Betsy Jenny running costs

A Heartfelt Appeal from Betsy Jenny Counselling and Wellbeing Cafe

Hello, I’m Steve, the proud director of Betsy Jenny Counselling and Wellbeing Cafe, a beacon of hope nestled on Bridge Street, Sunderland. Our non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) is more than just a cafe—it’s a lifeline, a safe haven, and a community hub where everyone is welcome, no matter their story. Founded in memory of my son Steve Jr., my parents Jean and Kenny, and the beloved Betsy Jenny, we’ve transformed personal loss into a powerful mission: to break the stigma around mental health, reduce social isolation, and provide free support to those who need it most.

At Betsy Jenny, we offer a vast array of free services to Sunderland and beyond, from professional counselling and wellbeing workshops to healthy, affordable meals and a warm space to connect. Whether it’s a Listening Ear session for someone in crisis, a sound bath meditation to soothe the soul, we’re here to uplift and empower. Our 5-star rated cafe (Tripadvisor and food hygiene) serves up not just delicious homemade quiche or full English breakfasts, but also hope, companionship, and second chances.

None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers—a diverse team of counsellors, kitchen staff, cleaners, wellbeing facilitators, and more. From students to retirees, they pour their hearts into running our men’s Pie Club, women’s group, Reiki, sound bath, Autism Social Group, LK Pilates & pain management, listening ear service and counselling. Their time and dedication are the heartbeat of Betsy Jenny, and we’re endlessly grateful for the love they show our community every day. They’ve helped us support people who have overcame neurodiversity challenges, and countless others through suicide prevention and alternative therapies like reiki.

But today, we urgently need your help to keep Betsy Jenny’s doors open. As a volunteer-run, non-profit CIC, we rely on donations to cover rent, utilities, and the resources that make our free services possible. We’re raising funds to ensure no one is turned away, whether they need a counselling session, a warm meal, or simply a friendly face. Every penny counts—whether it’s £5 to fund a cuppa for someone in need or £50 to sponsor a therapy session, your support keeps our community strong.

Join us in this mission. Donate today via our JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/BetsyJennyCounsellingandWellbeingCafe), shop through Easyfundraising (www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/betsyjennycounsellingandwellbeingcafe) to raise funds at no cost, or visit us at www.betsyjennywellbeingcafe.co.uk to learn more. Share our story, volunteer your time, or pop into our 60-seat cafe to see the magic of Betsy Jenny in action. Together, we can keep hope alive in Sunderland.

With gratitude,

Steve and the Betsy Jenny Family