Tue, 16 Sep 2025

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 Cafe owner helping others in memory of friend

Owner Sam Elliott says she gave up drugs after the death of her friend due to crack cocaine use.
50-year-old Sam Elliott has opened a community cafe in Stockton-on-Tees called The Caff, which aims to provide a safe space for people struggling with issues such as loneliness, financial difficulties and addiction. Inspired by her own experience of overcoming addiction after losing her best friend in 2015, Elliott said she wants to help others in need. "We welcome everyone" who needs an affordable meal or friendly chat, she said. The cafe has been joined by a second venture called Helping Hands, which sells donated goods next door.
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