A partnership between Sodexo Government and Combat2Coffee is further supporting veterans and ex-uniformed personnel in the United Kingdom.
Combat2Coffee is a coffee company with a difference.
Incorporated as community interest not-for-profit company (CIC), it was the brainchild of founder, Nigel Seaman, a Royal Anglian veteran, who came up with the idea of supporting the wellbeing and mental health of ex-service personnel and their families using coffee as a vehicle for conversation.
The company provides mental health and signposting support through a dedicated and experienced outreach team and community hubs employability skills through barista and roasting training From its roastery in Ipswich, Suffolk, the Combat2Coffee team of staff and volunteers, many of whom are veterans, ex-uniformed or prison leavers, produce the unique Combat2Coffee blend using fairtrade and sustainable premium coffee beans sourced by Nigel himself from two family farms in Brazil.
As a purpose-led business Sodexo is committed to doing all it can to support SMEs and VCSEs and has been running its supplier inclusion programme for almost a decade.
The programme has been designed to break down barriers which historically may have put off SMEs from pitching for supply contracts with large organisations.
It has been designed to provide a safe environment for potential supply partners to work with Sodexo.
Combat2Coffee participated in the programme and with a shared commitment to supporting the whole armed forces community including veterans was the perfect partner for Sodexo’s Government business. The first step in the new partnership is the introduction of Combat2Coffee at Larkhill Garrison, part of Project Allenby Connaught.
Partnering with Sodexo enables us to extend our reach and impact
Seaman says: "Our mission at Combat2Coffee is to create a supportive community for veterans and their families, ensuring all those affected by mental ill health are heard, understood and supported.
Mark Baker, Chief Operating Officer - Defence at Sodexo UK & Ireland, adds: "Our collaboration with Combat2Coffee highlights our commitment to enriching the lives of military veterans and their families through meaningful opportunities and providing much needed health and wellbeing support for those who may be finding it hard to adjust to civilian life.
We are excited about the partnership and look forward to working with Nigel and his team to expand Combat2Coffee’s reach further.”
Sodexo has partnered with the Armed Forces for over 30 years.
With 4,700 employees serving 75,000 customers at 35 military bases.
The group was also an early signatory to the UK's Armed Forces Covenant, an initiative which commends employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace and encourages others to follow their lead - achieving recognition as a 'Gold award holder' since 2017.
