Sunderland city centre

Welcome to Betsy Jenny Counselling and Wellbeing Cafe C.I.C

Contact us

Email; betsyjennycounsellingcafe@gmail.com

phone; 07865487613

3private 1-1 rooms
15-20capacity in the big room
6days open a week
Betsyjenny shopfront on Bridge Street
Betsyjenny cafe interior

Welcome

Betsyjenny Counselling and Wellbeing Cafe C.I.C. is a vibrant and welcoming space in the heart of Sunderland city centre, where everyone is welcome — good food, good company, and mental health support, side by side.

Betsyjenny shopfront on Bridge Street

Our mission & vision

Mission — low-cost or free mental health support, listening ear services, group work and counselling, through a range of talking and alternative therapies.

Vision — changing how mental health is viewed, breaking down the stigma, and reducing social isolation across our community.

Betsyjenny book swap display

Our values

We treat every person as an individual and back that with real services and solutions, not just good intentions.

This is a safe place to visit — you're not alone with whatever you're facing, and everyone's challenges are seen on their own terms.

The food we serve is healthy and low-cost, because a healthy body supports a healthy mind. Everything here is aimed at helping you manage your mental health and grow.

1 in 4experience a mental health problem each year in England
1 in 6report a common mental health problem in any given week
18.5%of women currently struggling with poor mental health, vs 12.5% of men
23.5%of 16–24 year olds describe their mental health as bad or the worst it's been

Why we do what we do

England and Wales are facing the highest suicide rates since 1999 — and mental health need keeps growing across every age group.

This short video explains why Betsyjenny exists and what we do as a community project.

Growing need

The need for mental health support keeps rising

£217.5mNHS England's 2023 spend on medication for depression & anxiety
£346.4mTotal 2020 NHS spend on the same, the highest year on record
Highestrate of anti-anxiety & antidepressant dispensing in the North East & Cumbria
Every 10 min"how to reduce stress" is searched on Google in the UK, on average
Room hire

Every room has its own feel

Three private rooms, each with their own character, plus a bright meeting space for groups.

Community life

What actually happens here

Yoga, pie-making, a good natter over coffee — the cafe in action, not just in theory.

Food Hygiene Rating 5 - Very Good Food Hygiene Rating: 5 — Very Good
This week

Something on most days

Drop-ins, groups and sessions running through the week — some free, some a small charge, a few need booking ahead.

Monday & Tuesday

Men's drop-in (Mon)10.00–12.30
Yoga, £5 (Mon)12.30–13.30
Women's drop-in (Tue)10.00–12.30

Wednesday & Thursday

Listening ear drop-in10.00–14.00
Green Fingers13.00–16.00
Men's pie group, book ahead14.00–16.00

Friday & Saturday

Listening ear drop-in (Fri)10.00–13.00
Sound bath meditation, book ahead13.00–14.00
Chess club (Sat)10.30–14.00

Book swap runs all week — pop in, take a book, bring it back for the next person. Fortnightly sessions and group links available on request.

Room hire

Private space when you need it

Three private 1-1 rooms for counselling, therapy, NLP or massage — anywhere privacy matters. One larger room for meetings, training and activity, big enough for yoga on the floor or a room full of chairs. We're more than a cafe — a spot for the community to come together, with food and drink on hand for your event too.

Ask about discounted long-term bookings for six months or more.

Check availability

Private 1-1 room

Counselling, therapy, massage, NLP

£10/hr

Big room — hourly

Occasional hire, subject to availability

£25/hr

Big room — half day

9.30am–12.30pm or 1pm–4pm

£45

Big room — full day

Capacity 15-20 seated, 14 for yoga

£80
Book a room

See what's free, right now

Live availability across all four rooms — no payment needed online, just pick your slot.

Room 1 — Private

Free this afternoon

Room 2 — Private

Booked until 3pm

Room 3 — Private

Free all day

The big room

Workshop until 5pm
Need a hand booking?

How to book a room

A quick walkthrough if you're not sure where to start.

In their words
"I came upon this cafe completely by chance, and was very impressed with the warm and friendly welcome we received. The cafe is run by staff and volunteers who are all friendly and helpful — I was impressed by the services on offer."
— Lesley, visitor
Meet the team

Run by staff and volunteers

A friendly team gives their time to keep the cafe running smoothly, alongside the counselling and support services on offer.

Betsyjenny team and volunteers
Support us

Scan, give, and let us know how we're doing

Hiya, need a hand?

Tap a question below, or email us and we'll get back to you.