Social Bite – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Council proud to recognise the Jobs First Programme

The Council is proud to recognise the work of Social Bite’s Jobs First programme through our parking contractor NSL (part of Marston Holdings).

We’re also sharing the inspiring story of Patrick who has benefitted from this programme and is now employed as a Parking Attendant here in Edinburgh.

Jobs First was established by Social Bite in October 2021 as a pathway for homelessness experienced individuals to employment – and in that time they have helped over 90 people.

The programme guarantees living wage employment for each person and provides wrap-around support for both the employer and employee.

Each Jobs First employee is allocated a support worker from Social Bite who assists them throughout the programme and their employment contract, meeting weekly initially to offer practical support on bills and forms, as well as emotional guidance and confidence building to adapt to working life.

Social Bite also provides training to each employer to help them appropriately guide the employee while the support worker will help facilitate appraisal processes and employee progress.

Today we’re sharing Patrick’s story to highlight how the programme has had a positive impact on his life and in turn added value to the services we provide to the people of Edinburgh.

A video on this is available on the Council’s Instagram account.

In October, the prestigious ‘Parking in the Community Award’ was also awarded to the Council, NSL and Social Bite at the British Parking Awards, recognising this important work.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Homelessness is one of the key challenges that we face in our city and I’m incredibly proud of the work that is ongoing between our services and Social Bite on the Jobs First programme.

“Behind every case of homelessness is an individual story and Patrick’s shows what can be achieved when the right support is in place. Gainful employment is about so much more than simply earning a wage. It’s a route to rebuild a life with confidence, social relationships and other transferrable skills.

“I’m hopeful that this relationship with Social Bite will continue for many years to come and that we can help more individuals like Patrick to overcome these difficulties and lessen the impact of homelessness in Edinburgh as much as we can.”

Emma Colgan-Blair, Social Bite’s Jobs First Programme Coordinator, said: “Over the past three years, Social Bite’s partnership with NSL and the City of Edinburgh Council through the Jobs First programme has helped people affected by homelessness build brighter futures.

“With a shared ethos of creating pathways to employment, together we’ve been able to support many individuals like Patrick to achieve financial stability, career growth, and personal transformation. This collaboration shows the life-changing impact of offering people from all walks of life the right support and opportunities.”

Keith Hanshaw, Group Managing Director of NSL, said: “Marston Holdings have been supporting Social Bite since 2022. We work closely with them in Edinburgh and across the UK to support those who have experienced homelessness through meaningful permanent employment opportunities.

“Social Bite were also voted internally to be one of our two Christmas reward sponsors. We have employed numerous people like Patrick and look to continue to do so for many years to come. We are really proud of the impact this makes on our local communities.”

Edinburgh to welcome Sting, Bob Geldof and Rob Brydon in new business awards

New major awards scheme for the British Business Community unveiled

NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, are unveiling a brand-new national business awards event to recognise the achievements of significant companies and leaders across the UK.

The British Business Awards, in association with NatWest, will take place on April 24th, 2025, at the EICC in Edinburgh. The event will be run on a not-for-profit basis and has set a target of raising £1million for this year’s beneficiary charity, Social Bite.

Chaired by Alan Jope CBE, the former CEO of Unilever, the awards are expected to attract some of the UK’s most important companies and preeminent business leaders to convene in Edinburgh. The dinner will feature a fireside chat and a rare, unplugged music performance from the iconic musician and activist Sting.

The evening will be hosted by comedian, presenter and TV star, Rob Brydon and feature a keynote address from the event’s patron Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Band Aid in 2025.

Anticipated to be the largest business dinner in the UK, the British Business Awards is anticipated to have 2000 business leaders in attendance, representing companies with a combined turnover of over £200 billion.

There are 18 award categories to enter including: Entrepreneur of the Year, Socially Responsible Business of the Year, International Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Retail Business of the Year. To enter businesses are required to submit a 1000 word written application by 7^th of March 2025.

