Mind Jersey: Mental health drop-in centre doing 'vital' work

Conor James said when he first heard about the service "it took me ages to take that first step"

A user of a mental health charity drop-in centre in Jersey says the service has been "vital" for him.

Conor James said he was "in a constant state of fight-or-flight" but the centre had taught him "there are people here who love and support me".

Mind Jersey opened the service on Seale Street in 2022 to help those over 18 struggling with their mental health.

It urged people from "every single nation" to seek support at the centre if needed.

Mr James now volunteers with the charity.

'Terrified'

He said he "went through a rough patch when I had a serious brain injury" in 2018.

"I was just terrified of going outside and meeting people.

"But then I heard about the drop-in centre and I was invited to come in but it took me ages to take that first step.

"But then I finally came in and from there I've gone from strength-to-strength."

The drop-in centre, which is open 10:00-16:00 Monday-Friday, gives people somewhere to sit, have a hot drink and talk.

Paulina Lawida wants more people from different communities to know about the work the centre does

It also signposts people on to further support if they want extra help.

The 32-year-old said it had changed his life: "I was in a constant state of fight-or-flight but this place taught me that the world isn't a horrible place and there are people here who love and support me.

"I get lost for words thinking about how vital it has been for me to come here."

• BBC Action Line - Information and Support: Mental Health

Paulina Lawida, who is a peer support co-ordinator at the drop-in centre, said she wanted more people from different communities to have a look.

"People from every single nation is welcome at Mind Jersey.

"We've got Portuguese and Polish speakers here to talk to people from different backgrounds, to help people, because I think the language barrier is still a massive obstacle for people.

"As a Polish speaker - I want to reassure people from that community that we are here for you and the door is always open but that also goes for all nationalities too."