A new Tayside community caf is hoping to “break down the barriers” surrounding alcohol, drugs and mental health issues.
The Well Bean Caf in Montrose, which has opened as an alcohol and drug-free venue for those who need it most, welcomed 70 people at its recent launch.
Volunteers at the project have been inspired by help they received through recovery, at places like the R&R Recovery Caf in Dundee, Serenity in Edinburgh, and the Hope Caf in Lanarkshire.
The steering group, which has spent several months planning the venture, consists of people who have struggled with issues along with local service providers such as the Angus Alcohol and Drugs Project (ADP).
It is hoped that those who are helped by the project will themselves volunteer.
ADP development officer Laura Ogilvie said organisers would like the concept to take root elsewhere in the county.
“There are recovery cafs in other areas and a couple of people who were supported through their recovery in Angus wanted to take the idea on,” she said. “We want to break down the barriers and promote wellbeing throughout our community.
“We are targeting people in mental health, drug and alcohol recovery but anyone is welcome to come along.
“We are really pleased we had plenty of tea because we didn’t expect to be so busy on our first day.”
Councillor David May said he was “delighted” at the new development.
“In our towns there is a growing need for support of this kind,” he said.
“There is immediate help available to people at least once a week, and someone to talk to who maybe has the expertise to help further.
“While we have great institutions that help those in difficulty, they maybe aren’t always as reactive as they could be.”
The Well Bean, running at Melville South Church Hall in Castle Street, will open every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm.
Volunteering opportunities are available for people in recovery who are keen to provide peer support to others and learn new skills.