About Us
How it all began
Kindfulness Coffee Club was formally known as Tea and Empathy which was part of Compass Counselling based in Liverpool.
The original founders were Neville Black (Compass Chair of Trustees) and Tony Medlicott (CEO of Compass)
Tea and Empathy was situated adjacent to Compass Counselling Charity shop and served its first cup of tea Monday 2nd December 2013.
The original idea was to support the local community’s mental health needs around a cafe environment, offering a welcoming, warm friendly environment, a cuppa and a chat with additional access to groups and counselling services supplied by Compass.
In June 2016 Compass and Tea and Empathy parted company but a few Trustees really believed in what Tea and Empathy was trying to deliver and set up ‘Kindfulness Coffee Club’ on 23rd June 2016.
Neil Callan became the Chair of Trustees and set the original foundations of Kindfulness Coffee Club.
In June 2019 the Trustees had to take the very hard decision to close the café element of Kindfulness due to financial issues.
Ironically once the café element of Kindfulness ceased we were granted Charitable status.
Thankfully with the support of the local community and local funders primarily L23 and John Moores foundation we survived and grew into what Kindfulness is today.
Mandy Lewtas - CEO
I started at Kindfulness, formerly Tea and Empathy on 2nd December 2013.
My original role was in the café supporting the then Manager Michael Medlicott in the kitchen.
I hadn’t worked for 13 years due to health issues, and this was me tentatively testing my way back into employment.
As I carried on my journey at KCC I felt a closer connection with the customers and trying to support them with their daily issues. I started to develop the Wellbeing side of Tea and Empathy.
I have been involved with most, if not all the Wellbeing activities over the years, developing new ways of engaging with the local community trying to offer support, a non-judgemental listening ear, with the purpose of creating an environment where everyone is welcome and accepted as they are.
Our vision is of a community connected by Kindness where there is acceptance, care and hope is the basis for all that we offer at Kindfulness.
Neil - Peer Support Worker
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Julie Bristow - Administrator
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Sarah - Mental health First Aider and Group Facilitator
As a Mental Health First Aider my role is to ensure I am
there as a point of contact for those who come into the Drop in at KCC and need
support regarding their mental health and wellbeing. You may want to come in for a chat and are
looking to connect with others or have a specific issue such as housing, debt, cost-of-living
issues, which is having an impact on your mental health. I am here to listen
and offer support in a non-judgemental and empathic way. I will do my best to signpost you to the
relevant local organisations if necessary.
We offer various groups at KCC which you may want to join,
and I can support you in choosing those which best suit you. I can also arrange to meet with you 1:1
outside of the drop-in hours for a chat and a cuppa.
I co-facilitate our Women’s Group and Baby Hub with our
volunteers, ensuring that those who attend have Mental Health support if
needed.
I love working at KCC and being part of the community in and
around KCC. The staff, volunteers and KCC family all contribute to making KCC a
place of welcome and acceptance for everyone.
Our vision is of a community connected by Kindness where there is acceptance, care and hope. This is the basis for all that we offer at Kindfulness.
