As homelessness continues to rise across London, social enterprises are proving that coffee can do more than just fuel the day – it can help change lives.
Old Spike, the UK’s first social enterprise specialty coffee roaster, has made it its mission to tackle homelessness head-on by offering taster days, barista training, and paid employment for those experiencing homelessness.
Founded in Peckham in 2014, Old Spike provides a bridge to employment for individuals who have faced housing insecurity.
Richard Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Old Spike, said: “I used to live in New York back in 2008 and I was exposed to cool coffee roasteries and higher quality cups of coffee.
“Myself and my business partner felt, why not capitalise on the growing trend of specialty coffee and support people experiencing homelessness through custom bespoke training and employment?
“It felt like we could do something to make a real impact on people’s lives whilst running a successful coffee-focused business.”
According to Combined Homelessness and Information Network research, there were 11,993 rough sleepers on London’s streets between April 2023 and March 2024 – a 19% increase on the previous year and a 58% increase compared to a decade ago.
In 2024, one in 47 Londoners were homeless, with many more experiencing “hidden homelessness,” such as sofa surfing or living in insecure accommodations.
The government and local authorities are grappling with a shortage of affordable housing options, and experts warn that without sustainable employment pathways, these figures could continue to climb.
At the same time, coffee consumption in the UK is booming.
35% of UK adults reported buying more coffee from cafes in 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating a growing demand for specialty coffee and an opportunity for businesses to make an impact beyond just taste.
Old Spike partners with over 20 organisations across London to identify individuals who are at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing it.
The company then provides a barista training course and offers paid positions at its cafes, teaching a wide range of skills alongside personal development support such as CV writing and interview coaching.
Joanne, a social mobility coach at one of their referral partners, Baytree, said: “The Old Spike barista training programme has been a very accessible first step into the job market for many women from Baytree, each of whom has a different situation, but may face a combination of barriers to getting into work such as childcare responsibilities, language barrier, low literacy, past trauma, lack of formal work experience, unstable housing etc.”
Robinson emphasises that this approach is about more than just getting people into jobs – it’s about building self-worth and confidence surrounding employment.
Robinson said: “What we offer is basic entry-level experience which then gives them the confidence to go on and work elsewhere too.”
In the past year, 137 individuals participated in the program, with 80% securing permanent employment or continuing education after their training.
An anonymous trainee said: “As a result of the course, I not only gained new knowledge and skills but also met some amazing people who share my love of coffee.”
Robinson believes that the public’s growing interest in where their money goes plays a crucial role in Old Spike’s success and looking ahead, he sees Old Spike as part of a wider movement that is redefining the role of businesses in society.
Robinson said: “If we all give back a little bit, then hopefully the world becomes just that bit better.”
The company operates eight cafes across London and is looking to grow further in the UK, with future hopes to establish a presence in the US.
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