Café culture: Relationships, skills and purpose at the GAMH Community Hub
The café at the GAMH Community Hub, our mental health recovery space in Glasgow, is where people meet and get to know one another. However, the café is much more than just a place to come together, as we discovered when we spoke with GAMH’s Annie Baker and people attending the Hub.
The heart of the GAMH Community Hub
“The café and kitchen are the beating heart of the GAMH Community Hub. It’s where we gather, chat, eat, and get to know each other.”
Annie is a Project Worker, based in the Community Hub in Glasgow. She is part of the team that helps the mental health recovery efforts of those supported by GAMH.
“Every day we prepare and serve lunch in the café, with people and staff working side by side. Providing tasty, nutritious food is not just good for people’s physical and mental health – everyone gets together at lunch time to socialise.”
“By volunteering their time in the kitchen and cafe, people can gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.”
The café at the GAMH Community Hub: A place to learn and test new skills
“For lots of people, the idea of working in a commercial kitchen might sound daunting. Some feel that they don’t have the skills or know-how, or that a kitchen might be too noisy and fast-paced for them. But there’s space for everyone to get involved and learn something new.”
The Community Hub is central to GAMH’s efforts to help people build connections, learn new skills and foster the resilience to take positive steps forward in their recovery. The café and kitchen offer a realistic yet safe environment for people to try things they might have previously thought impossible.
“Our focus is on helping people expand their knowledge of nutrition, cooking and developing practical skills. People attending the GAMH Community Hub can learn and practice skills like cooking, cashing up, completing stock takes, or planning the week’s menu. They can then take those skills into other employment or volunteering opportunities.”
Getting out of your comfort zone
Zoe, a GAMH Community Hub participant, volunteers in the kitchen. For Zoe, the café kitchen is a chance to get out of her comfort zone.
“I’ve been saying for a long time that it’s something I want to do, to get used to the different sensory things in a kitchen. Here, it’s a safe space to try things.”
“I’ve found that cooking isn’t as intimidating as I thought. People here are willing to show you the basics. There’s room for experimentation and error. I made Brazilian chocolate truffles recently, and they were easy! I would never have thought so before I did it.”
Contributing to the community at the Hub café
Working in kitchen cafe at the GAMH Community Hub offers the chance to be part of a team and not just an individual. Participants can build routine and structure, and through working together, develop a renewed sense of purpose and value.
Chris has become a crucial part of the kitchen team, leading the post-lunch service clean.
“Initially, I got involved because I felt it was only fair that everyone should do their part to help keep the place running smoothly. Over time, however, I have come not only to enjoy the experience but also to find it surprisingly rewarding.”
“It makes me feel valued and part of a team, deepens my sense of connection to the Hub, and gives me a sense that I am making a contribution to the community.”
Practical help on the path to mental health recovery
The kitchen is a place where people can share their skills with others, too. Ina has been a kitchen stalwart for many years and runs one-to-one baking lessons for those interested in learning to bake.
“I like showing people it’s not as hard as they think it is and sharing what I know. We do it on a one-to-one basis so folks can learn all the steps and ask questions.”
“We had a member who had never baked anything before – he did a lesson, and then he made a birthday cake for his son!”
Ina is a great example of how the Hub café allows individuals to learn new skills that will support future opportunities in the community. Through her volunteer work at the GAMH Community Hub, Ina completed her Level One Food Hygiene Certificate.
Every day, the Hub is a vibrant example of how important relationships, learning and a sense of purpose are for mental health recovery. If you are recovering from mental health problems and are looking for support, you can learn more about GAMH’s services for Adults, Young People and Carers, and how to be referred by your GP.
Already supported by GAMH and interested in the Community Hub? To find out more about opportunities at the GAMH Community Hub, complete a contact form or speak to your usual GAMH contact.
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