A charity operating from on a barge on the Thames has opened a new land-based community hub for people with mental health problems.
Cathja’s Kitchen Table, in High Street, Brentford , is somewhere people with long and short-term mental health issues can drop in to talk about their problems.
It also houses a charity shop raising money for the Friends of Cathja, which provides art therapy on board a Dutch barge moored in Isleworth for those with mental health problems.
Rin Roche, of the charity, said she hoped the new venue at the old Motorwise MOT centre would help both those with long-term mental health problems and those who are vulnerable, including people who have recently lost their jobs.
"There will be space for people to sit and have a coffee, and we will try to refer people to Cathja or to outer services which could help them," she told getwestlondon .
She said the community hub was available for use by other local charities and organisations, and may host drama workshops and cookery classes in future.
The new venue was officially opened on Wednesday February 10 by Lord Nicholas Rea and his wife Judith.
It was partially funded by Hounslow Council, and the rent was heavily discounted by the developer Ballymore, which owns the building.
Cathja’s Kitchen Table is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.
Volunteers are still needed, particularly a van driver who can help with deliveries and collections. If you can help, email cathja99@hotmail.com or call Friends of Cathja on 020 8560 8360.
