On 17 January 2023, a celebration day was held at Manchester Science Park to commemorate the success of the Change Please Academy, a partnership between Sodexo and Bruntwood SciTech. This event highlighted the accomplishments of the academy, which is designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness through training and employment in the coffee sector.

Change Please is an award-winning social enterprise that reinvests 100 per cent of its profits into providing training for baristas, alongside offering essential housing and therapy support. Launched in April 2023, the Change Please Academy at Manchester Science Park has already provided opportunities for seven local individuals to gain skills and confidence as they look to transform their lives through employment.

During the celebration, graduates of the programme shared their experiences, and partners underscored the importance of the initiative in creating genuine, positive change within the community. Angela Halliday, Director of Social Impact at Sodexo UK & Ireland remarked, “We are delighted to see the positive impact of the Change Please Academy at Bruntwood SciTech’s Manchester Science Park. As a purpose-led business, we are proud to work with Change Please and support it in its mission to tackle homelessness through providing meaningful employment opportunities.”

Bethany Adam, Head of Purpose and Impact for Bruntwood SciTech, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s been fantastic to see the Change Please Academy going from strength to strength at Manchester Science Park. The programme now supports local people into employment, perfectly aligning Bruntwood SciTech’s commitment to supporting local communities, socially and economically.”

Ken Love, Managing Director of Change Please, also spoke about the significance of the academy, saying, “This celebration highlights the incredible impact the Change Please Academy has had on individuals’ lives. At Manchester Science Park, we’ve seen people regain their confidence, develop valuable skills, and take the first steps toward a brighter future.”

The achievement of the Manchester academy has inspired the partnership to consider expanding the model to other locations across the UK, signifying a broader commitment to empowering communities through collaborative initiatives in the foodservice sector.