The Sunflowers Café at Goodmayes hospital recently celebrated its first anniversary.

Since opening, the café has served as a vital social hub, demonstrating the values of kindness, respect, and working with communities, which are integral to NELFT. It provides a welcoming space outside the clinical setting for staff, patients, families, carers, and friends.

The café’s team includes Ola, Adam, and Sahil former users of service from Morris Ward, who were trained as baristas through Redemption Roasters, a social enterprise focused on reducing reoffending in the UK. Morris Ward, a low secure unit with longer-term patients, was specifically chosen for the programme due to its suitability for extended training opportunities. Plans are underway to expand the initiative.

Ola said:

“It’s a great place to develop transferable skills, meet people and keep busy. I now have experience that I can reference for future job applications - thank you for the opportunity to work here.” 

The café’s impact extends beyond employment. Staff appreciate having access to quality food and beverages onsite, reducing the need for offsite trips.

Toby Morrison, independent mental health advocate from Voiceability, an independent charity that provides advocacy and involvement services said:

“The café has helped to build more of a community within the unit, a central place where everyone can pass each other and say hello, which in turn has meant that staff are more familiar with who I am. It also provides a space for service users to get together as a community and acts as an extension of the community meetings that they hold.”  

The café also serves as a space for service users to spend time with their family and friends when they visit, providing a safe and supportive environment.

Keiran Mahoney, Occupational Therapist Lead, said:

“The cafe is a great space to get a change of scenery and some headspace, which has made a huge difference to staff health and wellbeing here at Sunflower’s Court. For service users who are in the unit, watching Adam, Ola and Sahil working, is inspirational. The benefits of the cafe are there for everyone - staff, patients and visitors, it has made a real difference to everyone here.”