The independent judging panel is made up of 18 key figures from British industry including; Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank; Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore, Shaf Rasul, serial entrepreneur and investor; and Vinodka Murria OBE, known as the ‘Queen of Tech’ having founded three tech companies that have a – “multi-unicorn’” valuation in excess of $2.5 billion.

Josh Littlejohn MBE had previously founded the Scottish Business Awards, which went on to attract keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sir Bob Geldof, British Business Awards patron, said: “The British Business Awards is a vital event. For one night, the leaders of British business will come together in Edinburgh to celebrate success and make a difference. I look forward to seeing you on the night”

Alan Jope CBE, Chair of the judging panel, said: “The British Business Awards will bring together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the UK for one amazing night in Edinburgh, to celebrate their achievements.

“As well as enjoying the proud distinction of being nominated or winning, businesses will be helping to raise vital funds for the most vulnerable people in society.”

James Holian, Head of Business Banking and International Retail, NatWest Group said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is proud to support the launch of the British Business Awards.

“This event is the perfect way to bring together the UK’s leading companies and entrepreneurs to recognise their achievements and make a difference. I look forward to hearing about the many success stories on the night.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “British Business has seen a huge amount of change, turmoil and challenge over recent years, yet despite this we seeing companies continue to thrive to be major market leaders across the world.

“The British Business Awards will recognise the very best of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, as well as supporting the important work of Social Bite in tackling homelessness across the UK.”

For further information on the awards or for more details on how to enter visit:

www.britishbusinessawards.co.uk

Royal Bank of Scotland encourages customers to spread Christmas cheer in support of homelessness charity

Royal Bank of Scotland has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. Royal Bank of Scotland has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

Royal Bank of Scotland has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its NatWest site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of Royal Bank of Scotland for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful Royal Bank of Scotland customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

Social bite Christmas 2024 From left to right: Billy, Jim and Social Bite team member Ambreen

To find out more about Royal Bank of Scotland’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit:

https://personal.secure1.rbs.co.uk/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/

£5 Christmas Appeal: itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

SCOTTISH BUSINESS OWNER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE TRAGIC STATE OF POVERTY IN SCOTLAND: “CHILDREN ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL SPEND CHRISTMAS DAY WITHOUT A HOT MEAL, GIFT OR SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BREAK THIS CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS”

Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the ‘devastating’ level of poverty in Scotland this festive season. To tackle this, the company has once again launched its £5 Christmas appeal in a bid to raise thousands for people who are vulnerable and homeless this winter, in partnership with Social Bite.

The annual initiative, which allows generous Scots to buy a person, family, or child who is homeless or vulnerable a hot Christmas meal or gift for just £5, comes amidst news that more children in Scotland will be homeless and hungry this Christmas than ever before.

Over the last decade, the itison £5 Christmas Appeal campaign has raised more than £3 million, with 700,000 donations made, meaning hundreds of people each year are able to enjoy a hot meal or a gift on Christmas Day at one of Social Bite’s coffee shops. Every year, the number of people accepting these meals increases, with more and more people visiting Social Bite on Christmas Day to enjoy good company, warmth, and a hearty meal.

Social Bite and itison have surveyed the drastically declining rate of security for vulnerable people across Scotland since last year and work closely with people who receive support from Social Bite’s services to hear their stories.

Two regular attendees of the festive meals are father and son Jim and Billy. The pair have attended the Social Bite Christmas meals, in partnership with itison, for over five years. The meals mean so much to them that in past years, Jim and Billy have walked from as far as Rutherglen in to Glasgow to have their festive celebrations with the charity.

Billy said: “Every year that we’ve been has been brilliant. There’s no public transport on Christmas Day, so for a few years we walked in until my dad got a bit older.

“They welcome you in, you get a nice meal. It’s turkey, potatoes, you get your dessert. It’s good portions. Not too big, but it’s not too wee. And the gifts you get are unbelievable.”

