The Torus Business Hero of the Year Award

DEDICATED to supporting the people of St Helens after suffering from mental health problems, Stephen Baines was lost for words after being recognised for his work at Wonderland Community Centre.

After suffering with anxiety and depression but struggling to find adequate help, Stephen Baines launched Wonderland Community Centre on Reflection Court in 2020, to create a place where people feel welcome and part of a community.

Following his struggles, one of Stephen's main goals was to fill the gaps for people struggling to find support and ensure that Wonderland provided wrap-around support, guidance, or signposting.

Over the years, even Stephen has been blown away by how the project has developed, with Wonderland offering mental health and benefits support, wellbeing activities, after school clubs, a sensory room, a café and foodbank, and much more.

Many of these support networks have been created by volunteers and community organisations, and after winning the 'Business Hero of the Year' award at the Pride of St Helens, he said he couldn't have done it without them.

Stephen narrowly beat Eddie and Helen Hoffman, and Simon Hood, to the Torus sponsored award. 

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Stephen receiving his Torus-sponsored award at the Pride of St Helens AwardsStephen receiving his Torus-sponsored award at the Pride of St Helens Awards (Image: St Helens Star) Stephen, from Prescot, said: "We've been doing this for four years and never expected to be congratulated, we have just got on with it.

"I'm so proud to win this award and I couldn't have done this without all the groups and volunteers who support us.

"After my struggles, I wanted to make sure that there was never a waiting list at Wonderland. Everyone who volunteers has had some experience with mental health problems and we are now providing a 24 hour call out service.

"Our door is always open to anyone because this is really needed in St Helens."

With extra support and funding this year, Wonderland's annual Christmas service will continue to feed people on Christmas Day at the centre, as well as helping to feed the homeless around Christmastime.