The NHS in the West Midlands is set to boost mental health support for people in crisis to ease demand and pressure on emergency services, as part of extensive winter plans already underway.

NHS England is investing £10 million in further support for mental health trusts this winter, as demand for crisis mental health services has increased by one third since before the pandemic and doubled since 2017.

The Cosy Café is a partnership between Black Country Healthcare, Dudley Voices for Choice and Lunch on the Run. The Café provides a warm and welcoming space for the community throughout the winter.

Launched on Tuesday 6 December, the Café will be open every Tuesday and Thursday, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, over the next few months. People can spend time away from their cold homes and have a warm food and drink, for free, during this time. It is designed to help people who may be struggling as the cost-of-living crisis continues and winter bites.

Not only is it creating a warm and welcoming space, the Cosy Café has also created employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. They will be joined by volunteers who are giving up their time to help make it a success.

Wendy Ewins, Head of Commissioning and Case Management for Learning Disabilities and Autism at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many people will be struggling as winter hits, so we wanted to create a place that could help to ease some of those difficulties for our communities.

“Not only is the Cosy Café offering much-needed support, it is also creating paid work opportunities for our citizens who have learning disabilities or who are autistic. They face significant barriers to access employment, so we hope this opportunity will give them experience and confidence for the future.

“It’s great to work with our partners in Dudley to create the Cosy Café and I want to thank the volunteers who have donated their time to help.

“I urge anyone who needs time away from a cold home or simply a friendly face to chat to over a cup of tea, to come along to the Cosy Café where you are guaranteed a warm welcome.”

Sarah Thompson, who volunteers at the Cosy Café, said: “At the café I help to serve food and have also helped set up a directory of safe places so people who come along know of places they can go if they need further help.

“The Cosy Café is also a place of refuge for people who may be struggling with their mental health. It’s a place of no judgement, where people can talk about their concerns. By creating a warm, welcoming, and safe space, we can help people before they reach crisis point.

“The Cosy Café is also having a really positive impact on the young people who have gained employment and you can see their confidence grow.

“Volunteering is very humbling as you are touching people’s lives and can see the impact it is making.”

Giles Tinsley, Programme Director for Mental Health at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “Getting support to people suffering a mental health crisis quickly is critical. The NHS is helping twice the number of people experiencing a crisis compared to five years ago.

“This is thanks to the rollout of 24/7 crisis support phone lines meaning thousands of people across the Midlands are receiving the support they need without having to go to A&E. Initiatives such as The Cosy Café offer an invaluable service to the communities they are based in.

“If you are struggling with your mental health, do seek help from the NHS by referring yourself online to our world-leading talking therapies service. Or if you are in a crisis, you can call your local helpline 24/7.”

Find information and support for your mental health, including urgent help and how to access NHS psychological services this winter.