Jim added: “Last year we got a charger for our phone, a pair of slippers, sweeties. Hats, scarves, gloves, a thermal to keep you warm when you’re outside. For a lot of people who are otherwise by themselves, who don’t get anything, they’re over the moon.”

Over the years they’ve got to know some familiar faces. But it’s the ones who don’t return – reflecting the instability and dangers of homelessness – that stick most with Jim and Billy.

Jim commented: “The thing that’s quite sad is you see a lot of people and then you don’t see them, because of their situations. You get to know people, and then you’re told ‘they’re no longer here.’

“It’s the young ones. One minute you see them, and the next year they’re not here.”

It was revealed earlier this year that the increase in homelessness in Scotland poses a ‘serious risk’ to life as a lack of accommodation is leaving people without somewhere safe to call home, forcing them to endure freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions.

Oli Norman, owner of itison, said: “It’s 2024, and people are still going hungry, still without a decent home, still living on the streets, and still at serious risk because there is not enough accommodation for people who need it. The cost of living is still increasing, pushing more people into devastating poverty.

“There is simply not enough support for people who are, or are at risk of becoming, vulnerable and homeless. Families and children across the country will be spending Christmas Day without a hot meal, gift or safe place to call home – more must be done.

“We hope that once again our £5 voucher can bring some comfort to people who need it this festive season. We are urging people to please go online and buy a voucher for the same price as a coffee or a meal deal – we need your help to break this cycle of homelessness. Let’s act now.”

Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said: “Social Bite is experiencing unprecedented rise in demand from people who are homeless across the country due to the national housing emergency and the increasing cost of living.

“The itison £5 Christmas appeal is a simple way for people to get involved and help bring some joy to people and families who are homeless and need it most this winter.

“For many people across the country, Christmas Day can be extremely challenging, but with the itison £5 voucher, you can give someone the chance to have a hot meal and enjoy some good company on what should be the most joyful day of the year.

“This year, you also can make a child’s day with a Christmas gift for £5. Thank you to the amazing Scottish public for your continued support this Christmas.”

The £5 vouchers are available now at itison.com.

In addition to the itison £5 Christmas Appeal, donations and gifts can be made to Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness online or at one of the Trees of Kindness located throughout the UK.

For a full list of essential items needed, and to make a donation online, visit: social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.

Dundee – Union Street
Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Edinburgh – Castle Street & The Pitt Market, Granton
London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre

HEATTECH continues the pursuit of ultimate comfort in Scotland

UNIQLO partners with Social Bite and Unique Assembly to provide warmth to local Scottish communities

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the latest innovations for HEATTECH, its thin and warm thermal clothing technology that converts water vapor from the body into heat.

Following the Edinburgh store opening in Spring 2024, UNIQLO are pleased to offer its HEATTECH lineup to the people of Scotland this winter.

The epitome of UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy, for more than two decades, available in three levels of warmth: HEATTECH (Regular), HEATTECH Extra Warm and HEATTECH Ultra Warm, HEATTECH has changed winter fashion around the world.

The 2024 HEATTECH offering has even greater comfort. The new HEATTECH EXTRA WARM Cashmere Blend from the UNIQLO: C collection has a 9% cashmere blend to provide a soft and fluffy feel. In addition to innerwear, the broad lineup of products incorporating HEATTECH technology also includes outer layers and accessories. HEATTECH continues to support winter lifestyles, making the cold season warmer, lighter, and more comfortable.

The Heart of LifeWear in partnership with Social Bite

In the Social Bite coffee shop November 2024, donations of new HEATTECH items were provided as the part of The Heart of LifeWear initiative by Alessandro Dudech, UNIQLO UK COO, and representatives from Social Bite’s Jobs First employment programme for people affected by homelessness.

This winter, UNIQLO will launch the ‘Heart of LifeWear’ initiative donating one million new items of HEATTECH, thermal clothing, worldwide to make life a little more comfortable for those who are in a severe situation. With the help of its NGO partners, UNIQLO is working to provide warmth and comfort to people all over the world.

