Former Wishaw cinema transformed into well-being cafe by mental health association

A new community cafe is set to open in Wishaw next week.

Food For Thought will be a well-being cafe and run by Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH).

The facility will be housed in the old Classic Cinema on Kirk Road, a grade C listed building.

The project has been delayed multiple times over the last two years because of coronavirus, but LAMH CEO Hugh Cairns is excited about next week's opening.

He said: "We first bought the building two years ago and when we arrived it wasn't in the best of states.

"We have had to do a lot of work to make it the right place for us and be a welcoming environment.

The building is a grade C listed building that was previously a cinema (Wishaw Press)

"Food For Thought is an idea we have had for a while and to see it all coming together and be so close to opening is really great.

"This is a place for the local community to come and enjoy hot food or a tea and a coffee and just relax and unwind.

"We will have competitive prices in order to really try and get local people in."

A lot of work has gone into transforming the cafe as the building was left derelict for some time (Wishaw Press)

Food For Thought will allow those who may be feeling down or confused about their mental health and wellbeing to chat to others who know what they are experiencing.

The cafe will offer support throughout, as well as classes such as yoga and tai chi.

It is also going to offer a "pay it forward" scheme, which will allow people to put money aside for someone else who may not be able to afford a hot meal.

Well-being workers, such as Carlyn Martin and Kirsty Kerr, will be on hand at the cafe (Wishaw Press)

Hugh said: "Around the building, there are signs about how to look after your mental health and wellbeing, as well as wellbeing staff who are on-site to talk about how you are feeling.

"We will also be running a scheme that allows people to pay for someone less fortunate to have a hot meal and a drink.

"If you need to use this scheme there will be a board with magnets, simply take a magnet up to the counter and you will be given food and a drink.

"The classes we are looking to run are also aimed at promoting positive wellbeing. These will be free for a short time but we will incur a small charge after a short few months, but it will be much cheaper than most places.

"We want local people to tell us what they want to see from the cafe, such as classes and stuff. They can email ideas or thoughts to foodforthought@lamh.org.uk"

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