The future of Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan’s cafe at Barry Train Station has been secured thanks to a new deal with Arriva Trains Wales. 

The cafe, which offers refreshments to train travellers as well as mental health advice and support, has been based at Barry Train Station for more than 20 years. Now a new peppercorn lease agreed with Arriva Trains Wales means that the charity can focus its spending on helping the community.

With the new lease in place, the café is expanding the services it offers. Already providing outside catering to clients including local schools and the Vale council, it is planning to offer the same for weddings and other social occasions.

 The café, run by volunteers, is also home to an art gallery, with exhibitions that change every two months. There is also a range of information about mental health conditions and services available.

Caroline Chapman, CEO of Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan, said: “I’m delighted that this new lease has been agreed. The cafe has become an integral part of the community over the past two decades and gives people the chance to talk about their mental health while grabbing a coffee on the way to work.

“The great thing about this location is that it helps to normalise the conversation about mental health.

“To have such a prominent site in the centre of Barry means that mental health isn’t being hidden away. With one in four people having a mental health problem in any given year, it’s important to talk about any issues you may be having and the café is a great place to do that.” 

Richard Martin, Station Manager at Barry Station for Arriva Trains Wales, added: “We know how important the work done by Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan is, so it’s brilliant that we’ve been able to agree this lease to support its future.

“Our customers see the café as a real community asset at Barry station.”