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Suffolk coffee company Paddy & Scott’s collaborates with Suffolk Mind to support children’s mental health





A new initiative from a Suffolk coffee company is helping support children’s mental health through Suffolk Mind.

Paddy & Scott’s is donating £1 from every sale of their ‘Made with Love’ coffee bags on their wholesale website with funds going towards the distribution of Sammy the Sea Squirt books, free of charge, to schoolchildren in Suffolk.

The book, written by Suffolk Mind, teaches young children the importance of movement to support mental health.

Bacton Primary School pupils with MP Jo Churchill, holding Sammy the Sea Squirt books. Picture: National Literacy Trust
Bacton Primary School pupils with MP Jo Churchill, holding Sammy the Sea Squirt books. Picture: National Literacy Trust

Ezra Hewing, head of education at the charity and author of the book, said: “By teaching people how to look after their mental health at a young age, they will be better equipped to support their wellbeing as they get older.

“This book captures the importance of movement and mental health in a colourful and age-appropriate way. Thank you to Paddy & Scott’s for their continued support of Suffolk Mind.”

Since launching the book in 2021, more than 9,500 copies have been donated to children across Suffolk.

New Cangle Community Primary School pupils, in Haverhill, with Mayor of Haverhill Cllr David Smith. Picture: National Literacy Trust
New Cangle Community Primary School pupils, in Haverhill, with Mayor of Haverhill Cllr David Smith. Picture: National Literacy Trust

Scott Russell, founder of Paddy & Scott’s, said: "At Paddy & Scott’s, we understand the significance of maintaining a healthy mind, regardless of age. By raising awareness, we aim to provide support and education to younger generations.

“During the summer months, Paddy & Scott’s joined forces with Suffolk Mind to promote our Berry Brain Wave smoothie, resulting in remarkable success. We are thrilled to collaborate once again, this time through the online sales of our Made with Love coffee.

“With this partnership, individuals can now enjoy great tasting coffee while contributing to the provision of this valuable resource for young people. It truly is a win-win situation!"

The first 1,500 books that have been produced with Paddy and Scott’s help have been distributed through hubs across Suffolk by National Literacy Trust in Suffolk.

Laura Macaulay, project Manager for National Literacy Trust in Suffolk, said: “We know that reading can help children relax and improve their wellbeing – and that book ownership and access to books at home can influence a variety of life outcomes, from educational attainment to income as an adult.

“That’s why we were happy to partner with Suffolk Mind and help distribute the Sammy the Sea Squirt storybook. We want every child to fall in love with stories.”

From left to right: Nick Reynolds, from Paddy & Scott’s, joined by Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind
From left to right: Nick Reynolds, from Paddy & Scott’s, joined by Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind

Suffolk Mind received the Great Idea Award at the East Suffolk Awards 2023 for the Sammy the Sea Squirt book.

To find out more or purchase the book, visit www.suffolkmind.org.uk/shop.

The story follows sea squirt, Sammy, who learns that moving helps with memory and emotions, aiming to help children understand the importance of being active at an early age.