A new cafe initiative hoping to tackle mental health and wellbeing over a cup of coffee is opening up in Marlborough.

The Happy Cafe, led by the organisation Action for Happiness, is an idea which originated in a small cafe in Brighton and has quickly spread across the UK.

The idea behind the cafe is simple and inspiring: a friendly and welcoming space to meet new people with a shared interest in promoting happiness and wellbeing.

Locals can come together once a week to talk in an open and positive space about their mental well-being, struggles they faced that week, or anything as mundane as the gardening, all while enjoying a hot drink and a warm space.

This month, Marlborough has opened its very first Happy Cafe, as part of the Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service.

Located at Mustard Seed Book and Coffee shop in Hillier’s Yard, the Marlborough Happy Cafe will welcome customers every Thursday from 10.30am-12pm.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Marlborough's Happy Cafe is located at the Mustard Seed Book and Coffee Shop.Marlborough's Happy Cafe is located at the Mustard Seed Book and Coffee Shop. (Image: Google Maps)

"The Happy Cafe concept is fantastic, as it creates a hub where people can connect and share inspiration together,” said Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness.

“These local connections hold the key to happier lives and a happier society".

According to Claudia Piercy-Buehrer, coffee shop manager at Mustard Seed Book and Coffee shop, the turnout has been increasing week on week as word spreads about the Happy Cafe.

"We were first approached by Emma from the Happy Cafe organisation about it all and when she explained it we just loved the idea and thought that's really what we're all about," said Claudia.

"We are very much a friendly and warm welcoming coffee shop, and it's not noisy like a lot of other coffee shops are so it's a very relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

"I know all the people that come by name now and it's just beautiful to see really.

"The people love it and it warms my heart. It's such a good thing to have in the community."

Marlborough's not the first Wiltshire town to join the Happy Cafe initiative. You can also find the cafes in locations including Amesbury, Chippenham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Melksham and Corsham.

Each cafe runs weekly, one day a week, and more information about when your local Happy Cafe is running can be found by visiting Wiltshire Mental Health Inclusion Service on their website or Facebook page.