Lovely and interesting people come here.

Lækur, a refuge for individuals with mental health issues, recently moved to Staðarberg 6. The premises there are a splendid, convenient and spacious single-storey building, making it more accessible, including for wheelchair users, with ample parking at the front. The town newspaper Hafnfirðingur I paid a visit shortly before the daily visitors were expected and chatted with Brynja Rut Vilhjálmsdóttir, the manager of Lækjar, about the work and its importance.  

^{The accommodation is very cosy.}

„We are extremely pleased to have more suitable premises for everyone who needs such a service. For example, there is a bathroom here for people in wheelchairs which they can use themselves, and it has been well used while the swimming pools were closed, and there is a washing machine that can be used as and when required.“ says Brynja. People come when it suits them and the flow is all day long. „I've noticed that since we moved here, people linger for longer and there are more of them than we expected. People feel comfortable in the property, and we can feel it. It's lovely to see that a few curious visitors have come and then become regulars. It was very busy here during the first few weeks, which is very pleasing.“ 

^{Music and cosy corner}

^{The lounge is the most popular social space.}

In this hall, education, yoga and various other activities take place.

^{Guests have access to a bathroom, toilet facilities and a washing machine.}

A good atmosphere and wonderful colleagues

At Læk, breakfast, lunch and coffee are available for a small charge. „There is often a high demand for the food because it is often the only hot meal of the day for our guests, and Lækur is for many the only social space. People meet other people here and when the City of Hafnarfjörður took over the running of Lækur from the Red Cross in 2018, it was decided to place a strong emphasis on activity and a varied programme,“ says Brynja, who is a qualified social worker and previously worked on the psychiatric emergency unit at the National University Hospital. „I also have a general interest in mental health, the early years of childhood and attachment. I have been using my skills and knowledge to shape the curriculum and run various courses. It's very rewarding to make the work lively and enjoyable. There's such a good atmosphere here, we all get on well and the colleagues are lovely. We also have laying hens that are looked after by the guests, and they bring a lot of joy.“

^{In the back garden, there's a lovely patio with well-used furniture, and some hens that have been a great success.}

^{Two of the hens}

A new programme with something for everyone

The age of visitors ranges from 18 to seventy, but the main age group currently attending Læk is from 20 to 60. Most often, they are single or their spouse is at home. „It is a nourishment for our guests to come here, and it is free of charge, apart from the aforementioned refreshments and a few hundred-crowns for materials on some courses. We open at 9 a.m. and have a structured programme. People also bring their own materials and projects and sit in the heart of the house in the living room to knit, play games, do crafts and chat about everyday life. A new programme is coming out this week where everyone should be able to find something to their liking. Also coming up in the programme are cosmetics, fudge and soap making, cookery courses, dance fitness, art, yoga and relaxation, a book club, film nights, talks, games, jigsaw puzzles and whatever else you can think of.“

^{Everyone with a marked cup}

^{Christmas card making in December}

^{Candle making
Making candy}

^{Photos/OBÞ and staff of Lækur. Front page photo. From left: Brynja Rut Vilhjálmsdóttir, Valur Páll Viborg and Guðbjörg Þórðardóttir, staff of Lækur.}

An interview with Brynja Rut was published in Hafnfirðinginn on 18 January 2021.