IT might look like a regular high street cafe, but behind the scenes it is also a lifeline for people with mental health conditions.

Bailey’s on Barrack Road in Christchurch is run by the Richmond Fellowship which provides a range of services for people recovering from, or living with, mental illness.

Alongside the community cafe there is also a picture framing service and computer skills training suite, all run by volunteers who have mental health difficulties.

Sue Butler, deputy service manager explains: “Working here gives people self-esteem and provides them with a routine.

“Routine is particularly important in recovery from mental illness and also helps with team building skills.”

“It not only helps them to manage their life and to give them a better quality of life, it also gives them hope of a recovery,” adds Sue. “Mental illness particularly affects a person’s self confidence and this is a way of building it up again.”

And it’s not just the staff who have had personal experience of mental health issues. Many of their customers have too.

“They know they can come here and be amongst people who understand and can give them immediate support. For some of them this could be the one constant in their life.”

Jennifer Noding who works in the cafe was diagnosed with bi-polar two years ago: She says: “I feel as if I am giving something back. Coming here gives me structure to my day.

“It also really helps to know that you are amongst people who understand what you are going through.”

Jon Bevan who works as an IT tutor once a week, also has bi-polar and became unwell when he was made redundant told the Echo: “I wanted to do something useful and to meet people.”

His pupil Val Quentin says: “Jon is an excellent tutor. When I first came here I could barely switch my computer on but Jon has taught me so much.”