merit cafe

In January 2025, Own Merit joined forces with Top Notch Gym in Northampton to launch the Merit Café, a welcoming space that reflects our shared commitment to community empowerment. 

The café employs residents from the Own Merit Programme, offering them not only meaningful employment but also invaluable training opportunities. This initiative represents Own Merit's dedication to fostering independence, building skills, and celebrating personal growth. By creating a supportive environment where individuals can thrive, the Merit Café serves as a bridge between progress and opportunity, while also providing visitors with a wide range of hot drinks, cold beverages,  protein-based shakes and bars, and other sweet treats.

We are also proud to partner with Redemption Roasters for this project. Redemption Roasters is a specialty coffee company with a unique mission: to reduce reoffending rates by training prison leavers in coffee industry skills. They operate roasteries and barista academies within prisons, providing participants with the expertise and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment upon release. This partnership aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Merit Café, as both initiatives focus on creating opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. By serving Redemption Roasters' exceptional coffee, the Merit Café not only supports this impactful mission but also brings a story of transformation and second chances to every cup.

Located within Top Notch Gym, it’s more than just a café,  it’s also a hub for change and connection that brings our community closer together.