Kindfulness Coffee Club
Sefton
June - September 2024
Project Information
Originating from an idea to support the local community’s mental health needs around a cafe environment, the Kindfulness Coffee Club (KCC) has been supporting the community of Bootle for over a decade.
The "Thinker Project" emerged from a recognised need within the community to address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. A recent six-week course, led by a visiting philosopher, explored the art of thoughtful discourse around mental health issues, aiming to equip participants with the tools to initiate and navigate these often-difficult conversations. The project proved exceptionally successful, resonating strongly with both young and older adults attending our drop-in groups. Participants expressed a clear desire for further sessions, highlighting the course's effectiveness in fostering a more open and supportive environment. Many felt that the tendency to avoid discussing mental wellbeing, or to dismiss it as "overthinking," often exacerbates individual struggles.
Building on this momentum, KCC sought to expand the "Thinker Project" by delivering a structured six-week programme during the summer period and applied to One Vision Housing's (OVH) Community Development Fund to cover the costs of the philosopher's sessions, venue hire, refreshments, and volunteer support.
About One Vision Housing (OVH)
We are an award-winning housing provider offering high quality, affordable housing across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. We currently manage over 14,400 properties across the region.
We provide a range of rental options from Social Housing and Private Rent, to Rent to Buy and commercial lettings of shops, creating equal opportunities for all. We were formed in October 2006, following a successful stock transfer from Sefton Council, and operate as a not-for-profit organisation, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing.
As a member of The Sovini Group, One Vision Housing believes in providing good quality, affordable homes for rent and to buy, helping to create thriving and inclusive communities. We work closely with partner organisations to build a better future for our customers, supporting thousands of beneficiaries each year.
Externally recognised as a leading provider of homes and services, One Vision Housing is graded G1 for Governance and V1 for Viability by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Our Approach
OVH's Community Development Fund is available for voluntary and community groups who want to deliver projects or services that benefit customers in our communities. The fund has been established to enable community and voluntary organisations to contribute to our vision for a better future. A total of £15,000 is available in the form of grants to voluntary/community groups.
The fund seeks to encourage community projects that contribute to the following five key themes: Vulnerable persons, support for local veterans, health & wellbeing, improved community safety, and community environmental initiatives.
Outcomes
The six-week "Thinker Project" was a great success for KCC, leaving a tangible positive impact on the community. Participants included a diverse group of young adults and older residents who engaged deeply with the philosophical discussions surrounding mental health. The course fostered a safe and supportive environment where individuals felt empowered to openly discuss their experiences and anxieties. Crucially, the project helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental wellbeing, as participants reported feeling more comfortable initiating conversations and seeking support. Many individuals expressed that the coping mechanisms and thought processes explored during the sessions provided them with valuable tools for managing their own mental health and supporting others.
The benefits extended beyond individual growth, strengthening the community as a whole. Participants formed stronger bonds, sharing experiences and offering mutual support. The project facilitated a greater understanding of mental health challenges, promoting empathy and reducing isolation. The "Thinker Project" demonstrated the power of facilitated philosophical discourse in addressing mental health stigma and fostering a more supportive and resilient local community, providing a model for future initiatives.
Around 30 local residents benefitted as a result of the initiative, generating £37,851* in social value according to the HACT Social Value Calculator.
Kindfulness Coffee Club Thinker Sessions - Attendee Quotes:
I really enjoy The Thinker sessions, it’s very thought provoking and helps us to see things from a different perspective. It is also interesting to hear how people have totally opposite views which we are encouraged to discuss objectively and with respect.
Several different scenarios are presented each week, and we are encouraged to look at different ways of looking at the subject. Everybody is encouraged to contribute if they wish. It is very well presented.
It broadens the mind and there is good interaction within the group. It is thought provoking and very worthwhile.
Nicola Day, Customer Experience Manager for One Vision Housing, said:
We were really pleased to support the Kindfulness Coffee Club with their 'Thinker Project'. This project resonated deeply with our values, demonstrating the transformative power of open dialogue and thoughtful engagement with mental health. Seeing the real difference it has made in the community reinforced our decision to support the project, and we're pleased to have been able to help.
*Social value figures subject to verification by HACT.