sharon’s journey
FINDING MY PLACE IN LTR
“My name is Sharon, and I was born profoundly deaf into a hearing family. Growing up in a small village called Redbourn in Hertfordshire, I had no connection to other deaf people and no means to communicate until I was three. There was little awareness of British Sign Language (BSL) at the time, so my journey to communicate started through extensive speech therapy. My parents discouraged the use of sign language, which limited my connection with others. However, in my early 20s, I joined a deaf club with support from my social worker, despite my parents’ reservations. It was there that I finally connected with others like me and began learning sign language.
I’ll never forget my first visit to Liberty Tea Rooms. It was a rainy day, and I went inside with my friends to escape the downpour. The place was buzzing with activity, but what caught me by surprise was when the owner, Kerry-Anne, came over and started signing to us! It was the first time I’d encountered someone signing in a public space, which made me feel truly welcome.“
GROWING IN CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY
“after talking to kerry-anne and learning more about ltr, i decided to volunteer but was uncertain about the communication barriers i might face. with support, i took on a trial shift, nervous but willing to give it a try. working at liberty tea rooms has given me newfound confidence. i overcame my fear of talking with guests and collaborating with the team. my fellow volunteers have been incredibly supportive, and we’ve even incorporated basic signs into our interactions. now, i’m a shift leader, and though it can be challenging at times, i’ve learned to trust in my abilities.
every shift brings new connections, and i’ve enjoyed teaching basic sign language to guests, creating an atmosphere of learning and acceptance. liberty tea rooms has become my place of community, a space where i feel valued, included, and appreciated for who i am.”
elle’s journey
Elle joined Liberty Tea Rooms in 2023, referred by her college with the hope that a supportive volunteer environment would help her build self‑esteem, confidence, and practical workplace skills. At her interview, she was incredibly shy, barely making eye contact, and clearly nervous about stepping into a new environment.
From those early days to now, Elle’s transformation has been extraordinary.
She quickly proved herself to be committed, capable, and eager to learn. After starting as a Front of House Assistant, she progressed to Wait Staff and then trained as a Barista. As her skills grew, so did her confidence, and even though her natural shyness remains a part of who she is, it no longer holds her back. Instead, it has become a strength that endears her to others.
Recently, Elle was appointed as a Shift Leader, a role she has embraced with maturity and efficiency. She is exceptionally organised, hardworking, and motivating, providing clear direction to the front‑of‑house team. When Elle is coordinating a shift, everyone knows exactly what needs to be done. She leads not through volume, but through calm competence, quiet reassurance, and leading by example.
Elle deeply enjoys being part of the Tea Rooms community and regularly volunteers for additional shifts, always willing to step in and support the team.
In 2024, Elle became the inaugural recipient of the Sheila Daly Inspire Award – an honour created in memory of a much‑loved volunteer who was passionate about championing young people. This award recognises the volunteer under the age of 30 who has shown the most growth and development in the previous 12 months. Elle was a natural and deserving first winner, reflecting the incredible progress she has made.
Her newfound confidence has also had a remarkable impact beyond the Tea Rooms. A passionate football enthusiast, Elle now coaches young people, something she once would never have imagined doing. It is a joy to see her carrying her confidence into other areas of her life and inspiring others along the way.
Elle is kind, friendly, dependable, and an immensely popular member of our volunteer team. Watching her grow has been a privilege, and we are incredibly proud of the young woman she has become.
Mark’s journey
Mark joined Liberty Tea Rooms in 2022 as a Front of House Assistant, hoping to grow his confidence and feel safe working within a team. Since then, he has become an integral and much‑loved member of our volunteer community. His eagerness to learn new skills, work collaboratively, and challenge himself has been evident from the very beginning.
Despite having mild special educational needs, Mark has never allowed this to hinder his progress. Instead, he has used it as motivation to learn and adapt, demonstrated beautifully through his commitment to learning basic British Sign Language to communicate with a fellow deaf volunteer. This thoughtful act reflects his character: kind, considerate, and supportive.
Throughout his time with us, Mark has shown exceptional dedication and a strong work ethic. He quickly progressed from Front of House Assistant to Wait Staff, then to Barista, and ultimately into the role of Shift Leader. He naturally leads through encouragement, nurturing others, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both volunteers and guests.
Mark brings joy wherever he goes, often acting as the team’s “clown,” sharing his love of dad jokes, and lifting everyone’s spirits with his positivity. His enthusiasm extends into the kitchen, where he has flourished as part of the team and proudly earned his Level 2 Food Safety certificate. He is now one of our best scone makers, producing them with skill, consistency, and care.
When Mark first joined us, he lacked confidence in his abilities and doubted whether he could ever find paid employment. Today, he stands as a confident, capable, and inspiring young man who is now actively pursuing work opportunities with optimism and determination. His growth has been remarkable, and we feel privileged to have witnessed it.
Mark is always the first to volunteer for events, whether supporting social gatherings or helping with fundraising. His kindness, reliability, and infectious positivity make him incredibly popular with volunteers and staff alike.
Mark is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets perseverance. We are immensely proud of his journey, grateful for his contribution, and excited to see what his future hold
