Wellness cafe would be sanctuary in city
Crowdfunding bid for new enterprise
Four individuals from Perth with a shared interest in mental and physical good health are gearing up to bring the city a new wellness cafe.
Andy and Jess Douglas of Scotland All-Strong gym, Linda Fisken, founder of mental health support group Linda’s Ladies, and Katie Edgar of Perth social enterprise Well Minds Listening, are preparing a lottery grant application to start up ‘The Well of Perth’ cafe in the city.
The group want to open from one of the vacant building’s in the middle of Perth High Street.
“We’re planning to set up The Well of Perth, where you’d find quality coffee, cakes and comfy chairs,” explained Andy, whose All-Strong Gym on Scott Street promotes physical activity, mindful relaxation and peer exchange.
During lockdown with the gym having to shut, he and wife Jess created an app for members which offered fitness, relaxation and extended to writing and arts activities to help people deal with the frustration of being kept inside during coronavirus.
He said the cafe plan was an “organic extension” to where this had been heading.
Andy added: “The Well of Perth cafe would include an art studio and gallery.
“There is a courtyard space we imagine being covered over.
“There would be books, resources, and a touch-screen signposting service.
“A real innovation would be having an in-house listening service which Katie Edgar has experience of running, in a separate and private, although equally comfy and accessible space.
“We also plan to offer weekly creative workshops, including arts, writing, public speaking, music and comedy.
“Local and national guest speakers could be invited and we’d facilitate inter-generational projects, and community project planning.
“We envision that this will be a place for everyone, and will be an ideal place to relax, connect and find inspiration.”
The group has started a crowdfunding campaign and applied for lottery grant funding.
If successful, the project could be operational before Christmas.
“Our ‘wellbeing cafe’ will be both a sanctuary in the city and a positive force in supporting individuals and the community in order to thrive,” added Jess Douglas.
The page has an ambitious £50,000 target and just under 40 days left to attract supporters.
Gym instructor Andy set out his motivation on The Well of Perth page:
“Having seen many lives cut short, and the quality significantly compromised, by poor choices made in reaction to stress, life challenges and events, and common mental health conditions, I am determined to create an enterprise that is both a welcoming and highquality cafe, a sanctuary in the city for everyone, that also facilitates positive change towards not only being well but thriving - as individuals and as a community.”
He told the PA: “I don’t mind saying, I struggle personally.
“Knowing my gym clients and hearing what they tell me, there is a need for something like this in Perth.
“We have the backing of the council, the Health and Social Care Partnership is keen and the YMCA has given us their support.
“There are clinical services available to people going through crisis, we are not proposing to be a crisis service. We know Perth already has this covered.
“We plan to offer a safe space, where it’s OK to be if you are not feeling great, somewhere to build resilience, to find wellness. Perth has a gap which we could fill.”
Go to the website https://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/the-well-of-perth for all information on the crowdfunder and to donate.