About Us – Mess Cafe

We provide professional training and employment to those who have significant barriers to employment, including ex-offenders, the homeless, refugees and those with additional needs. Read below to find out how this works.

How It Began

As part of The Message Trust, we were going into prisons to work alongside the chaplaincies and provide hope. But when the men and women were released, some of those we worked with found themselves falling back into reoffending as they didn’t have the jobs or support they needed. We couldn’t let this happen so set up the Message enterprise programme.

Working and Training Programmes

Whether in the Mess Cafe, Neal St Espresso or through another programme such as building team, our enterprise programmes allow people to learn new skills and give professional experience which can help them go on to find work elsewhere.

Expanding Our Reach

Knowing there was more we could do, we’re expanding who we work with to include people who find that they have significant barriers to employment and need a helping hand. This has included those who may have struggled with an addiction, the homeless, refugees, the long-term unemployed, as well as people with additional needs.

Our People

We’ve welcomed over 100 people onto our team member programme, here in Manchester, and across the world in our London and Cape Town Enterprises. Meet one of our team below.