Norfolk and Waveney Mind confirms new mental health support following the closure of Access Community Trust. Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
Norfolk and Waveney Mind has confirmed that new sessions and support groups are now available following the closure of Lowestoft-based Access Community Trust (ACT) a month ago.
The Access Community Trust logo. Image: Access Community Trust (Image: Access Community Trust)
The trust ceased trading on February 25, with 96 staff losing their jobs on payday while numerous services have been badly affected.
This included the Steam House cafés in Gorleston and King’s Lynn, which provided important local mental health support.
Now, Norfolk and Waveney’s leading mental health support charity is reassuring the community that “you are not alone, and support remains available”.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind confirms new mental health support following the closure of Access Community Trust. Groups poster. Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
A Norfolk and Waveney Mind spokesman said: “In response to the sudden closure and the gaps it has created, we have moved quickly to put additional mental health support in place across the region, ensuring that help is still accessible to those who need it.”
In recent days this has seen senior members of the Mind team meeting and speaking directly with people affected in east Norfolk and Waveney.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind confirms new mental health support following the closure of Access Community Trust. East support groups. Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
The spokesman added: “We know that co-production is vital, and these conversations are helping us understand what the community needs now and in the longer term.
“This insight will directly shape how we design and deliver our services, ensuring we can do the very best for local people.”
Norfolk and Waveney Mind confirms new mental health support following the closure of Access Community Trust. East support groups. Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
In West Norfolk, anyone who previously accessed the Steam House hub café in King’s Lynn can now receive face‑to‑face mental health support at the REST Hub in King’s Lynn on the High Street.
The hub is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm, and Saturday 10am–2pm, operating on a drop‑in basis with no appointment needed.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind has established a full programme of support groups and pop‑up mental health drop‑ins across Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind confirms new mental health support following the closure of Access Community Trust. East support groups. Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind (Image: Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
These sessions – with timetables above – provide on‑the‑day wellbeing support, information and signposting for anyone affected or feeling uncertain following ACT’s closure.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind is also working closely with the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board to relocate its REST Hub to the former Gorleston Steam café site in early May.
To access any Norfolk and Waveney Mind services, call 0300 330 5488 or visit www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
If urgent support is needed, please contact NHS 111 option 2, Samaritans on 116 123, or emergency services on 999.