Friendly café shortlisted for national award

A COMMUNITY café in Lockerbie, run by residents with learning disabilities, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Hartnell’s Café, based at Cygnet Social Care’s Trinity Lodge, has been named as a finalist in the National Lived Experience Awards 2025, in the Social Care Star category.

The awards are an annual celebration designed to highlight achievements by people accessing mental health, learning disability and autism services.

This year’s ceremony will be held in Nottingham, on September 23.

The nomination highlights Hartnell’s Café as a shining example of how social care services can empower individuals to lead projects that make a lasting difference.

And the cafe team are delighted to have been recognised with Cygnet’s operations director Heather Smith saying: “Hartnell’s Café has been an inspiring journey from the very beginning. The idea came directly from our residents, who wanted a way to build skills, work together and connect with the local community.

“To see their vision now recognised nationally is incredibly special. This shortlisting celebrates not only the hard work of individuals, but also the power of community, inclusion and co-production. We are so proud of everything the café represents.

“Hartnell’s Café has already created something wonderful in Lockerbie. The recognition from the National Lived Experience Awards is a huge motivator for us all, and we are excited about what comes next.”

Since its launch earlier this year, the eaterie has been warmly welcomed by Lockerbie locals, many of whom have become regular visitors for both the food and friendly smiles.

It also provides meaningful voluntary opportunities for residents who take on roles including greeting customers, preparing food, serving drinks, and handling money.

Beyond its daytime function, it also acts as an evening hub for Trinity Lodge residents.