A CAFÉ billing itself as a “self-sustaining and ethical community and arts space” is set to open its doors, in Barry, in March.

The Well-Bean Cafe, in the Golau Caredig extra care facility, in Broad Street, is aiming to be an all-inclusive space which serves as a venue helping to combat social isolation.

The café is also hoping for a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Director of Cardiff & Vale Wellbeing, Pierre Codron, together with on-placement youth and community student Naomi Powell, have set up the café and are looking to recruit volunteers who could give some time to help out.

Ms Powell will also run the Thrift project which will focus on recycling and upcycling.

Mr Codron, 46, of Barry, said: “The café is a community interest company (CIC); not for profit social enterprise.

“As well as running a normal café we will be providing access to mental health services.

“The concept came about four years ago when I was looking at mental health services and saw there were not enough services for people to access.

“My ultimate vision was to do it as a CIC.

“The idea with the Well Bean Café is that we will be self-sustainable.”

The Home Office, Wales Council For Voluntary Action (WCVA), and Cardiff Airport are among those to have contributed to costs so far.

The café will offer the usual coffee, teas, sandwiches, and paninis, as well as vegan cakes.

They also plan cheese and wine evenings and afternoon teas and are looking at linking up with the Memo Arts Centre, in Gladstone Road, to provide pre-show meal and drink offers.

“Adding the Vale to our services was always in the business plan,” Mr Codron said. “It’s logical to be in the centre of Barry.

“I really want it to be open to everyone.

“The idea of the café is also to combat social isolation and we are looking for people to just sit and have a coffee – so active listening is a good quality for volunteers to have.

“We also want to signpost people to other services.”

Mr Codron said they would also be launching a Sleep Well, Be Well initiative stressing the importance of sleep and its impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Travellers In Mind, whose Barry railway station base is now closed, have expressed an interest in displaying art and a woman has said she would like to establish a menopause group at the café.

Ms Powell said the Thrift project would involve people recycling and reusing old materials and furniture.

She said old paints and brushes and fabrics would be welcome donations for enabling anyone to upcycle items.

A seamstress would be a welcome addition to the team.

The Well-Bean Café will hold an open day, from 12pm to 9pm on Saturday, February 29 where anyone can find out more information about its work, projects, groups, and find out how to get involved.

For information, email hello@cardiffandvalewellbeing.wales

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