What is Coffee Connexions?
Coffee Connexions is a social enterprise charity that in partnership with Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service provides supported work based training and placements for IIRMS service users.
Coffee Connexions aims to offer pop-up cafes and mobile coffee vans operated by service users with staff support. Our first pop-up cafe is based at Poole Probation office.
Coffee Connexions aims to focus on developing transferable work skills, building structure, belonging and self-worth post release from custody.
Why is it important?
The first few weeks following release are critical. Without structure, purpose or the right support in place people are more likely to disengage, reoffend or return to unsafe familiar coping strategies. For those who have spent years in custody the transition to the community can feel chaotic, isolating and impossible to navigate alone.
Coffee Connexions wants to change that trajectory.
By offering supported, structured work placements we provide a bridge from prison to employment in the community. This isn’t just about making coffee it’s about helping people reclaim routine, rebuild confidence and feel part of something again.
Coffee Connexions can help provide:
- Routine that helps provide some structure to service users’ weeks
- Belonging through safe, supported social interaction
- Purpose by enabling service users to contribute meaningfully and develop new skills
When people feel seen, supported and valued they are far more likely to succeed.
How it Works
Eligible service users for the project can be put forward by their Probation Practitioner or will be identified through STRIVE.
Service users will be given some information on the project and what will be expected of them. If they wish to engage, a collaborative risk assessment between NHS and HMPPS will be made and discussed with the service user.
Once a service user is accepted onto the project they will receive Barista Training in partnership with Dorset based Full Circle coffee. Training is suitable for those with little or no experience in this area. Additional bespoke training may be provided once a service user feels confident with the basics.
Each session is supported by 2 members of the STRIVE team, the aim is to not only teach practical skills but to provide a graded, guided reintroduction to community life and working environments.
Through this approach Coffee Connexions provides a safe, supportive and meaningful route into employment, starting with structure and routine and building towards long-term community integration and independence.