Café 16 in HMP Northumberland

Training for Tomorrow

Launched in March 2020, the original Café 16 operates inside HMP Northumberland as the foundation of our hospitality training program. This groundbreaking enterprise provides prisoners with skills development tailored for careers in the hospitality industry.

How It Works

Led by a professional Manager who is an experienced bake and a Cook / Mentor, Café 16 employs a team of prisoners who gain hands-on experience in all aspects of café operations. Participants receive:

  • Professional mentoring and daily support
  • Formal qualifications in catering and food service
  • Training in baking, food preparation, and hygiene
  • Front-of-house and customer service skills
  • Kitchen management experience
A Bridge of Opportunity

Café 16 in HMP Northumberland serves as more than just a training facility—it is the beginning of a journey towardemployment. As prisoners develop skills and confidence, they become eligible for temporary release opportunities (ROTL) to work at the Oswin Projects Newcastle Cathedral café, allowing them to gain work experience while still serving their sentence.
This unique progression creates a seamless pathway from prison to community. A number of our team members start their Oswin Project journey inside HMP Northumberland, transition to work experience at the Cathedral café on temporary licence, and ultimately into secure permanent employment with us on release. This continuity of support and opportunity significantly reduces the barriers to reintegration that many prison leavers face.
By maintaining relationships with the same mentors and colleagues throughout their journey, participants build professional networks and stability that extend well beyond release day—turning what is often a challenging transition into a structured pathway to success.

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