“Café 16 shows what can happen when organisations work together to help people fulfil their potential. We are looking forward to many more years of transforming lives and bringing hope.”
The Revd Fiona Sample MBE, Chief Executive Officer and founder of The Oswin Project.
Newcastle Cathedral celebrates 5 year birthday of its transformational Café 16
It’s been five years since Newcastle Cathedral launched its Café 16 – a unique partnership project offering opportunities for prison leavers and others involved in the justice system.
Café 16 opened its doors for the first time on 12 August 2021 – the very same day Newcastle Cathedral reopened to visitors following its major National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported refurbishment.
The café is run by The Oswin Project, a prisoner rehabilitation charity whose social enterprises provide people with real skills, meaningful work experience, employment and the opportunity to build brighter futures and contribute to society.
Café 16 offers training, support and employment opportunities, helping people regain confidence, develop valuable skills and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
The café follows the same model as The Oswin Project’s flagship Café 16 in HMP Northumberland and is named after the 1916 Royal Flying Corps station that formerly occupied the site of the prison.
Since opening, Café 16 has supported 64 prison leavers into employment and volunteering, welcoming thousands of visitors every year and becoming a much-loved community space. It also offers a delivery service and provides catering for events.
Fraser, who joined The Oswin Project six years ago, says:
“Café 16 has given me the chance to prove myself and move forward. It’s more than just a job – it’s a place where I’ve been able to learn new skills, build my confidence and feel like I’m part of a team. Having that support and belief in me has made a huge difference.”
As well as serving breakfast and lunch, Café 16 also hosts a variety of community groups and, for the past three years, has provided the venue for charity Changing Lives’ free Christmas meals for local people experiencing homelessness.
The Revd Fiona Sample MBE, Chief Executive Officer and founder of The Oswin Project, says:
“We are so happy that five years ago Newcastle Cathedral let Café 16 move into this beautiful space.
‘They share our vision of together giving second chances.
‘Café 16 shows what can happen when organisations work together to help people fulfil their potential. We are looking forward to many more years of transforming lives and bringing hope.”
The Very Revd Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, says:
“Café 16 has become a much-loved part of life at the Cathedral. It brings a real sense of warmth and welcome to this space and has become a valued place for visitors and our community. We are delighted to celebrate five years of working alongside The Oswin Project and all that Café 16 has brought to the Cathedral.”
Café 16 is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm, in the Cathedral’s refectory.
If you would be interested in volunteering at Café 16 and supporting the team, please email Emma.Turnbull@oswinproject.org.uk.
