A sudden closure has left staff at the STEAM House Café in King’s Lynn devastated, following the abrupt administration of the charity that operated it, Access Community Trust. The café, known for providing essential mental health support, ceased operations on February 25, 2024, leaving employees without wages or redundancy pay.
Many staff members expressed shock and dismay, stating they received no prior warning about the café’s shutdown. One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that after working through the month of February, they were informed they would not receive their salaries. The employees were also told that redundancy payments would only be accessible through government claims, rather than being provided directly.
In a meeting with administrators, the staff were reportedly told, “It’s not our responsibility anymore,” regarding the hundreds of clients who relied on the café for support. The employee added, “We tried to notify as many clients as we could before we had to leave the building, but this still leaves so many not knowing that we have closed our doors.”
The emotional toll of the closure has been significant for the staff, many of whom have personal experiences that motivated them to work at the café. “I personally have taken this very hard, especially mentally,” the employee shared. “Having to call clients and have them break down on the phone because one of their safe spaces no longer exists was very hard to deal with, and I can only imagine how badly some of our high-risk clients are dealing with this.”
Before its closure, Access Community Trust was a vital provider of housing support, assisting over 200 homeless individuals nightly across Norfolk and Suffolk. In the wake of the café’s closure, Norfolk and Waveney Mind has stepped in to offer its mental health services, reassuring the community of their continued support.
In a statement, Norfolk and Waveney Mind expressed their sadness over Access Community Trust’s immediate cessation of services. “All services previously run by the charity have now ceased, including the STEAM House Café, which provided vital local mental health support,” the statement read. “We want to reassure our community that we are here for you. Anyone affected by the closures is welcome to explore the wide range of services we continue to offer across the region.”
The handling of the closure has drawn criticism from various quarters. One individual, who also wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as “disgraceful.” They highlighted the dedication of the staff who remained after the announcement to contact clients and partner services, despite being told it was not their obligation. “This speaks volumes for the work that the STEAM House Café has done for our local area,” they noted.
The 8:56 Foundation, a men’s mental health charity that frequently utilized the café, expressed their gratitude for the support they received over the years. A spokesperson commented, “Our thoughts are with the team at the STEAM House Café following its closure. Their kindness and support have helped so many men who walk through our doors. Spaces like this matter—a place to talk, to listen, and to feel part of something.”
As the community grapples with the loss of the STEAM House Café, its future remains uncertain. The Access Community Trust has been approached for further comment regarding the closure and its implications for staff and clients alike.
