The Mix expands community coffee shops across Suffolk to fund free youth services for thousands of young people
April 2026 marks an exciting new chapter for The Mix as we expand our community coffee shop network across Suffolk. This isn’t just about opening new locations, it’s about strengthening our mission to support thousands of young people with free, life-changing services.
A Growing Presence Across Suffolk
We’re proud to welcome two new locations into our network:
- Ipswich Waterfront (Ambition House)
- Hadleigh High Street
These spaces are now part of The Mix Coffee Shops, helping us extend beyond Mid-Suffolk and into the Babergh District for the first time.
Alongside these new additions, our much-loved venues - Cabbages & Kings in Stowmarket and Duck & Teapot at Needham Lake - will also transition to The Mix Coffee Shops later this year. Together, this creates a unified, recognisable brand rooted in community, quality, and purpose.
Every Cup Makes a Difference
When you buy a coffee at The Mix, you’re doing more than treating yourself, you’re directly supporting young people across Suffolk.
Income from our coffee shops funds essential services for those aged 9 to 25, including:
- Mentoring and emotional support
- Employability and career guidance
- Alternative education programmes
- Life skills development
- Safe spaces to connect and grow
At a time when demand is rising and funding is increasingly uncertain, this sustainable model allows us to continue showing up for young people when they need it most.
Strong Partnerships, Shared Purpose
This expansion has been made possible through collaboration with organisations that share our commitment to community impact:
- Paddy & Scott’s Coffee
- University of Suffolk
- East of England Co-op
Together, we’re demonstrating how businesses and charities can work hand-in-hand, delivering great customer experiences while making a meaningful local difference.
These partnerships also open new doors for training, student placements, volunteering, and wider community engagement.
More Than a Rebrand
As our CEO John Blair puts it: "This expansion is about more than coffee. It's about building a sustainable future for The Mix so we can keep showing up for young people across Suffolk, year after year. Every cup sold at one of our shops helps fund the mentoring session, the drop-in, the conversation with a trusted adult that can genuinely change a young person's life.
“Moving into Ipswich and Hadleigh for the first time is a significant moment for us. We're a Suffolk charity, and this brings us closer to the communities we want to serve. We're excited about what these partnerships can open up for us, and for the young people we support."
What You Can Expect
While our name is evolving, the heart of what we do remains the same. When you visit a The Mix Coffee Shop, you’ll find:
- A warm, welcoming space
- High-quality coffee you know and love
- A strong sense of community
And now, a clearer connection to the impact your visit makes.
Supporting Young People Across Suffolk
For over a decade, The Mix has supported more than 3,000 young people each year, providing safe, inclusive environments where they can build confidence, develop skills, and feel supported.
From school-based mentoring to youth clubs, alternative education, and community outreach, our work reaches young people at critical points in their lives, helping them navigate challenges and unlock their potential.
Be Part of the Story
By visiting one of our coffee shops, you’re helping us continue this vital work.
Whether you stop by for your morning coffee, meet a friend, or spend time working in one of our spaces, you’re contributing to something bigger.
Together, we’re building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Visit our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to follow our updates.
You can follow our coffee shops and cafés on their social media here.
The Mix Coffee Shop Ipswich - Facebook | Instagram
The Mix Coffee Shop Hadleigh - Facebook | Instagram
Duck & Teapot Needham - Facebook | Instagram
Cabbages & Kings Stowmarket - Facebook | Instagram
