Isle of Wight charity, Independent Arts has received £22,198 from the People’s Health Trust for their ‘Anxiety Café’ project.
The Anxiety Café, managed by Hannah, brings Islanders together on a regular basis allowing them to participate in social and creative activities including music, arts, dance, creative projects, mindfulness and counselling sessions in order to create social connections and provide peer support with those who share similar experiences.
The ethos of the scheme is ‘Friendly Support from People Who Understand’, and as such, all participants and coordinators involved have experience of having anxiety or caring for someone who does.
Hannah is keen to emphasise that those who do come will always be greeted with a smile, a cuppa and an open mind.
She said:
“Stigma is always an issue when it comes to mental health, and due to the close- knit nature of the Isle of Wight community, I suspect that stigma does prevent some people from taking part in the project. To them, I’d simply say that we are here when you need us, and you will never be judged.”
As someone who has spent over half of her life living with anxiety, Hannah takes great joy in helping those in the local community overcome and manage their anxiety.
She added:
“When they [the new member] joined, they were naturally apprehensive and a little bit unsure of whether they fitted in. Since then, I have watched as they have gone from strength to strength and become an integral and loved part of our little community. They have held the group together during COVID and I couldn’t be prouder of them. This is what makes this the best job in the world.”
When asked about how the funding from People’s Health Trust has helped the Anxiety Café, Hannah states that it has completely changed the way they work.
The funding has been used so far to establish photography courses and professional mindfulness sessions. The group has used this to produce a calendar and Hannah emphasises the therapeutic benefits of the sessions.
Martin Ellice, Joint Managing Director of the Health Lottery, said:
“We are thrilled to hear that the Anxiety Café has been such a success so far, and it is a project that is needed more than ever in the current climate. By providing a safe space, the project is a lifeline for many people struggling with anxiety and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.
Can You Help Police To Identify Man Linked To Waitrose Theft?
Ryde Town Council In Crackdown On Dog Fouling
Former Patient Opens New Intensive Care Unit
Isle Of Wight Primary School Place Allocations Announced For September
The Rules Islanders Need To Know For Police And Crime Commissioner Election Postal Voting
Family Pays Tribute To Paul Hart Following Fatal Newport Collision
Teenager Sentenced For Planning Isle Of Wight Festival Terrorist Attack
Isle Of Wight Gin Company Wins Medal At 2024 London Spirits Competition
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Isle Of Wight
Police Confirm Bembridge Beach Discovery 'Not Human Remains' Despite Reports To Contrary
Police Investigation Updated Following Discovery Of Body
Spitfires To Soar As Part Of D-Day Commemoration At IW Armed Forces Day
Another Accolade For Wight Knuckle Brewery At National Independent Beer Awards
Uninsured, Unlicensed And Unruly: Man Charged Following Newport Collision
Monitoring Equipment To Be Installed On Leeson Road Next Week
Free Swimming Sessions Available For Isle Of Wight Residents
MISSING: Alan Souter, 62, From Freshwater
More Than 2,500 Vehicles Seized Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight
