Why Coffee Mornings and Wine & Cheese Evenings Matter on World Schizophrenia Day

Each year on 24th May, World Schizophrenia Day encourages us to look beyond the stereotypes and stigma associated with schizophrenia, a severe and often misunderstood mental health condition affecting around 1 in 100 people in the UK. 

While awareness campaigns and clinical education are vital, so too are grassroots events that bring people together in a relaxed and supportive environment.

That’s where coffee and cake mornings and wine and cheese evenings come in — not just as delightful social gatherings, but as powerful tools for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and generating much-needed funds for mental health services and charities.

Why These Events Work

1. They Make Difficult Conversations Easier

Mental health can be an uncomfortable topic for many. But sit people down with a hot cup of coffee and a slice of Victoria sponge, or a glass of red wine with a wedge of brie, and the atmosphere changes. It becomes more casual, more human. These settings are ideal for starting conversations about schizophrenia in a non-clinical, stigma-free way.

2. They Encourage Community Engagement

Hosting a coffee morning at your workplace, community centre, or even your home invites people from all walks of life to take part. Similarly, a wine and cheese evening can be a fun, sociable event that draws a crowd. These gatherings strengthen community bonds, offering a sense of connection and collective responsibility around mental health.

3. They’re Easy to Organise

Unlike larger fundraising events, coffee mornings and wine & cheese parties are simple, low-cost, and easy to organise. A few baked goods, a kettle, or a few bottles of supermarket wine and local cheeses, and you're set. They can also be tailored to suit your budget and venue — from intimate gatherings to larger open-invite events.

4. They’re an Opportunity to Educate

These events can be paired with short talks, leaflets, or poster displays offering facts about schizophrenia, the signs and symptoms, and ways people can support affected individuals. By combining social interaction with information, you create a space where education feels accessible and not overwhelming.

5. They Raise Funds Where They're Needed Most

Funds raised through these events can support charities like Rethink Mental Illness, Mind, or local mental health trusts. Donations can help provide counselling, housing support, crisis lines, and community projects — resources that are often stretched thin.

Getting Involved

Want to host your own event this World Schizophrenia Day? Here are some quick tips:

Pick a Date close to 24th May and promote it in advance.

Partner with a local charity or mental health organisation for materials or guest speakers.

Include donation jars or use QR codes for digital donations.

Display stories of lived experience (with permission) to add a personal touch.

Promote on social media using hashtags like #WorldSchizophreniaDay and #EndTheStigma.

Final Thoughts

Schizophrenia is not as rare as we think — and it touches lives in every community. By turning something as simple as coffee and cake or wine and cheese into a platform for awareness and compassion, we not only help others understand the reality of schizophrenia, but we also show that support starts with a conversation.

So this World Schizophrenia Day, why not raise a mug or a glass — and raise awareness at the same time?

https://www.rethink.org/campaigns-and-policy/awareness-days-and-events/national-schizophrenia-awareness-day/