Putting Communities First
We imagine a city where everyone — including those living with addiction or on the margins of society — knows they matter, and understands their worth.
By breaking down barriers and challenging stigma, we’re building a community where meaningful work offers purpose, dignity, and the opportunity for a brighter future.
About Us | Chocolate & Co
Chocolate & Co was born from heartbreak — and from hope. After losing two friends, to addiction during the isolation of the pandemic, we knew we had to act. We’d seen how powerful it was when they had purpose, paid work, and a sense of community — and how devastating it was when all of that disappeared.
Rooted in lived experience and driven by love, we created Chocolate & Co to challenge the stigma surrounding addiction, and to create space for those so often left behind. Because when people feel seen, supported, and given a real chance — they can rebuild.
We believe everyone has potential. That purpose and belonging are powerful tools for change. And that a more compassionate society starts with how we treat the most overlooked among us.
Through meaningful employment, community, and connection, we’re building something different — a space where dignity leads, and transformation is possible. One person at a time.
Mariah & Linda x
Taking inspiration from a painting of ‘Hope’, a child painted by a Ugandan artist, paired with the sense of earthiness, with rich oranges and hues of blue formed the foundation of our identity, this inspiration is carried through into our rebrand (2023) as we continue on our mission.
“I was living in a homeless hostel, with nothing, no hope or proper living. Chocolate & Co gave me something to aim for and gave me some hope back. I’m now out of the hostel and living in a shared house, I’m working and volunteering. Chocolate & Co gave me that first step and second chance and without them I wouldn’t be where I am now”
Why We Started Chocolate & Co
Damien and Claire were two beautiful souls. If you’d had the privilege of meeting them on their good days, you’d never have guessed they had battled addiction since their teenage years. Like so many others, they endured the physical toll of this illness — along with the heavy burden of shame and stigma that often comes with it. We lost them both — in 2020 and 2021 during the isolation of the pandemic.
Their loss broke our hearts — and it lit a fire in us. We knew we had to do something.
Because when someone believes in you, it can change everything. It can restore self-worth, rebuild confidence, and create the space for healing to begin. That’s why we started Chocolate & Co — to offer that chance to those so often overlooked, and to help people begin again with hope, purpose, and dignity.
Our brand guardians, Art is my Career created our rebrand for the cafe launch in 2023.
Using inspiration from our story, Claire and Damo sit at the forefront of everything we do. Their illustration sits proudly in the centre of the cafe, with them often becoming a talking point between customers and colleagues.
This illustration style was the inspiration for our team wall. Celebrating all the achievements and wonderful people who grace our doors.
