Empowering transformation: how McCain Foodservice Solutions is reforming lives through the Streets Ahead programme

In an inspiring initiative aimed at driving meaningful support for the foodservice industry, McCain has partnered with Coracle to equip inmates at HMP ISIS and HMP Brixton with laptops, enabling them to participate in the McCain Streets Ahead programme powered by KERB+.

 

This collaboration is not just about technology distribution; it is a bold step towards prison reformation and rehabilitation, providing inmates with the skills and hope needed to rebuild their lives post-incarceration.

 

Empowering through education

From May to December 2022, the KERB Classroom course was meticulously developed for prison laptop integration. By January 2023, Coracle laptops were rolled out to HMP ISIS and HMP Brixton, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for many inmates.

 

The initial phase saw significant engagement, with 16 sign-ups at HMP Brixton and six at HMP ISIS, who continued their journey once they were through the gate joining the programmes many opportunities, despite the complexities of life post-release.

 

Building entrepreneurial spirit

The Streets Ahead programme focuses on street food entrepreneurship, resonating deeply with inmates with a desire to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit. The programme’s popularity is evident from the enthusiastic participation and the positive feedback from inmates.

 

As one participant from HMP Brixton expressed: “Completing the course enabled me to stay motivated in prison. I know my confidence has improved, which has given me more hope for my release.” This sentiment underscores the programme’s ability to instil structure, motivation, and a tangible goal for the future.

 

Tangible impact and success stories

By June 2023, the programme had expanded its reach, with increased engagement events and more laptops in the prisons.

 

KERB+ hosted five engagement events at HMP Brixton totalling 15.5 hours, while seven events over 17 hours were hosted at HMP ISIS. The second year saw an impressive 22 sign-ups at HMP Brixton and five at HMP ISIS, with several inmates actively engaging post-release, emphasising the programme’s growing impact.

Inmates from HMP Brixton found the programme transformative, and stated: “When completing a long sentence, it can be difficult to make sure you are using your time productively. Streets Ahead has helped me with that. Being able to use a laptop for the course was amazing at modernising it, this gave me the belief that I can use the skills I’ve learnt outside in the real world.”

 

Challenges and future directions

Despite its successes, the programme faces challenges, including the need for ongoing engagement post-release and addressing learning difficulties among participants. However, McCain and KERB+ are committed to continuous improvement.

 

Plans include refining the registration process, enhancing record-keeping, and expanding into other prisons like HMP Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Pentonville, aligning with existing food education programmes to reach more inmates.

 

A pathway to hope and success

McCain’s sponsorship of the Streets Ahead programme, powered by KERB+, exemplifies a powerful commitment to social responsibility and prison reform. By providing inmates with valuable skills and a vision for their future, the Streets Ahead programme is not only helping to reduce recidivism but also fostering a community of empowered individuals ready to contribute positively upon their release. This initiative is a beacon of hope, illustrating how corporate support can drive profound societal change.

Together, let’s change lives through street food.

 

Find out more about the programme here.