Supporting you one coffee at a time...
Our History
Our Mission
To provide a safe space for everyone in order to facilitate mental health support through; networking, peer to peer support, signposting, collaboration and reflection. Support local community groups as well as the Armed Forces Community. To prevent social isolation and provide a listening ear where and when required.
History
Tommy's Lounge officially opened in September 2022 close to Huddersfield Train Station. The brainchild of Jennie Thorn, Mick Riley MBE and Sue Longbottom, they designed Tommy's Lounge from the outset as a place Veterans would like to visit and feel at ease whilst there allowing them to talk freely.
Open to the public and veterans alike, Tommy's has already gained a loyal following and recognition from industry bodies.
Jennie and Mick also run a CIC, Behind the Heroes, eventually Jennie wanted to open up a coffee lounge and mum Sue has always wanted a cosy place to go and enjoy without being rushed out the door. so Tommy's Lounge was born.
Tommy's is open to the general public, however the main goal is to provide a safe space for veterans and families to go and feel welcome. The décor if full of military memorabilia from individuals who have donated art work or something they had at home from their time in the military. we welcome all to come and add a piece of living memories to Tommy's wall for all to enjoy.
Signposting and Peer to Peer support is available at Tommy's, if you're having a bad day or just a little alone come on in and enjoy a warm welcome and a ear to listen.
Tommy's Lounge
Tommy's Lounge is a registered CIC in the United Kingdom, number 14503826. Tommy's Lounge is also a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Future
Jennie, Mick and Sue would love to see Tommy's Lounge Franchises all over the United Kingdom and eventually would like to provide apprenticeships to military leavers in hospitality and job opportunities.
The Team
L-R: Jennie (top left), Sue (top right) and Mick (bottom)
The team at Tommy's Lounge are all Mental Health First Aid trained and recognise when people may be suffering with a Mental Health Crisis.
Jennie brings a wealth of experience from her dedicated work at Behind the Heroes. Mick draws on his own personal experiences in the military to ensure that tommy's is a welcoming space for everyone, especially veterans. Sue draws on her extensive catering background to bring a varied, seasonal and popular menu to Tommy's.
Why call it Tommy's Lounge?
The venue takes its name in part from the famous Rudyard Kipling peom, 'Tommy' as it has great meaning to veterans from all conflicts past and present.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!”
You can see our nod to Tommy in our logo and throughout the decor when you visit Tommy's Lounge.
Veteran Support
Mr Mick riley, MBE.
Mick, who served over 25 years in the British Army, retiring as WO1 (RSM), the highest non-commissioned rank in the Army. Mick served in many theatres of conflict all over the world, including tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
When Mick retired from the military he realised there are still many veterans who are falling through the cracks with un-diagnosed medical conditions, especially with their mental health.
Through Micks own struggles with PTSD he realised there needs to be a place where veterans, and serving personnel can go to talk in a safe and welcoming environment with their peers to seek the guidance and support they need.
Mick has ensured that from the outset, Tommy's Lounge is a safe and welcoming space for all, especially veterans.
Media Articles
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Tommy's Lounge is a registered CiC in the UK. Number: 14503826
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