Spotlight on: The Grapevine Centre
This month, we’re talking to Emma Lewis at The Grapevine Centre, in Buxton, which is a recognised safe space for anyone struggling with their wellbeing or who has any mental health condition…
- WHAT DO YOU DO?
Grapevine Wellbeing Centre is an independent charity supporting adults across our community to improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing. We believe that connection, creativity and the natural environment can all play an important role in helping people move forward.
We offer free drop-in sessions and wellbeing groups five days a week, open to anyone aged 18 and over. There are no waiting lists or eligibility criteria, making our support accessible to those who need it most. Alongside our daytime programme, we host regular evening community talks to inspire conversations around health, wellbeing and personal growth.
Our mission is to reduce loneliness and isolation by providing a safe, welcoming space where people can find friendship, practical support and guidance, particularly during times of crisis or poor mental health. We help bridge the gap for those facing long NHS waiting lists or who have little or no support at home.
As the only service of its kind in the area, we pride ourselves on offering personalised, person-centred support that meets people where they are. Our ethos is simple: “The kettle is always on.” It reflects our belief that a warm welcome, a listening ear and genuine human connection can make all the difference.
- WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?
My hope is that everyone in Buxton and the surrounding areas knows what Grapevine Wellbeing Centre is and where to find us. I want Grapevine to be the first place people think of when they, or someone they care about, is feeling low, isolated or struggling with their mental health.
Accessing support can often feel overwhelming, with long waiting lists, complex referral processes and daunting first appointments. Sometimes, the first step towards feeling better is much simpler – a warm drink, a friendly face and someone who will listen without judgement.
This year we’ve launched our new Wellbeing Workspace, providing a calm, welcoming environment for people who work from home, are studying or want somewhere peaceful to focus on a personal project while remaining connected to others. As more people experience isolation despite being busy, we see this as an exciting opportunity to promote both productivity and wellbeing. The more reasons people have to walk through our doors, the more likely they are to feel comfortable returning if they need additional support in the future – or recommending us to someone who does.
Looking ahead, our longer-term ambition is to secure sustainable funding that allows us to open during evenings and weekends. These can be particularly difficult times for people experiencing poor mental health or loneliness – and extending our opening hours would enable us to provide support when it is needed most.
- HOW HAS HIGH PEAK CVS ASSISTED YOU?
High Peak CVS has been an invaluable source of support throughout our journey. They regularly help us identify funding opportunities and provide practical guidance with funding applications, helping us strengthen and sustain our services.
They have also supported us with volunteer recruitment, promoted our activities through their networks and have always been available with advice, encouragement and practical support whenever we’ve needed it. Their commitment to strengthening the voluntary sector has made a real difference to Grapevine and the wider community.
- HOW CAN ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED DO SO?
The best place to learn more about Grapevine Wellbeing Centre is our website, where you’ll find our up-to-date timetable of sessions, information about our services and all of our contact details.
Whether you’re looking for support, interested in volunteering, or would like to collaborate with us, we’d love to hear from you.
You can contact us by email at welcome@grapevinebuxton.com or call 01298 72965 to discuss your needs, ideas or how you can get involved.
At Grapevine, everyone is welcome. Whether you’re reaching out for support or looking to give something back to your community, there’s always a place for you and, of course, the kettle is always on.
