Social Bite coffee shops coming to UK universities

Here’s to the first of many

The milestone move into education will see new cafes open in universities and colleges across the UK, with around 10% of profits from coffee sold donated to the charity and social enterprise’s ongoing work to end homelessness. Matthew Algie is already in talks with several further universities looking to open a Social Bite cafe.

The new Social Bite branded coffee shops will serve Matthew Algie’s Elevator blend, specially selected for the partnership, with every cup sold supporting people experiencing homelessness. Social Bite’s Pay It Forward system will also be in place. 

Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn MBE said, “through our amazing partnership with Matthew Algie, we now have an opportunity to put Social Bite in front of thousands of young people across the country. With Matthew Algie’s support we’re not only able to supply their fantastic coffee, but to bring awareness of the homelessness issue to a new generation. 

“Seeing Social Bite in their university or college might even encourage students to seek support for their own housing or encourage those around them to. By being aware of homelessness, students can begin to combat stigma in their own community and also hold the government to account on these issues.”

Raj Juneja, Head of Education at Matthew Algie, commented, “we are all proud to play a part in supporting the amazing work Social Bite does to support everybody affected by homelessness. There is significant interest in further outlets across our large network of cafes throughout the UK education system, helping raise awareness amongst a key audience while generating funds for the Social Bite cause.”

More support needed for students affected by homelessness

At an event to mark Social Bite’s launch into the education sector, Josh called for greater support for students at risk of homelessness. A recent report revealed a shortage of more than 25,000 student bed spaces in Scotland.

Co-authored by bodies including the University of Glasgow, University of Stirling, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, StudentCrowd, the Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, and Slurp Edinburgh, the cross party student housing options and experiences of homelessness in Scotland report found there is a ‘severe’ student housing crisis in cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee.

Josh explained students from low-income backgrounds, international students, and students who are estranged from their families, where financial support from family or caregivers is not always possible, are most at risk.

According to The National Union of Students (NUS), in 2023 one-in-ten students reported having experienced homelessness in the past. Additionally, more than a fifth of all international students in Scotland have experienced homelessness.