Food Justice
By Mick Connolly
Hear from Wild Goose Drop-in Centre Manager Mick Connolly with an update about inHope’s work supporting catering student placements.
At the Wild Goose Café (run by Bristol charity inHope), we are more than just a place that provides meals to those in need. We are a community rooted in care, inclusivity, and support for marginalised groups. From tackling homelessness to fostering job opportunities for people with learning difficulties and autism, we believe in empowering individuals to build better futures for themselves.
One of the cornerstones of this mission is our partnership with Sixteen Co-operative and Bristol City College (BCC), through which we offer catering student placements for individuals who may face barriers to employment. For the past few years, we have had the privilege of welcoming students into our kitchen, where they learn not only culinary skills but also the value of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
Our most recent placement is Abe, who has quickly become an integral part of the Wild Goose kitchen team. Working alongside our chef Lee and provisions deputy Andy, Abe is learning the ins and outs of catering, developing his skills, and gaining valuable work experience. Emily and Timo are his job coaches to support him in the pathway for employment and are very happy with his progress. He is clearly enjoying his time at the Wild Goose.
The partnership with Sixteen Co-operative has already helped many students find long-term employment in the food industry. The cooperative is dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and autism, guiding them into stable, rewarding careers. By providing real-world experience, such as our placements, these students are not only gaining essential skills but also the confidence to thrive in a professional environment.
This focus on skill development and employment is also reflected in the new cookery classes at the Wild Goose Café, which you can read about in this Bristol Good Food 2030 blog from earlier in the year.
These classes aim to empower individuals with essential culinary skills and knowledge, from basic food preparation to creating nutritious, cost-effective meals. With support from our chef Lee and the wider team, the classes are tailored to our service users, many of whom are facing significant challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, and substance misuse.
The overarching goal of these initiatives is to help people become more self-sufficient, improving their health and well-being along the way.
The Wild Goose Café continues to be a beacon of support for the community, providing a safe and nurturing space for those in need. Through these partnerships and new initiatives, we hope to create lasting change, one meal and one opportunity at a time.
If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about our work, please get in touch or visit the Wild Goose Café to see the impact we’re making together.
To stay updated on future events, job opportunities and news, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter at bristolgoodfood.org/newsletter.
So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
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