A‘Wellbeing Hub’ was officially opened in the Mount Gambier Library’s former Bookmark Café, following the success of several ‘Pop-Up, Drop In’ events held in the library.

The space is open Wednesday afternoons from 1pm until 5pm and will be staffed by volunteers from various community services and health organisations.

Limestone Coast FocusOne Health services manager Karen Olive believed the hub would help people discover what services were available and how to access them.

“We really like this space here at the Mount Gambier City Library because it is a non-judgemental space,” Ms Olive said.

“This can be a space where members of the public come and ask questions and get some health information, help them understand what’s available to them and what their next steps in their health journey back to wellness might be.

“We hope that it just grows and takes on a life of its own.”

Ms Olive said the space had great commitment from Lifeline, Skylight Mental Health, StandBy Support After Suicide, Mount Gambier City Council and FocusOne Health and they would welcome volunteers from other organisations.

The Wellbeing Hub is a safe space with brochures and information available along with activities, tea and coffee.

“Sometimes if you’re not feeling great or if you’re worried about somebody that you love, you’re not even sure what questions to ask,” Ms Olive said.

“People can come into this space, sit down and have a cup of tea, have a cup of coffee, have a bit of a chat, have a cry if they need to and we can provide some support and some information.

“If there’s anybody in our community who has some worries, who might have some anxiety, they might have a mental health diagnosis, they might not have a diagnosis, they might be just feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure where to go, please come in on a Wednesday afternoon and have a chat.”