Meet the charity stirring up change with every coffee brewed

In a quiet corner of Manchester Science Park, a revolution is brewing—not in the usual way, but through the transformative power of coffee.

This is a place where second chances are served alongside every cup, helping people rebuild their lives after homelessness. Surrounded by the hum of espresso machines and the warmth of the local community, individuals are gaining new skills and stepping onto a path to a brighter future.

This is the essence of Change Please an award-winning social enterprise committed to tackling homelessness one cup at a time.

Change Please coffee

Founded in 2015 by Cemal Ezel, Change Please began with a single coffee cart in London’s Covent Garden. Cemal, once a trader in London’s financial district, experienced a crisis of conscience.

Witnessing the stark contrast between the bustling professionals and those living on the streets, he envisioned a solution that blended social impact with exceptional coffee. Cemal thought that if we can just get a small proportion of coffee drinkers to simply change where they buy their coffee, we could really change the world.

Today, Change Please has expanded its reach, operating in eight countries and supplying wholesale coffee to over 500 customers across the UK and Ireland, including major clients like Sodexo, Bruntwood, WeWork, David Lloyd Clubs, and Nuffield Health. The organisation also runs its own training location in Manchester Science Park to the south of the City.

This is all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to its mission: 100% of profits are reinvested into programs that support individuals experiencing homelessness.

Change Please’s Barista Training Programme

At the core of Change Please’s impact is the Barista Training Programme. Ken Love, who works for Change Please explained, “Our trainees’ journeys start at our training academies in London or Manchester. Here, they learn every aspect of coffee making, from bean variation and roasting through to latte art and customer service. Our aim is to equip each trainee with the skills and experience they need to start a new career.”

The program is comprehensive, offering more than technical skills. Participants receive wrap-around support, including life administration assistance, therapy, housing support, and more. This holistic approach ensures that trainees are not only prepared for employment but are also supported in overcoming personal challenges.

Ibtihaj, a Change Please graduate

One such success story is that of Ibtihaj, a Change Please graduate and refugee from Sudan.

A former teacher, Ibtihaj fled her country and faced homelessness upon arriving in the UK. With support from Manchester City Council and the Mustard Tree, she found stability and enrolled in community and ESOL classes. She completed a 10-week placement at Manchester Science Park, gaining confidence and new skills through the Change Please programme. Reflecting on her experience, Ibtihaj shared, “The training with Change Please was great, I had a lot of fun. It helped me with my language and working at Manchester Science Park’s cafe allowed me to meet new people and the team made it very easy for me, I would recommend it.”

The success of the program is evident in its retention rates. Ken noted, “Retention within our program is strong. According to last year’s statistics, 76% of participants were still employed 12 months after completing the program.” This impressive figure underscores the effectiveness of the training and the resilience of the participants.

Strategic partnerships

Change Please’s impact is amplified through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with organisations like Sodexo and Bruntwood have been instrumental in expanding the program’s reach.

Angela Halliday, Director of Social Impact for Sodexo, emphasised the significance of these partnerships: “Our collaboration with Change Please began in 2017 when we started exploring how we could support them as a social enterprise. While the social impact was a primary focus, we also considered the value they could bring to our clients. It was a win-win situation, delivering both social impact and commercial value.”

The cyclical nature of these relationships creates a powerful ecosystem of change.

Organisations not only source quality coffee but also contribute to meaningful employment opportunities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Ken elaborated, “For wholesale partners, the benefits go beyond purchasing great coffee. They can share the Change Please story with their customers and become part of the solution by employing program graduates. Having someone on-site who has been through the program is a powerful testament to the authenticity and sustainability of the initiative’s impact.”

Breaking down stereotypes of homelessness

Beyond providing employment, Change Please is committed to challenging and breaking down stereotypes associated with homelessness. Ken reflected, “Many people hold preconceived notions about what someone experiencing homelessness might look like, behave like, or be. Our aim is to remove those misconceptions and connect on a human level. The barista role is particularly effective for this because it fosters interaction, making participants feel seen, valued, and needed.”

“Driving for Change”

The organisations innovative approach extends beyond the UK. In 2021, Change Please launched “Driving for Change,” a program delivering vital services to the most vulnerable. Services include NHS and oral healthcare, a hairdresser, social support, digital and financial literacy training, and employment assistance. This initiative exemplifies Change Please’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to address homelessness.

The face of homelessness is shifting, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including students, professionals, and those experiencing unexpected life changes.

Ken emphasised, “The issue has been exacerbated by challenges such as the housing shortage, rising living costs, and the difficulty of entering the property market. In the UK alone, nearly 400,000 households are currently experiencing homelessness.”

How to measure success

Measuring success for Change Please involves both quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Ken explained, “Quantitatively, we track the number of individuals trained, the number of participants completing the program, and retention rates. However, there are also qualitative measures that reflect the deeper, personal impact on individuals. For example, we assess participants’ confidence levels before and after the course.”

The stories emerging from Change Please go to showcase the transformative power of opportunity and support. They illustrate that with the right resources and a chance to thrive, individuals can overcome adversity and build fulfilling lives.

As Ken states, “Ultimately, a significant part of what we do is about breaking down barriers, restoring dignity, and offering hope. It’s about showing people that they matter and giving them a path to a brighter future.”

In every cup of Change Please coffee, there lies a story of resilience, transformation, and hope.

You can find out more about Change Please on their website by clicking here