A York-based cafe with a mission to transform the lives of ex-offenders and recovering addicts has received a boost from Skipton Business Finance’s Communities Matter scheme.
Chocolate & Co, a community-driven cafe, was awarded £250 as part of the scheme, which provides small grants to local projects and charities across the UK. The funding helped supply 66 of the cafe’s signature house chocolates for its ‘Pay it Forward board’ scheme, allowing customers to donate meals and drinks to those in need during the winter months.
The Pay it Forward board initiative enables customers to pay for an extra item that someone struggling financially can redeem without questions or judgment. This scheme supports approximately 30 people each week, providing them with a free meal and hot drink while fostering meaningful connections that can lead to further assistance.
Chocolate & Co was founded in 2023 by Linda and Mariah Barrie, following the tragic loss of two close friends to addiction. Their vision was to create employment opportunities for ex-offenders and individuals in recovery, expanding on their initial venture of a mobile van serving hot drinks to the community.
Co-founder Mariah Barrie said: “We can’t thank Skipton Business Finance enough for selecting Chocolate & Co to receive a Communities Matter Scheme grant. We are a community recovery charity and York-based #CafeWithACause, advocating for the disadvantaged and helping those in need.
“This generous £250 donation helped fund 66 signature house chocolates for our ‘Pay it Forward board’ scheme, ensuring that customers stay warm and well-fed throughout the winter season.”
Sophie Brown, media and communications manager at Skipton Business Finance, said: “It is important to us that we are supporting charities that truly care about giving back, like Chocolate & Co, who are making a real difference in their local community. The Communities Matter scheme was designed to provide financial support to grassroots organisations making a tangible impact.”
Since its launch in 2023, Communities Matter has awarded a total of £13,750 to 46 organisations, helping fund essential initiatives across the country.
Chocolate & Co has also been recognised for its contributions to the community, having been voted Best Coffee Shop in a local competition where residents nominated their favourite cafe in York.
With its commitment to breaking down employment barriers and providing vital support, Chocolate & Co continues to be a beacon of hope in York, proving that small businesses can make a big difference.
