THE founder of a dementia café in Dentons Green has said she is “flabbergasted” by the award and has dedicated it to the whole St Helens community.

Leanne Gauchwin, from Windle, received the honour at the Pride of St Helens awards on Friday evening.

The group, which is called ‘The Loving Arms’ and is hosted at The Gerard Arms pub every Friday, offers fun sessions for people suffering from the condition.

And Leanne was quick to deflect praise away from herself and on to the many volunteers who allow the sessions to continue each week.

“Winning this award means more than anything else in this world at the minute and I’m just absolutely flabbergasted,” said the 33-year-old.

“My name may be on this award, but it belongs to so many worthy people in the St Helens community who have supported us with donations.

“We wouldn’t be where we are now if it wasn’t for them and the help of all of our volunteers.

“Each and every one of them brings a uniqueness to the group and I wouldn’t change any of them for the world.”

Leanne played a key role in setting up the dementia café last year, and the meetings make a huge difference to both those with dementia and their carers thanks to their positive, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The group also go on regular trips to places including Blackpool, which is something they hope to continue to do in the future.

“The idea came from both me and The Gerard landlord, Mark Hayes, as we wanted to give something back to the community,” she continued.

“We have both seen the effects of dementia and when looking into dementia cafés, we wanted something more normal rather than clinical, and there is nothing more normal than a pub.

“It’s amazing to see everyone dancing, laughing and smiling every week and winning this award just pushes you that extra mile to keep going knowing that you are doing a fantastic job.

“This award is definitely the inspiration we need to carry on, especially seeing just how much it means to everyone involved.”

The goal now for Leanne is to continue to fundraise for the group, includes running a 10k race, with all money raised going straight to the dementia café.

n Other worthy nominees who received highly commended awards on the night were: St Helens Mind who offer a befriending service and social support for people with mental health issues throughout the borough.

And Carl Wales, who dedicated his life to volunteering and raising vital funds for the charity PAPYRUS which aims to prevent young suicide, after the death of his son Rowan, who ended his own life.

St Helens has the fifth highest suicide rate in the country, so Carl’s efforts and that of St Helens Mind are so important.