Housing association believe housing is helping a remarkable venue to improve the health and mental wellbeing of adults in County Durham.

A £10,000 community investment grant from believe housing has enabled St Margaret’s Centre, on Margery Lane, Durham, to open a volunteer-led community hub.

Operating as The Old School Cafe, the hub offers a safe place for centre attendees to be around other people including at scheduled support groups.

It creates volunteering, work experience, and training opportunities in areas such as food preparation and customer service.

And it serves affordable food options and has a pay it forward scheme, so customers can buy food or drink tokens for future visitors to redeem, to help people struggling with the cost of living.

Rob Chatwin, St Margaret’s Centre manager, said the hub is one of the best things to happen at the arts and training centre, which supports people with mental health difficulties to regain their confidence, motivation and self-esteem while learning new skills and meeting new friends.

It does this by offering activities such as gardening, woodwork, and arts and crafts along with access to a support worker and courses to address issues which affect mental wellbeing.

Rob said: “The cafe’s open to the community, so people from the general public can come in, and we hope that helps with reducing stigma and discrimination around mental health.

“It’s just a nice, relaxed atmosphere and great value for money.

“It has been a great help for people wishing to train up in hospitality, we’ve had six people go on into employment and we’re just the stepping stone in supporting them doing that.”

Manager Rob Chatwin.Manager Rob Chatwin. (Image: believe housing)

Part of the grant from believe housing, which is one of the largest not-for-profit housing associations in the north east of England, went towards hiring a supervisor to manage the café, work with volunteers, and help establish new peer support groups.

A further £1,000 was awarded to the centre by believe housing in March to fund a series of wellbeing activities including botanical drawing, mindfulness colouring, glass painting, and clay modelling.

Louise Taylor, Executive Director of Executive Director of Governance and Strategy, said: “Access to social spaces and support is crucial for living well.

“So, we are delighted to support the cafe which is improving people’s lives and mental wellbeing as well as generating income for this special community facility.

“More than 20 people, including believe housing customers, have already gained friendship, skills, confidence, and employment opportunities through the cafe.

“This underscores the importance of empowering communities to meet local need.”