Ruby Wax’s ‘Frazzled Café’, a mental health drop in, is due to arrive in Newcastle
A partnership between comedian Ruby Wax and Marks and Spencer, has launched a new not for profit enterprise called ‘Frazzled Cafe.’
Frazzled Cafes aim to give shoppers a space to talk, share experiences and escape the stresses of everyday life. After a pilot in London, this new initiative is coming to Marks and Spencer on Northumberland street in Newcastle.
Ruby Wax has recently written two successful books entitled ‘Sane New World’ and ‘Frazzled.’ Her latest book and subsequent tour explores mindfulness and techniques that can be used in everyday life.
The café will be manned by trained volunteers, and whilst they are not replacement for therapy it aims to provide people with another space to talk.
Daniel Himsworth from Marks and Spencer said: “Frazzled Cafe was successfully trialled in M&S offices and stores last year with the support of M&S as part of its Plan A eco and ethical initiative.
“The meetings are not therapy, their purpose is to provide a space where people can talk openly with others who understand how they are feeling – ‘a place where it’s ok, to not be ok.”
The café on Northumberland street in Newcastle is due to open in the next couple of months.
The frazzled cafés follow several mental health campaigns to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and to make people realise that they are not alone.
Time to change say that: “The attitudes of others stop people with mental health problems getting the help and support they need.
“Too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless. Together, we want everyone to open up about mental health; to talk and listen”
According to Mind, one in four people will experience mental illness at some time in their life. Ruby’s initiative through Frazzled café’s aims to give those with a mental health concern a place to ‘talk and share their personal stories, in a safe non judgemental environment.’
Sacha Berendji, Retail Director at Marks & Spencer said: “Ruby’s Frazzled Cafe is a simple, pressure-free way of tackling what can be a taboo subject – feeling stressed.
“We hope that by providing free and calm venues after the café has closed, we can help any members of the community who simply need to talk about things and what’s happening in their lives.”