Nespresso is committing a minimum of £1 million per year to support Change Please in its mission to end one of the UK's biggest societal problems and change lives through the power of coffee.
Nespresso's support will help Change Please to empower those who are experiencing homelessness with barista training, a living wage job, life admin support including securing housing and opening a bank account, mental health support and onward employment opportunities.
The latest data from Shelter estimates, in England alone, 309,000 people are homeless with many more at risk. In February 2024 it was reported that the number of people sleeping rough is now 61% higher than it was ten years ago and 120% higher than when data collection began in 2010*.
Half of Nespresso's £1 million commitment (£500,000) will pay for a long-term plan and support at least 50 trainees in the Republic of Ireland, allowing Change Please to begin its impact work in the area. This includes the employment of a Regional Programme Manager and the set-up of a coffee training programme to build on the successful business model established in the UK.
A further quarter (£250,000) will cover the set-up of a new site in a key city where Change Please is, to support the onward employment journey of trainees and graduates.
The remaining money will go towards expanding and upgrading the Change Please business to ensure longevity and improve support for trainees.
From June onwards, coffee lovers will be able to purchase Nespresso for Change Please coffee blends across the Original, Vertuo and B2B systems. A week-long residency held at the Outernet in London, will also allow visitors to learn more about the partnership and the issue of homelessness. Further profits from the sales of these coffees and accessories will be given to supporting Change Please's mission.
Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Cemal Ezel, CEO and Founder of Change Please said: "We are extremely proud to launch this incredible partnership with Nespresso. We have seen the amazing work Nespresso does in coffee growing regions. This partnership goes beyond simply selling great coffee, it's about using the power of business to drive social change and improve the lives of those most in need in the UK and Ireland. Through this collaboration we are joining forces to demonstrate how companies can come together to make real change and to do good. We hope to inspire others on the transformative potential of corporate social responsibility."
Anna Lundstrom, CEO for Nespresso UKI said: "By harnessing the positive force of coffee for over twenty years, Nespresso has reestablished and uplifted farming communities around the world through our AAA programme. Today, we are proud to extend this ethos through our partnership with Change Please, supporting its education and employment-first model to empower individuals experiencing homelessness through the transformative potential of a simple cup of coffee. Together we can enrich the lives of both our farmers and the communities in the UK and Republic of Ireland."
Last year, Change Please supported 1550 people experiencing homelessness through its programmes, and a further 720 individuals to date this year. Find out more about the partnership here.
*Crisis UK