The popular Teddington Community Cafe was among the individuals, groups and businesses honoured at Richmond upon Thames' annual Community Heroes Awards last night.

The Community Heroes Awards aims to highlight and celebrate those working and living in Richmond upon Thames who go above and beyond to make their community a better place to live, work and learn, and the Teddington Community Cafe was among more than 140 heroes nominated across ten categories.

The cafe was set up in 2020 as a place of sanctuary for residents feeling isolated or anxious amid the pandemic.

After two successful sessions it was forced to close after tighter government restrictions were brought in, but from October 2022, it has continued to offer a safe space for residents to enjoy a friendly chat, hot drink and find out about local community activities and services.

Running every Monday from 1.30 - 4.30pm at Peter & Paul Centre on Church Road, the cafe is run entirely by volunteers who also provide a delicious selection of homemade treats. Although welcome to everyone, Teddington Community Cafe particularly aims to offer respite to those suffering from increased social isolation.

It was set up by Teddington Parish in partnership with two NHS Primary Care Networks and disability charities Ruils and Richmond Aid.

The Prosperity Cafe in Twickenham and the Ukrainian Club were also amongst the recipients acknowledged at last night's award ceremony.

Winners of Richmond's Community Heroes Awards for 2022 (Credit: Richmond Council)

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Cllr Nancy Baldwin, Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector said: "It has been wonderful to come together to recognise and celebrate all of our amazing, shortlisted nominees and their achievements. It's a privilege to live in a borough where we can see so many incredible examples of selfless service to others, and we are grateful for their continued contribution to our community. 

"Congratulations to this year's shortlisted nominees and winners and thank you to all those who made submissions for their Community Heroes."

The full list of winners and nominees for the 2022 Community Heroes Awards can be viewed here.

For further information on the Teddington Community Cafe, click here.