Redemption Roasters: Giving People a Second Chance
Redemption Roasters helps people who have left prison build new skills and find employment opportunities. Through specialist training, participants learn how to become professional baristas, for a fresh start.
The company also roasts its own coffee blends and runs coffee shops across London, giving customers the chance to enjoy a great espresso while supporting a social purpose.
Redemption Roasters’ work extends beyond the UK. The company supports coffee farmers in Colombia through projects that help people move away from involvement in the illegal drugs industry.
Caffeine and pregnancy
The NHS advises limiting caffeine during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks all contain caffeine. If you choose to drink caffeine, only one cup of either each day, know that many café coffees contain more caffeine than instant coffee. Or none to be safe.
Disposal of Coffee Grounds
Avoid washing used coffee grounds down the sink, as they can contribute to blocked drains. A sink strainer, such as a SinkShield, can help catch any stray grounds before they enter the plumbing.
Although coffee grounds are often promoted as compostable, they should be binned or placed in food waste bins. Due to caffeine that could harm compost creatures (same with tea leaves).
The same for acidic food scraps (peppers, citrus, rhubarb, tomato and allium scraps – onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives).
More Coffee Brands Making a Difference
Many brands prove that coffee can support positive change:
Change Please Coffee
Change Please uses profits from coffee sales to help people experiencing homelessness. The company provides barista training, support into living-wage employment, and guidance around housing and other life challenges.
Their coffee is available as whole beans or ground coffee, including larger 1kg bags that are suitable for workplaces, cafés, pubs, hotels, and restaurants.
Send Coffee
Send Coffee supports London residents with learning difficulties and special educational needs through a 48-week barista training programme.
The course helps participants develop workplace skills while also covering areas such as financial literacy and self-care. Customers can choose coffee sourced from countries including Brazil, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Kickstart Coffee
Kickstart Coffee uses its profits to support coffee-growing communities in Uganda. The company helps fund coffee tree planting projects as well as educational support for children and teachers.
Manumit Coffee
Manumit Coffee focuses on tackling modern slavery. Its coffee is produced through a co-operative involving people who have experienced slavery, while profits are reinvested into projects working to prevent exploitation.
A Cup That Creates Change
Choosing a coffee brand can be about more than flavour and convenience. Some companies are using coffee as a way to provide training, create jobs, protect farmers, and support communities.
Whether it is helping someone rebuild their life after prison, supporting people experiencing homelessness, or creating opportunities for farmers, these brands show that a simple cup of coffee can have a meaningful impact.
