly uplifting, it’s why we’re here.”
One café visitor told us: “I come for the art class, but I’ve also had support with my PIP and housing when my benefits were stopped. I’d recommend the service to anyone. It really helps you feel part of the community. Never be afraid to ask for help , it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.”
Another described the café as: “A true haven, a place where you feel understood and accepted. Connecting with people who have lived experience, people you can really relate to, is everything to me.”
Whether you need urgent support, a calm place to gather your thoughts, or a connection to longer-term help, our doors are always open.
Share your feedback
We want to hear from people who have used crisis cafes or would consider using them to ensure support is right for everyone.
Take five minutes to anonymously give your views and help design future support. Click here to share your feedback.
For more information and support options, click here.
