A CAFE which helps people with mental health issues has been saved from closure.

Thanks to a new partnership with the Water Lily Project, Bailey’s Cafe on Barrack Road in Christchurch will not have to shut.

The resource centre, which provides valuable support for people with mental health difficulties through volunteer working in a framing business, is managed by the Richmond Fellowship.

The cafe’s premises are provided by Dorset County Council but due to a change in their contract which meant the Fellowship would have to start paying rent, the vital service had to find a sponsor or partner to help them cover the costs.

The Water Lily Project (WLP) is a Christchurch-based charity which offers outreach support to local and vulnerable women.

They will be taking over the running of Bailey’s Café from Richmond Fellowship’s East Dorset Community Service.

Project manager Lynn Chisadza said: “In addition to this venture that we have taken up, WLP is also pleased to have the opportunity of opening its first residential home in early 2015.

“We’re so excited about the potential that running the café will bring.

“This will enable the project to give training opportunities and provide a useful resource for local residents.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received thus far from Dorset County Community Fund, Round Table, Seedbed Christian Community Trust, local churches, local people and the local borough council who share our dream.”

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the Water Lily Project can email: admin@waterlilyproject.org.uk