A new cafe is set to open in Drayton with a social mission at its heart.

5:17 Coffee House will be opening in Fakenham Road next month and aims to give former addicts a chance to learn skills which will enable them to integrate back into society. 

Customers will have the chance to drink quality coffee and loose-leaf teas, as well as enjoy bread and pastries from city business Bread Source.  

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The shop is the product of Teen Challenge, a Christian group which has been helping people fight addiction in London for 28 years, which wants to help families in Norwich.  

Project leader Javier Lesta-Candal said: “We help rehabilitate people so they can get their lives back and the new coffee house is going to be a great addition to what we do.  

“We run a hostel in Drayton which helps people from 18 to 60 years of age, so it’s a broad range.

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“The coffee shop will give those who have successfully gone through the programme to gain skills which could help them secure work when they are ready to leave.“ 

Norwich Evening News: 5:17 Coffee House in Drayton will serve high end products 5:17 Coffee House in Drayton will serve high end products (Image: Teen Challenge)

The hostel provides City and Guilds accredited training which enables people to learn valuable skills in customer service as well as giving them the skills and confidence to find work.  

Javier said: “Norwich is getting an increasing problem of drugs, addiction is everywhere and it affects both the poorest and the richest of families.  

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“It is something we won’t get away from, so we hope the public will support the work we do among helping and supporting families.”

Norwich Evening News: As well as having professionals serving in the shop, former addicts will get training and try their hand at customer service As well as having professionals serving in the shop, former addicts will get training and try their hand at customer service (Image: Teen Challenge)

“And 5:17 is the chance for new beginnings for these people.” 

5:17 Coffee House is set to open on January 3 and will be open Monday to Saturday between 8am and 5pm.