AFTER a choppy few months, members of a local group which aids mental wellbeing are coming out of isolation with fresh inspiration for their artworks and lives.

With the injection of more than £20,000 from People’s Health Trust, Independent Arts is putting its new venue to good use.

Independent Arts' Anxiety Cafe, based in Newport, provides an inclusive and hassle-free space for people on the Island living with anxiety.

Tea, cake and a chat are all on the menu.

With an hour of each two-hour session available to service users dedicated to art and creativity, the venue provides the space, inspiration, and materials to foster creativity.

The two-year project enables people experiencing depression and anxiety living on the Island to meet together on a regular basis and participate in social and creative activities.

Participants take the lead in running the cafe and decide everything about the programme, content and activities.

They find not only friendship, but inspiration.

Hannah Griffiths, community engagement manager, said: “People think they can move to the seaside and their troubles will go away, but really they move here with the same mental health issues but have a better view.

“The terror of walking into a new room with new people for the first time is something the whole team understand.

"We’ve all been there, but cups of tea work ­— the cafe itself was a working title that stuck.

"People also know what they’re getting into, so anxiety is reduced from the get-go."

Money toward the project was raised by Health Lottery South East.

Managing director, Martin Ellice, said: “The Health Lottery are proud to have raised money which goes to supporting the growth of community-led projects, harnessing existing resources and community spirit to support others.”

To find out more about Independent Arts' cafe project, visit www.independentarts.org.uk