The Key Cafe FAQs
Once we were granted planning permission to undertake work on refurbishing the building that will house our cafe, we ran a community consultation to find out what the local area thought about our project, and what questions they may have for us.
Through putting QR codes in the windows of local businesses, to spending a day on Gloucester Road handing out flyers to the public, we received an overwhelmingly positive response to the prospect of the cafe opening.
Of course, many people did have questions, so we’ve compiled an FAQ based on the reponses.
1. When and where will the cafe be open?
We are currently renovating a disused Ministry of Justice (MoJ) building on Gloucester Road, in front of HMP Bristol. It is on the corner of Cambridge Road - between The Golden Lion and the Sainsbury's Local.
We will be opening in April 2025.
2. How will the cafe ensure safety for customers?
We all have a duty to support rehabilitation in our local communities and we can meet or could be served every day by people in other organisations who may have a previous conviction history that we are not aware of.
If anything, the cafe will have a much stricter risk assessment and safeguarding procedures in place than any other similar establishment which will be closely monitored and reviewed on a regular basis.
3. Selection and safeguarding questions
What are the criteria to get a placement at The Key Cafe?
Employees will be vetted in the same way as any other employee, including safer recruitment processes, in addition to this, there will be a robust risk assessment and risk management process to ensure that employees are ready, supported and able to take advantage of the employment opportunity.
How will the project prevent the cafe from becoming a vector for illegal activities like drug trafficking?
Any public place can become a vector for such activities, all employees will be supported, monitored by experienced and well trained staff, so there will be no risk of such activity taking place.
For individuals with violent or sexually motivated crimes, what safeguards are in place to prevent them from using the cafe for potential harm?
The criteria for placement will exclude some employees with particular offence categories in line with our robust risk assessment and safeguarding policies and procedures.
4. How can the community support The Key cafe project?
There are many ways you can support us, by visiting the cafe once it’s open, sharing our posts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn with your friends, keeping your eyes peeled for when and where we might be stocking Jail Jars jam or any other merchandise you can purchase.
Or, simply, telling a person or two about the work we are doing!