Cafe owners honoured for community work

Two charity founders have been recognised for their work supporting people experiencing mental health crises in Hartlepool.

Trevor Sherwood and Angela Arnold, founders of LilyAnne’s Wellbeing Cafe, have received community service awards from High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham Dr Arnab Basu.

The pair established LilyAnne’s in 2017 as a coffee shop aimed at providing a welcoming space where people could feel connected, listened to and less alone.

It has since developed into a community-based mental health hub combining professional support, lived experience, early intervention and community connection.

The organisation now supports around 2500 people each year, including those experiencing mental health crises and people with autism, ADHD and other neurodiversity challenges.

Trevor said: “When we started LilyAnne’s in 2017, the idea was simply to create a place where people could come in, have a coffee and feel that they weren’t alone.

“Over time, people began talking to us about what they were going through and it became clear there was a real need for more help in Hartlepool. 

“LilyAnne’s has grown around that need and I’m incredibly proud of what it has become.”

Angela added: “Receiving a High Sheriff’s award is a huge honour and it means a lot to have our work recognised in this way.

“We see every day how important it is for people to have somewhere they can go when they are struggling. 

“Being able to make a difference to people’s lives is what matters most to us, and we couldn’t do it without everyone who is part of LilyAnne’s.”

The High Sheriff’s awards recognise voluntary service making a significant contribution to communities across the county.

Dr Arnab Basu, High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham, added: “What Trevor and Angela have built over the past nine years is a wonderful example of responding to the needs of a community.

“They have created an organisation which is there for people at some of the most difficult points in their lives and have worked tirelessly to make sure help is available when it is needed.

“Their dedication has made a real difference to people across Hartlepool and I was delighted to recognise their contribution with these awards.”

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