Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham (the founders of Pret A Manger) set up The Pret Foundation Trust in 1995. The Trust is funded by money that we donate from the sales of some of our products (Lemon-Aid, Dolphin-Friendly Tuna Baguette and our Christmas sandwiches), and customer donations through collection boxes in shops. This primarily supports the Pret Charity Run, a fleet of electric or LPG vans, which collect and distribute our leftover food at the end of every day to charities for the homeless across London. Many charities collect directly from our shops at the end of the day, too. In total, we donate over 1.7 million meals to charities for the homeless across the UK every year.

The Pret Foundation Trust (PFT) also supports charities for the homeless with essential financial, and sometimes professional, project support.

The PFT is funding the cook at the 999 Club in Deptford, S.E. London, as well as providing all the food for the service users. The 999 Club is a drop-in centre which provides hot food and drinks to those in need in the local area. It never turns anyone away and is always there for support, guidance and a friendly ear.

The St Mary Le Bow charity in London has repeatedly been awarded funding from the PFT to help provide beds, clothing and training for young people trying to get themselves off the streets and into employment.

For the past year, the PFT has supported Clapham Youth Centre, providing funding for a weekly DJ/music class for the local teenagers. Professional architectural guidance has also been provided for the eventual rebuilding of Clapham Youth Centre to improve its vital facilities in the local deprived area. In June, a selection of the local Clapham youths have been invited to Pret head office to learn about the different employment opportunities in the food sector, using Pret as an example.

Since 2007, the PFT has supported the Roundhouse in Camden in offering bespoke theatre, animation and performance arts courses for young people with experience of homelessness. This contact with the arts has given the young people the opportunity to develop their skills and build self esteem, giving them the confidence to go on to pursue further projects, education or employment.

In 2008, The Pret Property Team refurbished the kitchen at St George in the Crypt, a drop-in centre that does essential work supporting and offering advice for the long-term homeless in Leeds. The kitchen serves 150 homeless clients wholesome hot meals everyday as they visit the centre for much needed help, advice and friendship. Following on from the kitchen refit, this year Pret's Design Team has been working on a revamp of the cafe area making it a brighter, more user-friendly and vibrant space.

The Pret Food Team has partnered with Broadway, another charity for the homeless in London, and executed a programme of Pret food preparation workshops. These sessions are designed to teach hostel residents basic food preparation methods so they can prepare nutritious food for themselves.

The PFT is also currently supporting The Clock Tower Sanctuary in Brighton, the West London Day Centre in Marylebone, Glasgow City Mission, Brighton Fareshare and the Bristol Soup Run.

The Pret Foundation trustees are always happy to consider additional charities that work with the homeless. If you'd like to know more, please email nicky.fisher@pret.com.

The Pret Foundation Trust Apprenticeship Scheme

If someone does not have a fixed address it is very difficult to get a bank account. If you have no bank account it is difficult to get a job. If in the past a person has been in prison, and has therefore got a criminal record, it is again extremely difficult to find work. It is a cruel catch 22 situation.

In an effort to help break this cycle the Pret Foundation has set up an apprenticeship scheme. There are now 2 places a year available for ex-offenders or homeless people to get a 3 month work placement in the Pret business. The apprentice will receive training in their chosen field, a mentor to guide them through the process and will enjoy all the usual benefits of working for Pret. After the 3 months, if a permanent role is available and the apprentice has done well, they may be given full time employment. If not, they will at least leave Pret with work experience to put on their CV.

Currently the Pret Foundation Trust is working in partnership with the St Mary Le Bow Young Homeless Trust. Our first apprentices are coming via this charity and we are not taking applications directly. If you would like further information, please email nicky.fisher@pret.com