We have extended our partnership with Sodexo UK & Ireland through the opening of a new roastery and staff café at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, which will provide prisoners with the opportunity to gain qualifications to boost their employability on release.
Sodexo is committed to breaking down barriers to employment for prison-leavers and together we have been working closely on the new Clean Slate Café initiative at HMP Altcourse.
The initiative includes the opening of a roastery and packaging facility within the prison, where up to ten prisoners will be employed to grind, roast and package our unique blend. This will provide prisoners with the chance to build real-world skills that prepare them for life beyond the gate.
The Clean Slate initiative also included the opening of a new café, staffed by prisoners and supported by Sodexo staff, providing food and drink for prison staff and visitors. Prisoners working in the café are able to gain qualifications through accredited training courses in areas including cookery, barista skills, food safety and customer service.
Training for prisoners working in the roastery or café will be tailored to the individual prisoner and their length of sentence with each provided with an Individual Learning Plan to ensure their personal needs are met and progress is tracked. Sodexo is looking to have up to 40 individuals gain around 100 qualifications collectively, which will equip them with practical skills, confidence, and a smoother route into employment after release.
Initially the coffee roasted will be sold in the prison to prisoners, staff and visitors with plans to distribute the coffee to other Sodexo sites within its Government and Energy & Resources business including other prisons and military sites.
Tony Simpson COO, Justice, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said:
This is an exciting initiative for everyone at HMP Altcourse. We have seen the impact Combat2Coffee has had within our defence business and are pleased to be able to expand it into our prisons.
By introducing a coffee roastery and packaging facility within the prison as well as the opening of a new café, we are supporting our Starting Fresh programme which aims to provide prison leavers with the skills and confidence to secure employment upon release.
Also, in a busy prison work environment, the new Clean Slate café supports our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our people with the provision of a great space where they can refresh and connect with colleagues.
Our Founder and CEO, Nigel Seaman said:
This partnership with Sodexo marks a powerful step forward for Combat2Coffee and for rehabilitation through purposeful work. This innovative project will provide hands-on training in coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging, equipping participants with valuable skills and real work experience.
The aim is simple: to create meaningful employment and rehabilitation opportunities, particularly for veterans in custody.
This is a chance for people to rebuild their confidence, gain real qualifications, and prepare for meaningful employment after release. It’s about more than coffee; it’s about wellbeing, second chances, and showing how business and social impact can go hand in hand.