The better the business does, the more people we can support into lasting work.
Every bag, cup and wholesale order helps fund our Employment Programme, providing training, paid work placements and paths into lasting employment for people experiencing homelessness.
how we help
Paths into lasting work for people experiencing homelessness
Our Barista Training and Employment Programme provides training, work placements and paths into good, lasting employment. Every cup or bag funds it.
Referral
Our London-based partners refer people to the programme, and offer support from housing to healthcare.
Taster Days
An introduction to the barista profession and our wider support network, making sure it is a good fit.
Training Academy
A three-day intensive at our training room in Brixton, covering origins, roasting, grinding and brewing.
Work placement
Three weeks paid at London Living Wage in our own and partners’ cafés, with mentoring from experienced baristas.
Lasting employment
We support trainees to access long-term career opportunities, in our sites and across the city.
Jan - June 2026
Real, measurable outcomes
52
individuals trained
92%
completed paid work placement
901
hours of paid employment
£13,355
paid LLW employment
Why it matters
382,618
People affected by homelessness in the UK
8% increase from 2024
123,100
People in temporary housing or accomodation
8% increase from 2024
4667
People sleeping rough each night in the UK
20% increase from 2024
175,025
Children homeless in London
Equivalent to one per classroom
Source: Shelter, 2025
SELECTIVE PARTNERS
A network of support
We work with over 20 organisations supporting people with housing, mental health and personal stability. We focus on what comes next: employability, barista training and job-specific skills. Working together means trainees can access the right support while building the skills they need to move into work.
St Giles
Centrepoint
Baytree
Springboard
The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Graduate story · Hanaan
“At the end of the work placement I had the opportunity to apply for a full time job at Old Spike. And I got the job.”
Referred by Springboard with some café experience, but she didn’t yet see herself as a barista. After training she took her placement at Sherwood Street, and following graduation secured a full-time role at the same site.
Hanaan · Barista, Sherwood Street
Our impact
Choose coffee that works harder
Every bag helps fund our Barista Training and Employment Programme, including training and paid work placements at the London Living Wage for people experiencing homelessness.