Insight 45 - Magazine - Page 10
Founder of Hemel Hempstead Charity
Honoured with Community Award at
Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2025
Kerry-Anne Cooper, 62, founder of Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub in
Hemel Hempstead, has been honoured with the Community Award at the Heart
Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2025, recognising over a decade of dedication to
supporting vulnerable individuals.
money management courses, life skills
support, and a food bank distribution
point.
Owen and Kerry-Anne Cooper
K
erry-Anne, who co-founded the
charity with her husband Owen,
received the award at a glittering
ceremony at Tewinbury Farm. Now in
its seventh year, the Hertfordshire Hero
Awards celebrate ordinary people making
an extraordinary difference, with this year
seeing a record number of nominations
from across the county.
OVER A DECADE OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Since establishing Liberty Tea Rooms in
2013, Kerry-Anne has worked tirelessly
to create a welcoming and inclusive
space where those in need can access
support for mental, social, and financial
well-being. In 2016, she spearheaded
a fundraising campaign to relocate
the charity to Bank Court, in Hemel
Hempstead’s town centre, securing
its place as a vital hub for the local
community.
Today, Liberty Tea Rooms is run by
volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to
91, offering fresh food and drink at a
minimum suggested donation, so that
even those on a low income can feel
included. The Community Hub side of the
charity provides free services, including
10
A HEARTFELT NOMINATION
During the awards ceremony, videos
featuring those who nominated the
winners were played, including a tribute
from local resident and long-time Liberty
Tea Rooms supporter, Dan Stobbs, who
said:
“Kerry-Anne has been the heart of our
community for years. She saw a need and
took action, establishing a remarkable
charity that has helped countless
vulnerable individuals access financial
advice, develop life skills, and feel a
real sense of belonging. This award is a
testament to her incredible impact.”
Debbie Chadwick Heart Station Director,
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire,
Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Kerry Anne-Cooper
and broadcaster John Darin
bIZ4BIZ INSIGHT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2025
RECOGNITION AND A NEW CHAPTER
Kerry-Anne was presented with the award
by The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire,
Robert Voss CBE CStJ, and broadcaster
John Darin. Reflecting on the honour, she
said:
“I was shocked to be nominated, let alone
win! This award belongs to the entire
Liberty Tea Rooms family: our incredible
volunteers, supporters, and partner
organisations who make our community
stronger every day.”
During her speech on stage, Kerry-Anne
highlighted her passion for inclusion
and advocacy, celebrating the diverse
community of volunteers who make
Liberty Tea Rooms special:
“We've got young people with learning
difficulties, Asperger’s, and all different
kinds of challenges, and I'm a real
advocate. We've all got something to
bring to the table. I'm dyslexic. I have
dyspraxia. I have ADHD. I have autism. But
do you know what? Because of all that, I
did this. Everyone else would run a mile.
So I believe in taking risks and in building
community.”
Having recently stepped back to enjoy her
retirement, Kerry-Anne is confident in the
charity’s future under its new CEO, Richard
Evans. She added:
“Richard is leading the charity into its
next chapter, and I have no doubt that
Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub
will continue to grow and support the
community for years to come.”
To find out more about the
charity’s services and volunteering
opportunities, please visit the Liberty
Tea Rooms website.