Since the opening of the UNIQLO Edinburgh store in April 2024, UNIQLO UK has partnered with local Scottish charity Social Bite, to support its mission to end homelessness.

UNIQLO is pleased to announce Social Bite as one of the UK recipients for the ‘Heart of LifeWear’ initiative, in the coming winter, with over 2,500 items of HEATTECH that will be distributed in Scotland via the Social Bite network.

Josh Littlejohn, Social Bite Founder,said: “We’re thrilled that our partnership with UNIQLO will bring thousands of thermal items to people affected by homelessness this winter.

“This essential support provides warmth and comfort through the coldest months, while also helping to raise awareness of challenges faced by people most in need.

“With homelessness rising across the UK, UNIQLO customers can also make a financial donation to Social Bite at UNIQLO tills this season, supporting vulnerable people during winter and beyond.”

Alongside Social Bite, UNIQLO UK will partner with Goods for Good, Crisis Liverpool, Crisis London and New Horizon to distribute a total of 10,000 HEATTECH items this winter.

UNIQLO Ice Rink

As part of the HEATTECH activity in Scotland, UNIQLO is delighted to partner with Unique Assembly as title sponsor of this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink on the West End of George Street.

Every attendee of the Ice Rink will receive a scratch card offering money off vouchers and lucky winners will receive one free item of HEATTECH, vouchers are redeemable at the Edinburgh store until the end of January 2025.

Speaking about the partnership Sally Richens, Brand Manager UNIQLO U.K. said: “Following our successful Edinburgh store opening in April this year, we are delighted to support the Edinburgh Ice Rink this winter.

“We hope to bring warmth to the city via our HEATTECH thermal products, allowing people to enjoy outdoor pursuits this festive season.”

When: 22 November – 04 January

Where: West George Street between Castle Street and Charlotte Square

You can find more info on this link: https://edwinterfest.com/whats-on/ice-skating

Social Bite Festival of Kindness seeks Edinburgh locals to help to raise donations and joy in the city

The Edinburgh Festival of Kindness campaign kicks off on Castle Street
The charity is calling for locals to rally to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas

Leading homelessness charity, Social Bite, is calling on kind-hearted Edinburgh locals of all ages to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas season as part of its Festival of Kindness (from Monday 25^th November).

The charity’s annual campaign is returning to the city for its fifth year, as it continues its mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December. This year donations can be made to the city’s Tree of Kindness on Castle Street.

Since 2019, Edinburgh locals have contributed generously towards Social Bite’s yearly target of 300,000 gifts, essentials and Christmas meals, which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with a loving Christmas.

Homelessness has been declared as a national emergency, and food poverty is on the rise, so more people are facing a desperate winter than ever before, including families with children. This is why each year Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness aims to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing a difficult Christmas, and this year that may be needed more than ever.

As well as gifts hand delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part can also donate virtually. Donations of just £28 could provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night.

Supporters can also choose to donate items including a pack of warm gloves for £10, or even 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250: there are so many ways to get involved and help support people who need it most at this time of year.

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “Across the UK, homelessness is increasing. Earlier this year, the Scottish government homelessness report revealed a 5% increase in homelessness applications in Edinburgh, and just recently, the city’s vulnerable took a further hit with the announcement that 1,200 affordable homes will be cut from plans due to lack of funding. That means this year, our Festival of Kindness is more important than ever.

“The people of Edinburgh have generously supported Festival of Kindness for the past four years. This year, we’re asking them to once again demonstrate that warm-heartedness they’re famous for and donate at our Tree of Kindness or online.”

Over and above the tree located on Edinburgh’s Castle Street, four other Trees of Kindness have been installed across the UK. Donors can bring physical gifts to the trees which will be distributed to homeless and vulnerable people in time for Christmas, including:

Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Dundee – Union Street
London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre

For anyone who can’t make it along to the Festival of Kindness donation points, contributions can also be made online at social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.

