Celebrity chef throws support behind initiative to help the homeless
Celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr is throwing his support behind an initiative helping the homeless find their feet in his neighbourhood, writes Adrian Zorzut.
The Saturday Kitchen and former Masterchef star opened Clapham Common Tube station’s Change Please coffee kiosk, aimed at helping the homeless off the streets through work experience, on November 12.
As well as barista training, Change Please will also provide accommodation and wellbeing support to rough sleepers to help lift themselves out of poverty while earning the Living Wage.
Newest barista trainee Marco Ocampo said: “Following a very sad change in family circumstances I lost my home and job, which forced me into insecure accommodation and joblessness – my prospects did not look good. “Now I feel happy and well – I have a proper wage and see a future in the company.”
The initiative is run by Peckham-based social enterprise company Change Please and charity Ace of Clubs to train the homeless sleeping in underground stations as baristas.
Customers will be able to purchase coffee in compostable cups and £1 meal vouchers which they can donate.
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