Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: Wellness Café is a safe space for Derby women

Ever since 2001, Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week.

It is seen as a time to shine a light on the topic of mental health, getting individuals and communities to talk about it openly.

The aim is to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their and others' mental health.

In Derby, An Nisa Events is a community interest company (CIC).

They work hard to champion mental health for vulnerable women and those who need help the most, not just during Mental Health Awareness Week, but all year round.

Women’s Wellness and Healing is an event run by Salma Zhaid and Rizwana Yusuf.

The two-hours’ long session runs from 10am till 12pm every Thursday at a local Derby café.

Hosted by Insomnia coffee shop in one of their community rooms, the organisers have created a safe forum for women who may be suffering from stress, anxiety and isolation, or who lack confidence and want to explore civic duties and give back to the community.

The inclusive event is welcoming and friendly, typically hosting between 10 to 20 attendees per session.

People get what they want from the wellbeing café session.

For some, it could be a time to get out of the house and speak to someone, especially if they haven’t spoken to anyone all day.

For others, it is a safe space where they can voice thoughts, concerns and potentially seek help too.

Attendees from all cultures are welcome, including Asian and Muslim communities who may otherwise be experiencing language barriers.

Salma, from Derby, is a therapist and coach for women and a keen advocate for wellbeing.

She said: “The community space behind Insomnia is for all women, they can even bring their children.

“We have arts and crafts to keep the little ones entertained.

“We offer mini-workshops, talk about self-help techniques to empower women and help them become more social.

“Since lockdown, many women have experienced isolation, their confidence levels and esteem dropping as a result.

“We are helping women to help themselves so they can lead full and fulfilling lives themselves.

“Some women need therapy, in which case we refer them to the right people.

“We also offer 1-2-1 socials, so if they just want a chat if they don’t feel comfortable in a group setting, we do this too.

“It is a safe and open space for women to come and talk about everything including taboo subjects, from struggling children to mental health.

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“Mental health is a growing issue in our society and women are particularly affected.

“We see the link between women's mental health and the lack of jobs and earnings due to lack of resilience and confidence to gain qualifications.

“Our work helps women to deal with their traumas, build their confidence and self-esteem, and become independent and financially stable.

“We hold open spaces for them to express themselves and learn, and we also hold family trips and community events too.”

Women’s Wellness and Healing Café takes place every Thursday from 10am till 12pm, at Insomnia coffee shop.

The address is: Insomnia Coffee Company (Central Co-op), 471-473 Burton Road, Littleover, Derby DE23 6FQ

For more information and updates about the event, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.