The Kitchen Table aims to challenge the stigma of mental health in Tunbridge Wells


Tunbridge Wells charity, Crossways Community, have today announced the opening of their latest project ‘The Kitchen Table’. The first of its kind, the café is open to everyone but will be a versatile modern space designed to reach those in the community who are experiencing concerns around their mental wellbeing and need a listening ear.

Launching in January, the centrally located community café hopes to provide early and accessible help, information and support for families and the wider community to support local services and combat the stigma of talking about mental health.
West Kent has the highest prevalence of neurotic disorder, depression and anxiety in Kent (Kent Mental Health Needs Assessment 2014). An estimated 44,558 people in West Kent have a ‘common’ mental health problem, including phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression and stress, which has caused great pressure on local mental health services.

Christopher Munday, CEO of Crossways Community says,

“West Kent is one of the most affluent areas in county of Kent and as such it can be easy to overlook areas of relative deprivation and communities that are marginalised. There are high levels of health inequalities, depression and anxiety due to stigma, discrimination and poor access to services.”

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Working for better mental health in the community