Akedia Community Centres are envisioned as the new epicentres of community life, designed to tackle the complexities of modern mental health challenges by integrating therapeutic practices with everyday community activities. Rather than treatment facilities; the centres are conceived as vibrant community centres with an appeal to all facets of the community, 'schools for life' where individuals and families can engage in a variety of activities aimed at personal development, social opportunities, culture, health, community integration and emotional wellbeing. 

Context and Need: 

In our rapidly evolving society, traditional community structures like the church and even the pub have diminished. Despite social technology, there's a growing sense of isolation, identity fragmentation, and an unmet need for mental health support that current systems struggle to address efficiently due to resource limitations and a firefighting approach. Akedia Community Centres serve to fill the void, offering a go-to place in each community where people can socialise, have fun, exercise, network and engage in meaningful interactions that nurture both individual and community, fostering economic, social, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Services and Activities: 

Every Akedia Centre will have varied offerings based on community needs. But key services each Akedia Centre will offer include:

• Mental health support: therapeutic 1-2-1s, Workshops and discussions addressing personal issues, trauma and societal pressures. Short-term living spaces for those in mental health crisis needing intensive care, allowing them to participate in the centre's activities. The goal is for the psychotherapeutic influence to be diffused, not only in mental health group sessions but across the Akedia Centre. 

• Integrated Health Services: Facilities like addiction clinics, food health, chiropractic and other health services integrated.

• Social & Work Spaces: Cafes, gyms, game rooms, library, play areas for children, as well as co-working spaces where relationships can form naturally, nurturing real and vibrant connections and productivity.

• Educational and Creative Activities: Including art, music, writing, craft and professional workshops, programmes and courses. A multi-purpose stage theatre for community theatre, music and other productions, as well as for lectures and events (such as birthdays & weddings).  

• Civic Activities: use of stage theatre and other rooms for community focused discussions and working groups to address local community needs.