Turning Point Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes Leicestershire

24/03/2026

19/03/2026

Open today for in person support offering one to one time, social space with games and distraction activities and all the signposting opportunities you could need in one place.

Also and maybe we should of opened with this...

Free hot drinks!

Hope to see you there!

And remember even if you don't get along today, if its too hard, just thinking about coming is a step, Dont be hard on yourself, we go again next time! We will be there when you are ready!

18/03/2026

“Don’t panic! "

It’s something many of us say when we’re trying to help—but it’s not quite how panic works.

Panic attacks aren’t something people can just switch off in the moment. When they happen, the body has already gone into fight-or-flight mode—heart racing, breathing changing, thoughts spiralling. It’s automatic, not a choice.

That said, there *are* ways people can learn to manage and reduce panic over time.

Approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can really help. Things like grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and understanding what’s happening in the body can make panic feel less overwhelming and, for many people, less frequent.

But those are skills that take time, practice, and support. They’re not a quick “on/off switch” in the middle of an attack.

So when someone is panicking, what helps most in that moment isn’t telling them to stop—it’s helping them feel safe enough for their body to settle.

At the café, we try to keep things simple and human. Sitting with someone. A calm voice. No pressure to “get better” quickly.

You might try:
• “I’m here with you.”
• “You’re safe.”
• “Let’s take this one moment at a time.”
• “We can breathe through it together if you want to.”

No pressure. No judgement. Just being alongside someone while it passes.

Because panic isn’t something you can just turn off—but it *is* something people can get through. And they don’t have to do that on their own.

If you ever need a space to sit for a while, have a brew, and feel a bit less alone, the café door is open.

18/03/2026

📢Job Vacancy - Front of House Assistant
Are you friendly, organised, and great with people? We’re looking for someone to join our team and be the welcoming face of our business and keep our reception running smoothly.
Think this sounds like you? Find out more:
https://valonline.org.uk/job/reception-and-front-of-house-assistant-2/

18/03/2026

Open today from 1pm till 7pm at the Pathways centre on Baptist walk.

Come and join us if you need some mental health support and have a cuppa.

Fully trained staff are waiting to help you.

16/03/2026

“Have you tried just…?”

Just getting out more.
Just exercising.
Just thinking positively.
Just talking to someone.

Comments like this are often meant kindly. But when you’re struggling, they can feel incredibly dismissive — as if something complex can be solved with a simple instruction.

Mental health isn’t a “just”.
In England, 1 in 5 adults experience a common mental health problem each year, and the wider impact of mental ill health is estimated to cost around £300 billion annually.

Behind those numbers are real people, with real stories, and lives that are rarely simple.

That’s why at our cafés we try to do things differently.

We don’t tell people what they should “just” do.

We listen.

We meet people where they are.

We take a person-centred approach that recognises everyone’s situation, experiences and strengths are different.

Because sometimes the most helpful starting point isn’t advice.

It’s being heard.

16/03/2026

“Real men don’t cry.”
“Real men are dominant.”
“Real men don’t show weakness.”

But what does “real men” even mean?

The new documentary Inside the Manosphere by Louis Theroux looks at the online culture pushing these ideas — where masculinity is reduced to money, power, and control.

The truth? Those labels can be incredibly damaging. They tell boys and men they shouldn’t talk about feelings, ask for help, or show vulnerability.

At our Mental Health Café we believe something much simpler:

Being human matters more than being a “real man.”

Kindness, honesty, looking after your mental health, and supporting others — that’s strength.

Come and chat with us at the café or share your thoughts below.

15/03/2026

Join us this Tuesday at St Martins House near Leicester Cathedral from 12 till 1800 for our neighbourhood mental health cafe, no referral needed, just come along. 😊💜❤️

15/03/2026