The charity, in collaboration with people they support, has created a wish list of items and gifts that vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness want most at this time of year.

These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, good quality socks, and toys and warm clothing for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.

Donors can also buy a Christmas dinner, a gift, a pack of essential items and overnight emergency accommodation for £28.

Social Bite to join The Pitt in Granton with dessert pop-up

Social Bite’s first pop-up food venture will focus on custard and desserts
Social Bite customers will be able to pay it forward and donate towards the charity’s work providing food, homes, jobs and support to people affected by homelessness
Social Bite is the third vendor to be announced for the market’s opening in Granton later this year
Social Bite joins British Street Food Champions Choola, and the legendary Buffalo Truck with more to be announced

Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton. The partnership between Social Bite and The Pitt will bring sweet treats to customers.

Social Bite’s first pop-up will celebrate all things custard, with delicious desserts including crumble made with seasonal fruit and a choice of toppings served with hot or cold fresh custard. Social Bite will be a permanent trader and exclusive provider of desserts for visitors to the popular street food market at its new home in Granton.

Whilst Social Bite has a history of coffee shops in Edinburgh city centre, the charity is no stranger to the Granton Waterfront. The Pitt is located opposite Social Bite’s village, which opened in 2018 and has since supported 100 people out of homelessness.

The Pitt, owned and operated by not-for-profit community interest company, Granton Project CIC, is on a mission to create positive change in North Edinburgh and will open year-round this winter.

Mel Swan, Commercial Operations Director at Social Bite, said: “We’re excited to bring the Social Bite brand and our new dessert concept to The Pitt. There’s a lot of synergy between us – as well as our love of good food, we share their ethos of creating a supportive, community environment where people can flourish.

“They’ve welcomed us an established business with a new idea. We chose custard because it’s great hot, cold or frozen, and it works on its own, baked in a dessert, or as a side. We’ve got loads of great ideas that we can’t wait to bring to The Pitt’s devoted foodies, whether you pop along for pudding or want to pay it forward.”

Hal Prescott, Chief Executive of The Pitt, said: “With a number of exciting traders already confirmed, it’s amazing to welcome Social Bite, such a well-established social enterprise, to the project.

“They’ve already made such a huge contribution to end homelessness and we firmly believe that this innovative collaboration will make a significant impact.

“And how exciting to have Britain’s first dedicated custard stall at The Pitt on the shores of Granton!”

It’s good to talk!

Matthew Algie donates 1,000 coffees to Pay It Forward scheme supporting people experiencing homelessness

Charity support worker explains how coffee can kick start conversations that ‘save lives’
Warning that housing emergencies are having impact on more people across Scotland and UK
Coffee roaster Matthew Algie hopes donation will inspire others to support Social Bite Pay It Forward scheme
People experiencing homelessness can use food and drink service in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen

A SUPPORT worker at one of Scotland’s most prominent homelessness charities has highlighted the ‘life-saving’ potential of conversation for some of the nation’s most vulnerable people ahead of this year’s Pay It Forward Day.

Euan Brock, a support and development worker at Social Bite, was speaking as leading Scottish coffee roaster Matthew Algie donated more than 1,000 coffees to the charity’s Pay It Forward scheme, which provides food and hot drinks to people experiencing homelessness, to mark the global event (Sunday, April 28).

The coffees will be provided through the Pay It Forward scheme across Social Bite’s three Scottish locations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.

Brock has been with Social Bite, the high-profile charity that provides homes, jobs, food, and support to people experiencing homelessness, for three years.

He explained how the number of people the organisation supports is rising, with more Scots facing challenging situations – from rough sleeping and living in temporary/emergency accommodation to facing the imminent threat of becoming homeless – as the impact of food poverty, housing emergencies in Scotland’s major cities, the cost-of-living crisis, and rising energy prices are felt.

