Nottingham’s top coffee roaster has partnered with a youth-centred charity to help break the cycle of offending and reoffending.
200 Degrees has announced a three-year collaboration with Switch Up, which will raise money through the sales of their milk chocolate, red grape and floral flavoured house coffee beans and pods.
The company, which has three stores in the city, has promised to donate at least £10,000 per year, based on £1 for every kilo roasted.
The charity, established in 2013, works with vulnerable young people from deprived backgrounds who are at risk of falling victim to crime and mental health issues.
The teams at Switch Up and Nottingham School of Boxing utilises sport, mentoring and counselling to help those in need get from the dark to the light.
Marcellus Baz, founder and CEO, said: “Partnering with a business like 200 Degrees, who has the moral obligation to help our local community is absolutely important because it aligns with who we are.
“Raising awareness is vital in helping us support those that are disadvantaged, vulnerable and needing access to services that they couldn’t reach before.”
“The country is in a dark place at the moment, we want to stand up against it and give people the hope and aspiration that things can get better. we want to lead the way.”
Marcellus Baz, founder of Switch Up
Young people from Switch Up have also participated in 200 Degrees’ barista school program.
Poppy Flint, senior mentor at Switch Up said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to learn teamwork, leadership and employability skills.
“The barista school has been a great part of our partnership with 200 Degrees, as they also got a certificate, which is something they can put on their CV.”
This week at Switch Up, a group of our young people joined the 200 Degrees barista school. They will be learning about teamwork, leadership and employability skills. Funded by @YF_Foundation and in partnership with @200Degs ☕️ #youthemployment #workexperience #baristaschool pic.twitter.com/PPCi6ZbZd7
— Switch Up (@SwitchUpNotts) November 9, 2022
Following their work throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, the Switch Up team are continuing to help families that are suffering under the cost of living crisis.
This includes donating food parcels, providing counselling for those struggling with their mental health and organising workshops.
Baz added: “The country is in a dark place at the moment. We want to stand up against it and give people the hope and aspiration that things can get better. We want to lead the way.”
According to the Hygiene Bank, 3.1 million adults in the UK have been affected by hygiene poverty this year.
Will Kenney, Commercial Director at 200 Degrees said: “Suffering from a lack of sanitary products, shampoo, toothpaste etcetera can all make a massive difference to your own self esteem.”
To tackle this, 200 Degrees is hosting a Swap Shop on Tuesday 6 December.
Kenney added: “You can come into any of our 18 coffee shops on the day and swap hygiene products in return for a cup of coffee.
“All products will be donated to Switch Up, so it’s another great way people can support the charity.”
The Nottingham stores are located on 16 Flying Horse Walk, 99 Carrington Street and 7-9 Milton Street.
