Welcome to the Dinner
a safe space created by 57 North Hampton where a group of strangers share a meal and whatever is on their hearts.
Mental health education provided by A Touch of Peace.
Healing made possible, by you.If you're unable to join us, click here for instructions on how to create this experience at home.
START HERE
Mental Health Check In/Out
In this brief questionnaire you'll rate the intensity of the various emotions you're feeling right now using a slider. Take Part I at the start of the event and Part II immediately afterwards to gauge the impact being in this space had on your mental health.Put in your email at the end to have the results sent to you.
in case you're wondering
So, how does this really help?
On its face, it seems like it's just dinner, but in reality, it's so much more than that...
just being in this space can...
REDUCE FEELINGS OF ISOLATION: Sharing space with others who are willing to be vulnerable can help you realize you're not alone in your struggles, and help to ease feelings of loneliness.
FOSTER BELONGING AND CONNECTION: Being heard, seen, and accepted in a safe environment—even by people you’ve just met—can create a strong sense of belonging, which is a key factor in mental well-being.
ENCOURAGE EMOTIONAL RELEASE
Sometimes, simply saying something out loud—to someone who’s listening without judgment—can bring relief, clarity, or even healing.
BREAK DOWN THE STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH:
When mental health is talked about openly around a dinner table, it helps normalize the conversation and reduce shame, especially for those who’ve never spoken about it before.
BUILD SELF AWARENESS:
Listening to others share can help you to reflect on your own experiences, identify buried feelings, or gain new perspectives.
PROVIDE GENTLE ACCESS TO SUPPORT:
Having a licensed therapist present in a casual setting offers low-pressure exposure to mental health resources, making it easier for you to consider seeking help in the future.
IMPROVE MOOD AND REGULATION:
Human connection, good food, and shared laughter release dopamine and oxytocin—neurochemicals that naturally help regulate stress and improve mood.
EXPOSES YOU TO NEW PERSPECTIVES:
Conversations with people from different walks of life can challenge your assumptions, broaden your understanding, and expand your emotional and cultural intelligence—all of which support mental and relational growth.
Enhance this experience
Sharing a meal with people who want nothing from you but your presence is incredibly healing, but today we dare you to see what happens when you add a bit of intentionality to this experience, with four unique ways to engage with this environment to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
SAVOR
SAVOR YOUR MEAL MINDFULLY
Slow down, notice the textures, flavors, and temperature of your food. Use the meal as an anchor to bring your attention to the present moment.
CONNECT
CONNECT WITH SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW
Step outside your comfort zone and spark a conversation with someone new. You never know what meaningful connection may unfold.
SHARE
SHARE WHAT'S ON YOUR HEART (if you're ready)
Whether it's something small or something heavy, speaking your truth in a safe space can be a powerful step toward healing.
LISTEN
PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING
Give others your full attention. Sometimes, being a witness to someone else’s story can be just as transformative as sharing your own.
About
Recreate this Experience
While we don't recommend taking your therapist to dinner, here are some things you can do to get similar mental health benefits at home:
FRIEND GROUP: Gather a group of friends/associates that you feel safe aroundMAKE TIME: Select an evening or a weekend where you can easily talk for 2-3 hours so that no one feels rushed.FOOD: They don’t call it comfort food for no reason. Consider providing something to eat as a way of creating a more relaxed environment.GROUND RULES: Establish some rules that should include but aren’t limited to:
1) This is a no-judgment zone,
2) What happens in this space stays in this space,
3) Listen actively-limit distractions, make eye contact when appropriate, and ask follow-up questions rather than make assumptions when you’re unsure.
4) Take Space and Make Space-Everyone should feel free to express themselves but also be mindful of those with quieter voices.BREAK THE ICE: Come up with a list of icebreaker questions to skip the small talk and set the tone for deep conversations and real heart-to-hearts.
About
You Can Sit With Us
YOU CAN SIT WITH US (YCSWU) is an initiative that creates safe, welcoming meet-ups at local businesses and community events to reduce loneliness and provide mental health education.This allows us to:
provide community and social connection while expanding access,
expose attendees to healthy, accessible ways to cope,
repurpose local businesses into ongoing access points for mental health connection,
support local businesses and the local economy,
and most importantly, meet people where they are.