July 2018 – The national charity Mind runs a wellbeing service that offers counselling and training to people of all ages in Greater Manchester facing mental health issues. A core part of this facility is the Mind and Topaz Café which provides over 200 meals per week.
Fareshare Greater Manchester has been providing weekly food deliveries, inducing fresh fruit and vegetables to the Topaz Café since November 2016. The café serves all vegetarian meals to promote the positive impact that a healthy diet can have on people’s mental health.
Paul Garside, the cafe’s manager, says:
“The food we receive from FareShare keeps the café going, the essence of the café is that people feel comfortable and supported, allowing them to talk to someone and access more support if they need it. Its an open, welcoming space for people for come and enjoy food together where no one will judge them.”
The Mind and Topaz Café also welcomes food volunteers to support in the food service and prep, providing work experience in the service industry whilst accessing the support that they from Mind. One such volunteer is Jenna, who is accessing the services of Mind to support her with a learning disability. Jenna said “I do the pot wash and make the salads and prepare meals. I feel that I have lost weight since I started working here as I am eating so healthily and I feel much better for it. It’s a really nice place to work and I get on with all thee people who work here, it’s a good community.”
