Found off busy Upper Street, the Islington Recovery Cafe offers a quiet escape for those in need of support. It’s a safe, welcoming environment for anyone going through tough times, whether you’re dealing with trauma, in a moment of crisis or just in need of a chat. We speak to Rachel Jasper, director of complex needs at Hestia – the charity who runs the cafe on the council’s behalf – to find out more

What can people expect when they visit the Recovery Cafe?

When you arrive at the Islington Recovery Cafe, you’ll be greeted with warmth and compassion from one of the trained members of staff, who will stress that there are no expectations or pressure. We work with you to ensure you find the help that’s best for you, be it a one-on-one in a quiet space or one of our group sessions. There’s also the option to join various activities such as yoga, arts and crafts and quiz nights. We’ll offer you a cup of tea or a coffee to make you feel more at home, and space to share your experiences. You can come for a single session or keep coming for longer if you’d like.

Why is the Recovery Cafe needed?

Mental health is finally being talked about and getting the attention it needs. With the cost of living crisis and increase in social media use, more people than ever are finding themselves in need of support, which is why it’s vital for there to be systems in place to help. I remember one person who visited the Islington Recovery Cafe saying they were “in a dark tunnel, and Hestia staff came with a torch and walked with me to the light”. That really stayed with me.

What sort of training do staff have, to deal with people in mental health crisis?

It’s clear from the feedback we’ve had from people who have come in that what truly sets the Islington Recovery Cafe apart is our team of staff, who are trained to understand a wide range of mental health issues. Many of us have lived experiences and understanding of trauma, which allows us to relate more easily to the people who come here. The team takes a ‘trauma-informed’ approach, which means we focuson understanding and compassion, rather than judgement, making sure everyone who walks through the door feels heard and is safe.

What are your hopes for the future?

More than anything, we are hoping to continue the conversation on mental health and ensure people know that this option is available to them if they feel down or need a chat. We can also help them know where to go from there, including signposting to other services. We opened most of our services during the pandemic era, when the need for mental health services really shot through the roof – and many of our current health services are struggling with the demand. We just hope to keep on helping people as best we can.  

The Islington Recovery Cafe is open every weekday, 6–10pm, and 2–6pm on weekends. The cafe is based at the Elfrida Society, 34 Islington Park Street, N1 1PX. You don’t need a referral or to book in advance, just drop by. If you prefer to chat on the phone, you can reach them on 073 8411 7241. Visit the Hestia website to find out more.