Guy Morel runs a café where coffee and kindness go hand in hand
Warning: This article mentions suicide. If you need help, call Lifeline 13 11 14
Sharing a conversation over coffee is just one of the simple things that Guy Morel believes can change lives, one cup at a time. Guy is the owner and founder of the Mind Café in Narrabeen, which opened in September 2021 and is more than an eatery – it’s a safe place where people can open up and find human connection.
Guy was recently named a Westfield Warringah Mall Local Hero, as a result of his work with the Mind Café, receiving $20,000.
His journey to creating this safe haven was born from his own battles with mental health. At age 40, following a suicide attempt in 2018, he hit ‘rock bottom.’
“When I woke up that next day, I was still struggling, I was still a broken person, but I thought that I should take myself out of the environment,” Guy says.
So he moved to London and worked for a nonprofit organisation, where he ‘learned so much about myself and the self-healing side of things.’
“Then I moved back to Sydney, and I ended up working for a disability organisation as a support worker.”
Guy’s experience opened up new opportunities for him, and he found his life purpose in giving back and helping others.
“I had one participant, the loveliest guy. He’s 50 years old, he has autism,” Guy explains. “He said, ‘Why isn’t there a place where you could have a cafe where you can have the mental health side of things, but also work with people that are living with disabilities?’”
And so Guy had the idea for the Mind Café. It employs people facing mental health challenges and those living with disabilities. The cafe serves as both a workplace and a community hub where anyone struggling can find support without judgment.
Guy says everyone is welcome to ‘come to our café and get that support or friendship that they need.’
He will use his Westfield grant to fund counselling training for two permanent employees, expanding the cafe’s ability to support its community.
He’s also launching a companion program to provide structured support for those experiencing loneliness or who require additional assistance.
Guy’s journey was not always easy, but asking for help was one of the keys to recovery. “Know that the feeling you’re feeling is temporary. Each day is going to get a little bit better. Just keep on being strong.”
The Mind Café offers a safe space for all. “Reaching out is the strongest thing that you can do,” he says.
“A lot of people are there to help you: a cafe like us, your parents, your best friend, the loved ones in your life; they might give you that strength to get through today. And let’s start again tomorrow.”