Social Bite’s Pay It Forward scheme provides hot food and drinks to thousands of people in need, which Brock says can prove crucial in developing trust and providing a sense of inclusion for people who may have experienced traumatic events.

He said: “The biggest challenge I see at the moment is a shortage of adequate housing across the whole of the UK. Toward the end of 2023 Edinburgh and Glasgow declared a housing emergency with more councils following this year.

“This means more people are finding themselves homeless and declaring it with councils, but there is a lack of permanent and temporary homes, as well as hotels/B&B and emergency accommodation leaving people with no option but to sleep rough or sofa surf with friends or family if they are able to.

“The Pay it Forward scheme can support someone by providing food and drinks, but it also allows us to build a trusting relationship with people accessing the service and then can go on to support them going forward.

“Conversation and inclusion is hugely important in society and a major part of Social Bite. Isolation and loneliness are silent killers and research suggests it can be as damaging to someone’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“Through Social Bite and Pay it Forward we can welcome people with a smile, a hot meal, and a simple ‘How are you today?’ – it can make someone’s day that hasn’t spoken to anyone and been ignored on the street.

“A simple ‘How are you?’ can save lives.”

The Pay It Forward Scheme has proved a gateway to thousands of people accessing support with housing applications, benefits applications, and other support services they are entitled to, as well as referrals into Social Bite’s Jobs First programme. Others have entered volunteering programmes.

Mel Swan, Social Bite’s Commercial and Operations Director, said: “Pay It Forward is part of the fabric of Social Bite. Food and drink helps people at their most vulnerable and leads to other support towards a more stable position in life. It all starts by talking.

“Matthew Algie’s donation of 1,000 cups of coffee will help hundreds of people across Scotland in the coming weeks. Each one offers the possibility of connection and building a relationship that can help someone experiencing homelessness get the support they need.

“Paying it forward is a small act that can mean a lot and brighten someone’s day. It also plays a big part in our ultimate goal of ending homelessness.”

Paul Chadderton, Managing Director at Matthew Algie, said: “Social Bite tirelessly works to address one of Scotland’s most pressing issues, homelessness, and is one of our most important partners.

“This donation will help kick off conversations that can make a difference, as well as providing a moment of enjoyment at a difficult time for those the charity supports.

“More importantly, we want to highlight the importance of Paying It Forward to people across Scotland. A small gesture can make a huge difference to those who need it most.”

People can pay it forward at every one of our Social Bite’s locations to help someone experiencing homelessness. You can also Pay It Forward online at social-bite.co.uk/what-we-do/our-shops/pay-it-forward/

Established 160 years ago this year, Glasgow based coffee roaster Matthew Algie supplies high-quality coffee to partners across Scotland, the UK, and Ireland.

For more information visit matthewalgie.com.

Netflix star Phil Rosenthal visits Social Bite coffee shop

Phil Rosenthal from hit Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil, can be seen stopping by Social Bite’s Edinburgh coffee shop on Rose Street in the latest series which launched last night.

The coffee shop, which offers customers the chance to ‘pay it forward’ to help support people who are homeless or vulnerable, features on the show.

Members of the Social Bite team and Phil discuss the charity’s mission to help end homelessness as they enjoy some great coffee and baked goods available from the shop.

Mel Swan, Commercial and Operations Director of Social Bite, said: “Having a big star and foodie icon visit our Edinburgh coffee shop really helps share our mission with the world. We want to bring people together to end homelessness, and that can start with good food and a conversation.

“Phil really enjoyed our cakes and cookies, and hearing about what we do. We can also claim to have given him his first taste of our national drink, Irn-Bru – that’s one for the books!”

You can support Social Bite by donating at: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/get-involved/donate/

or you can use Phil’s link at: https://www.philrosenthalworld.com/charity

Image: (Back row from left to right) Aimee Latham, Louise Hutson, Babs Haig, Amanda Traill. (Front row from left to right) Colin Childs, Monica, Phil Rosenthal, Mel Swan