The Colchester Crisis Café provides a safe and supportive space for people experiencing a mental health crisis. The Café is open to the residents of the Colchester area every evening between 5pm – 10pm. Access to the Café is by calling 0300 330 9492. There is also the option of referrals being made via the NHS 111 service (option 2).

The Café is there to support anyone experiencing a mental health crisis due to: anxiety and panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm that does not require medical treatment, depression, hearing voices, and post-traumatic stress disorder and associated crisis from complex trauma.

The team will be available to talk through the issues that have led to crisis and identify trigger points. Together with the individual the team will work on coping mechanisms and put strategies in place to prevent a crisis reoccurring. Working with their networks individuals will be supported to take positive steps to leading a happier and healthier life. Individuals will be given information about other places to go during the day so they feel supported at all times.  The Café offers breakaway rooms to facilitate one to one chats.

Unfortunately, children cannot accompany anyone to the Café but telephone and face to face appointments are available. We operate a strict substance policy, if anyone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol they will not be able to access the Café.