Stockton cafe owner helping others in memory of friend

A woman who gave up drugs after the death of her best friend has opened a community cafe to help others who are struggling.

Sam Elliott, 50, created The Caff in Stockton-on-Tees as a “safe space” for people struggling with issues like loneliness, the cost-of-living crisis and addiction.

Ms Elliott said she stopped taking drugs after the death of her best friend who suffered a heart attack caused by crack cocaine use in 2015.

“That day, I swore I’d never touch it again – and I didn’t,” she said. “I’m 10 years clean now and in her memory I’ve just helped everybody I can.”

Ms Elliott said the cafe “welcomes everyone” who might need an affordable meal or a “friendly chat”.

“We see a lot of drug addicts down here, and we don’t judge anyone. They’re the people that need us the most, because not everybody’s out there for them.

“They’re the sort that will hand out flyers for us and [we] give them a hot meal or a cup of coffee.”

In April, with the help of mum Lynne Russell, Ms Elliott opened Helping Hands in the unit next door to The Caff, selling donated goods.

When the neighbouring unit became vacant and was offered to her by its landlord, she decided create the community cafe.

Ms Russell, who now runs the day-to-day operation at Helping Hands, said she was “really proud” of her daughter for “what she’s achieved”.

Ms Elliott said: “We just aim to help people and provide a little safe space and warm space for people that just need somewhere to vent.

“A lot of people need it.”