Stacey Marriot receives a High Sheriff’s Award for her role in setting up Lincoln’s Night Light Crisis Cafes

Stacey Marriot, our Night Light Cafes Coordinator, has received a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition for her outstanding work setting up Night Light Crisis Cafes in Lincolnshire.

The award was presented by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Claire Birch.

The High Sheriff explained how in recent years the role has developed to spend more time reaching out to support those organisations and people who are working to help people.

“There are a lot of people and organisations out there who are helping with the aftermath of the pandemic which has exacerbated inequalities. For me in my role as the High Sheriff, this has been the most eye opening thing. It’s been an amazing experience to get out there and meet all these people. Every time I’ve heard something shocking, I’ve also met people who are doing something about it, which is uplifting.”

Claire Birch, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire

The High Sheriff’s award is a recognition of people or organisations who have done something really special, people who can be a role model and an inspiration to others. It is a way of thanking them, but also supporting them by drawing attention to them.

Back in 2020, Stacey Marriot joined Acts Trust to set up Night Light Crisis Cafes, which are safe spaces for people to go when they are struggling with their mental health.

Night Light Cafes are run in partnership with local churches who offer their venues and volunteers, and funded by the Transformation Fund through NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

I have heard about the amazing work of Night Light Cafes from several different people. It sounded to me like something that needed to be recognised.

Claire Birch, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire

Since launching in 2020, the network of Night Light Cafes has expanded to ten sessions a week in Lincoln as well as new cafes which have opened across the county in 2022. In that time, hundreds of people have accessed the cafes where they have been able to relax, talk with the trained team and build up a sense of hope.

Saturday was the worst day I experienced in my life but I’m feeling much better now. Once again I would like to thank you very much for your help and support during these difficult days. You’re doing a phenomenal job by not only saving my life, but also saving hundreds of struggling people.

Anonymous Cafe Guest

The award giving took place at Bridge Central, Lincoln on Monday 7th June, attended by some of the Night Light team and Acts Staff as well as family members. Simon Hawking, CEO of Acts Trust said:

Since it’s inception, Stacey has worked passionately, with a dogged determination to see Night Light Cafes established in a way that enables people to flourish rather than faulter. I continuously hear praise from her staff and volunteer team about her leadership and vision for the cafes. This award confirms what we knew – Stacey is a force for good in this City and beyond.

Simon Hawking, CEO

NHS Lincolnshire CCG are the NHS organisation responsible for planning, commissioning (or buying) and developing healthcare services for the population of Lincolnshire.

The CCG is a membership body, made up of all the GP practices in Lincolnshire. They are led by a board of healthcare professionals – including local GPs, nurses, hospital consultants and lay members – who ensure that they commission safe and effective healthcare services, within their budget.

To access this service, or to refer someone for support from Night Light, please call 0300 011 1200 or email nightlight@actstrust.org.uk.