A new crisis recovery cafe has been created in Christchurch to offer people experiencing mental distress a calm, safe and welcoming place to turn before they reach breaking point.

The cafe, believed to be the first of its kind in the South Island, will open in the coming weeks.

Tucked away from the noise and rush of the city, the space has been designed as a gentle alternative for people needing support, conversation, quiet, or simply somewhere to be.

Operations manager Maree Hansen said the cafe would welcome people as they were.

“We will welcome anybody come in as you are,” Hansen said.

“This isn’t just any ordinary cafe.”

The service will be led by people with lived experience of trauma, mental distress and substance abuse disorder.

Odyssey House regional AOD consumer advisor Aaron Johnson said lived experience was central to the project.

“The great thing about this initiative is it’s lived experience for lived experience, so people that are in that governance role all have lived experience so we can put that relatability into the project.”

Hansen said her own experience of being unwell had shaped what she wanted the cafe to become.

“I know when I was really unwell and I was in Hillmorton you know that place was great for me it kept me safe but it wasn’t a nice environment to be in,” Hansen said.

“Where this place I want it to be a nice environment so people will come in and just relax you know and just talk with somebody that’s and let them know what’s happening for you.”

The cafe will include a kitchen, coffee machine, barista service and cabinet food.

Staff trained in peer support will work alongside people who come through the doors.

“It’s going to be a safe space there’s no judgment and you come as you are and so we will have highly trained staff peer staff that will sit beside them and walk them through their journey while they’re here.”

The space will also include a sensory room, fidget toys, weighted blankets, comfortable chairs, music and technology.

Johnson said the cafe would offer the kind of environment he wished had existed earlier.

“Facilities like this were never around in my day you know so I would think this is a perfect setting that people can feel welcome and safe and if they’re struggling that’s what we’re here for.”

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said people who had been through their own mental health journey had real power to help others.

“It’s a real strength and that’s what we’re tapping into here.”

The cafe has been designed to feel warm and dignified, rather than clinical.

Hansen said the space would give people options when they were in distress.

“Even though it’s you know for crisis and distress sometimes you just need to be distracted and that helps as well.”

Asked about the comfortable furniture, Hansen said it was part of the care being put into the cafe.

“Our people deserve the best so that’s what they’re going to get.”