Scotland’s first Hope Hub will open in Dundee on Thursday to provide a safe space where people with mental health issues can support one another.
The event is being held in Blend Coffee Lounge to coincide with World Mental Health Day and will conclude a six-week mental health project, known as Foolish Optimism.
The initiative was spearheaded by Tayside charity Front Lounge.
Foolish Optimism volunteers will share their experiences at the Hope Hub by presenting their short films, made to spread awareness for World Mental Health Day.
The films are intended to spark discussion and offer practical advice, with topics including two friends discussing “things to live for”.
Leigh Addis, a volunteer at Foolish Optimism, said: “A Hope Hub was the idea that a group of people with mental health issues can get together in a place that they feel safe.
“We want the Hope Hub to be run by people who had experienced mental health issues because they’re the only ones that are going to know.
“It’s a safe space to get together so they don’t have to go through this alone.”
Local organisations will be providing entertainment, including music from Drumdee and craft activities from Art Angel.
Front Lounge is raising funds to introduce more Hope Hubs in Scotland and to set up a Hope Forum, so youngsters can help shape future policy on mental health services across Tayside.
Chika Inatimi, project leader at Front Lounge, said: The films have been fantastic, with each one different from the next.
“Each week, we engaged new audiences and helped spark different discussions between individuals but also different groups throughout the city.
“We’ve had people podcasting, blogging and just getting in touch about the films, they have made a really huge impact.
“Coffee shops bring people together so we thought we’d welcome everyone in, whatever their situation or story, and create what we hope will be the first of many Hope Hubs in Scotland.”
Derrick Thames, director of Blend Coffee Lounge, said: “When the opportunity came along for us to partner with Front Lounge, it was perfect.
“For us, as with them, mental health is health, and we want to support those in our city who are dedicated to such work in any way we can.
“We are very excited about the event but even more so for the development of a Hope Hub in Dundee and hopefully more across the country.”
The free event will take place from 6 to 9pm on Thursday in Blend Coffee Lounge, Reform Street, Dundee.
