Former homeless man sets up coffee business to help rough sleepers rebuild lives

Richard Gosnold, 45, opened up the Camden Coffee Club
Ted Hennessey27 January 2020

A former homeless man has set up a coffee business to help people living on the streets rebuild their lives.

Richard Gosnold, 45, opened the Camden Coffee Club in the grounds of St Michael’s Church, serving drinks for £2.50, the profits of which goes to a homeless drop-in centre.

He bought a wagon from Camden Market which he transformed into a unique vending station and employed former homeless people and ex-offenders as baristas.

The Camden Coffee Club is affiliated with Change Please, a social enterprise which provides barista training, pay and support to the homeless.

Mr Gosnold said: “Buying a coffee from the Camden Coffee Club helps in so many different ways. By offering those most affected by homelessness to become baristas we are helping them to help themselves.

"They get paid the London Living Wage, and we also give them advice in terms of housing, benefits and how to move forwards with their lives.”

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