More than a cafe,
A place to belong.

Chocolate & Co is a York café and charity creating opportunities for people facing addiction recovery, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system and other significant barriers.

Through paid employment, training, counselling, volunteering, outreach and practical support, we help people rebuild confidence, find purpose and move forward.

THREE YEARS OF SECOND CHANCES

Since opening our permanent café in September 2023, this is what your coffees, donations, funding and support have helped make possible.

37
PEOPLE
SUPPORTED

22
PAID
EMPLOYMENT

763
COUNSELLING HOURS

£303,157
INVESTED IN
SUPPORTED
WAGES, NI & PENSIONS

OUR THREE YEARS OF IMPACT REPORT
COMING SOON

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The Chocolate & Co Story

Chocolate & Co was born out of heartbreak and hope.

Damien and Claire were two beautiful souls who had battled addiction since their teenage years. We saw how powerful it was when they had purpose, paid work and a sense of community and how devastating it was when those things disappeared.

We lost them in 2020 and 2021, during the isolation of the pandemic. Their loss broke our hearts, and lit a fire in us. We knew we had to do something.

Chocolate & Co grew from the belief that when someone feels seen, supported and given a real chance, things can begin to change.

We created a place where meaningful employment, training, counselling, practical support and community come together, helping people rebuild confidence, find purpose and move forward.

We believe everyone has potential, and that people's pasts should not define their futures.

Chocolate & Co is our attempt to turn heartbreak into something hopeful — creating second chances, one person at a time.

Mariah & Linda x

“I was living in a homeless hostel, with nothing, no hope or proper living. Chocolate & Co gave me something to aim for and gave me some hope back. I’m now out of the hostel and living in a shared house, I’m working and volunteering. Chocolate & Co gave me that first step and second chance and without them I wouldn’t be where I am now”

More than a cafe,
A place to belong.

Our Values

We empower people
    We are brave
We act with dignity, respect and integrity
We are a community
We are transformed