Ipswich County Library in Suffolk will host an “Open Space” wellbeing session on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to offer residents informal mental health support. The drop-in event runs from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and provides a relaxed environment for people to find local services or simply have a chat. This event is part of a weekly effort to make support services more accessible to the community.
The Open Space programme is designed to help people who might feel lonely or need early support before their mental health becomes a more serious issue. Visitors can join in with activities like puzzles or talk to advisors from Waythrough and other local groups. There is no need for a referral or an appointment, and tea and biscuits are provided for everyone who attends.
This service is managed by Suffolk Community Libraries, the official name of the service since it transitioned back to Suffolk County Council control in June 2025. The council aims to use library branches as community hubs that focus on the health and wellbeing of local residents. By providing a safe space for people to talk, the sessions help bridge the gap between community life and more formal medical services.
According to research into the impact of library support, these sessions provide significant value to the local area. A report featured by the BBC found that preventative mental health programmes in Suffolk’s libraries generate approximately £41 million in social value annually and save the local NHS over £500,000 by easing pressure on doctors and primary care services. The Ipswich session is one of several across the region that focuses on making sure nobody has to wait for a crisis to get help.
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