Better Days Cafe in Ventnor to help Islanders' mental health

The new 'inclusion hub' will also be a safe, warm space offering mental health support, workshops and advice for anyone who feels 'invisible' or who struggles with the challenges of everyday life.

Scroll down to see Kirsty's video appeal...

Community champion Kirsty Chapman has rallied support from a team of volunteers to work towards opening the Better Days Cafe in Ventnor, and established a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.

She has secured the keys to the old Central Hotel, prominently positioned opposite the town's main car park. Coincidentally, she used to be the landlady of the former pub.

It is a huge space, but an empty shell, and needs work to get it suitable for its intended use.

Kirsty hopes it will house a cafe and a 'charity shop' to raise funds to keep it running, and there will be multiple workshops for people to tap into.

• Find Better Days Cafe on Facebook, pop in at 64 High Street or go to the donation page on Just Giving which has already raised more than £1,000.

Kirsty said: "People with mental health issues and learning disabilities are the invisible, often feeling socially excluded and lonely.

"A large amount of these people will never have worked, worn uniform or felt part of a team.

"The Better Days Cafe aims to train and offer work to these people promoting inclusion and alleviating loneliness."

Kirsty has so far been unable to open a bank account in the present climate but is applying for funding from various sources.

She needs volunteers to help her, from people who can organise fundraising events, to people who can help her secure funding.

She also welcomes anyone who can offer their services from cleaning to decorating to marketing.

She is already talking to No Barriers about providing work experience, and hopes to collaborate with Ryde Umbrella Hub, which will include mindfulness for children and art therapy.