The Crisis Cafe Feasibility Study explored aspects of developing a self-referral, non-clinical out of hours service and support for people presenting with a mental health crisis in Kilkenny. This development towards a Crisis Cafe in Kilkenny involved researching similar projects in the UK; partnering with a pilot project in Galway city; working with Waterford Institute of Technology on a literature review and public engagement moments through conversations, visioning workshops and focus groups.

The process was led by an understanding and articulation of the needs of people experiencing a mental health crisis and the existing services and supports available, exploring the key themes of What is a Crisis?, Space and Place, Support, Governance and Collaboration. The feasibility study provides a person-centred response from both people with lived experience and organisations and community groups in mental health service and support roles. The process allowed for user experience feedback and the possibility for a wide-stakeholder engagement in the first stages of service design of an innovative new approach to self-referral, out of hours crisis support.