THE country’s first free internet cafe in a mental health ward has opened in Bolton.

It was set up after requests from patients and carers, who wanted to stay in touch with family and friends, access information about medications and mental health problems and exchange information on support groups and forums.

Karen Hodgetts, assistant director for Inpatients and Crisis Mental Health Services at GMW’s Bolton Mental Health Directorate, said: “There are so many good websites for people with mental health problems and we recognise the value of our patients and their carers having access to this information, so they can create awareness of mental health issues, join discussions, and share their feelings.

“Using computers with internet access is a great way for people to feel more socially included. It helps people to feel connected to their daily routine and will be something that complements our existing treatments to support people with mental health problems in their recovery.”

Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMW) funded the cafe, which will be run by BAND — a voluntary mental health organisation and charity set-up to support people in Bolton who live with mental health problems.

It is open three afternoons a week, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, in the Rivington Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.

There are four computers available and there will be opportunities for patients to complete workshops run by hospital volunteers, on computer skills, online financial management, creative writing, safe web usage, operating Windows and using music software.

The cafe was officially opened by Mike Chapman, vice chairman of GMW, Martin Hadfield, community engagement and representation coordinator from BAND, Karen Hodgetts, assistant director for Inpatients at GMW’s Bolton Mental Health Directorate, and Hospital Volunteers from BAND.

Martin Hadfield, community engagement and representation coordinator for BAND, said: “The new internet cafe will function alongside our hospital volunteer scheme by providing an environment that is inclusive, stimulating, friendly and supportive.”

  • The cafe was set up by the Royal Bolton Hospital mental health patients' council.