WATCH: Got climate change and other anxieties? There's a group that can help

• Climate Cafes creating a safe space for those concerned and curious
• Events held weekly in April and May

What started as a research project at the University of Victoria, has expanded into a community initiative for people whose feelings have been affected by the climate crisis.

The first ever Kelowna climate café will be popping up through the months of April and May to offer a safe space for those to voice their worries and concerns.

“The mental health aspect and the toll this is taking on people is very real,” said research coordinator Jocelyn Lynett. “There are quite a few studies released around youth attempting suicide, or just feeling very anxious or depressed because they’re feeling there’s no solution.”

She told Kelowna10 these cafes are not solution focused, but they are about talking to people to see how they are coping.

“The cafes are great for people who are feeling anxious and depressed, but they’re also great for people who just want to know more and unsure,” Lynett said. “I’m hoping it can bring a diverse group of people so we can have diverse conversations and we can start supporting each other and understanding each person’s perspectives.”

She said these events can have beneficial impacts.

“Bringing people together to talk about what they are doing, what other people are doing can actually lead to people leaving feeling rejuvenated and wanting to continue working towards climate change,” she said. “It’s a combination of helping people feel more mentally well as well as instilling a more positive climate response.” She added there is also anxiety around the pandemic with so many unknowns.

The cafes are going to be held to a maximum of ten people, with four facilitators with backgrounds in biology, psychology, and environment studies for people to voice their concerns.

The event will be at the Kelowna Downtown Library every Wednesday. Tickets can be found online.