Marks & Spencer and Ruby Wax have created the Frazzled Cafe in M&S stores, with fortnightly ‘talk-in’ sessions where the ‘frazzled’ will be able to talk and share their stories in a non-judgmental environment.

Wax, an author, comedian and mental health awareness campaigner, announced the launch at London Book Fair, saying: “Frazzled Cafe is about people coming together to share their stories, calmly sitting together, stating their case and feeling validated as a result. Feeling heard, to me, has always been half the cure. It’s special to get a company like M&S on-board. I’m grateful for the set-up support they’ve given us and access to their café network is a huge boost.”

There will be 11 stores hosting Frazzled Cafe meetings, with locations set to be added throughout the year, each with trained volunteer facilitators providing advice after hours. The scheme was first trialled in M&S offices and stores last year as part of the company’s Plan A eco and ethical initiative.

Frazzled Cafe is a not-for-profit and will be applying for registered charity status, headed by founders Ruby Wax, Elizabeth Morrison and Anna D’Onofrio.

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