Libraries NI organises free Time for Tea sessions in libraries throughout Northern Ireland from May 11 to 17 for Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants can visit local branches for tea or coffee and informal talks.

Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive, stated libraries serve as trusted community hubs that foster connections and provide support resources. Sessions remain open to all with no charge.

Events occur at branches including Maghera Library, Lisburn Road Library, Newtownbreda Library, Greenisland Library, Downpatrick Library, Omagh Library, Irvinestown Library, Portstewart Library, Grove Library, Ardoyne Library, Magherafelt Library, Shantallow Library, Kilkeel Library, Ballyhackamore Library, Richhill Library, Portadown Library, Coalisland Library, Ormeau Road Library, Fivemiletown Library, Draperstown Library, Limavady Library, Garvagh Library, Moira Library, Kilrea Library, Cushendall Library, Lurgan Library, Suffolk Library, Ballynahinch Library, Chichester Library, Falls Road Library, Portaferry Library, Ballycastle Library, Tullycarnet Library, Banbridge Library, Portrush Library, Rathfriland Library, Ballymoney Library, Cregagh Library, Dungiven Library, Keady Library, Derry Central Library, Belfast Central Library, Comber Library, Broughshane Library, Colin Glen Library, Newtownstewart Library, Dungannon Library, Coleraine Library, Armagh City Library, Lisburn City Library, Bessbrook Library, Whiterock Library, Brownlow Library and others.

Activities feature Chi Me sessions in Maghera, jigsaws and games in Omagh and Downpatrick, community jigsaws in Portstewart, codewords and crosswords in Grove, songs by Tom Sweeney in Omagh, art workshops by Maurice Shannon in Omagh, mindful colouring in Portadown, musical meditation in Holywood, rock painting in Limavady, family board games in multiple locations, sensory stories in Lurgan, mindfulness talks in Comber and Portaferry.