Why Mosaic matters to Matt

 A warm and calmly lit front room with a bookshelf, bean-bags, sofa, a deep-pile rug and a hot drink sitting on the coffee table. It sounds nice doesn’t it? Well, it’s exactly what welcomes people who use the new Evening Sanctuary (a Lambeth Living Well Collaborative venture) based at Mosaic Clubhouse, hosts of the Living Well Partnership.

Those who turn up at A&E, unable to cope in the evenings have the opportunity to be referred to the sanctuary in Brixton and have a chat to support workers as well as peer supporters who have lived experience of mental illness.

When I first heard about the evening sanctuary I was on board straight away. It was just another example of how services in Lambeth are working together for the benefit of people suffering with mental ill-health. The evening starts at 6pm and runs up till 2am. At the moment it is open to referrals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

At 6pm, part of the Mosaic café transforms into a snug with all the creature comforts of a family sitting room. It really is a sight to see. They have also installed a moveable wall which removes all the echo and acoustics further adding to the comfy feel.

I have been fortunate that I have been there when someone has turned up to use the service. I know myself, it really is helpful to have people who have the time to sit and listen and help you through difficulties. I have seen people come in, nervous and anxious and after a cuppa and a long natter they are more focused and less stressed. The feedback we have had speaks for itself too. Everyone has found it beneficial and some of those people have become Clubhouse members to make use of all Mosaic and its partners have to offer.

Click here for more information from Mosaic Clubhouse

Click here for more information about the Evening Sanctuary

Matt Levine