Before the civil unrest, to be accepted in any language school was enough for a Syrian citizen to come easily to the U.K.

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That was how Tam's eldest brother came, 20 years ago, he had studied English Literature in Syria and came to the U.K. in search of better employment opportunities.

Tam, the youngest member of the family, came in 2016 yet his&nbsp;journey was very different: “The journey was different because I did not have a choice, knowing that my life will be in danger, and the U.K. was the only place I could go.”

Having almost lost everything he had before reaching the U.K., finding a job proved challenging due to his refugee status: "I received a lot of rejection...some people have made me feel that I was coming from another planet."

As soon as Tam saw an opportunity on the door of a Starbucks store in Vauxhall, he applied, although the Starbucks coffeehouse experience was something Tam had never come across before. From a chance application, to wearing the green apron, Tam felt a sense of belonging – he recalls: “I looked around and said to myself, be a part of this, this is not just café. It is a place to gather experiences, improve yourself. Learn language, culture and feelings. Starbucks works for people, their interests, their needs.”

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Since first developing his barista skills, Tam has become a Black Apron partner, which means he is a certified Coffee Master, responsible for bringing a deeper knowledge of sourcing, roasting and making outstanding quality coffee. During his time in store, Tam completed a Master’s degree in International Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University.

After working his way up from behind the barista bar, Tam has just begun a Commercial and Accounting apprenticeship with Starbucks U.K.’s Finance Team based at the head office. Despite having only just started his apprenticeship, Tam continues to grow and has been nominated as Starbucks Partner of the Month: “I am speechless but very happy. This gives me great motivation. Starbucks gave me a new opportunity to evolve.”

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For 50 years, Starbucks has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2019/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">values-led company</a>&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/use-of-the-third-place-policy/">Third Place</a> for all who visit our stores.

We work to bring our mission to life by creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Our industry leading refugee hiring programme, now active in 12 markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa,&nbsp;is one of the ways we bring our people-positive aspirations to life.

Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners such as Refugee Council, Starbucks has now placed over 650 refugees into permanent roles in the business around Europe.

Meet Tam, From Behind the Bar to Accountancy Star - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet Tam, From Behind the Bar to Accountancy Star

Before the civil unrest, to be accepted in any language school was enough for a Syrian citizen to come easily to the U.K. That was how Tam&#8217;s eldest brother came, 20 years ago, he had studied English Literature in Syria and came to the U.K. in search of better employment opportunities. Tam, the youngest member […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/meet-tam-barista-to-accountancy-world-refugee-day-2021/

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For Women’s Heritage Month this March, we have been celebrating women who are redefining leadership and stepping up in new ways. Here, we meet a few of our Starbucks EMEA partners.

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Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you've been a Starbucks partner?

A: I’m married and mother to two beautiful kids, Angela &amp; Karim.&nbsp;Born in 1987 and raised in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s in interior design from New York Institute of Technology.&nbsp;After I graduated, I worked as a designer for several years before changing careers and working as a business developer, before moving into sales and marketing for corporate interior projects, and then into district management. I’ve been a Starbucks partner for the past year and am passionate about women in leadership roles. As well as aspiring to be successful in my own career, I also aim to encourage, inspire, and chart the path for more women to achieve success, and increase diversity in the workplace.

Q: Why is International Women’s Day/ Women’s Heritage Month an important moment to mark for you?

A: International Women’s Day is an important day to celebrate smart, powerful women. It’s a chance to celebrate all the achievements of females, especially in Saudi Arabia with all the drastic changes we have had over the past few years.&nbsp;Saudi has taken action to accelerate gender parity by allowing women to work in almost all sectors, giving them leadership roles, and enabling them to drive, travel, and work without the consent of their father/husband to increase women’s independence and map the road to equality.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: Believe in yourself, everything and anything is possible - the sky is your limit. And, one that I always try remember when times get tough:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you've been a Starbucks partner?

A: I grew up in Chicago where my deep love for Starbucks began when I turned 15, when I could leave campus at lunchtime to get my daily grande mocha. Fast forward 27 years and I'm now an evangelically proud Green Apron Coffee Master and 2.5 year partner at the London office looking after sourcing for the UK. Without my team our stores wouldn’t have food, milk, or wooden cutlery for a start! At 17 I left home to start a meandering route to London, by way of Honolulu, Las Vegas, New York, and Edinburgh. In 2012 I moved to Amsterdam where I met a Dutch man and quickly locked it down – we had three children in three years, and in 2019 I returned triumphantly with all of them to London. I'm now raising my children as Dutch as possible - sprinkles on bread for breakfast and self-assured.

A: Seeing the evolution of awareness of women's experiences over the last few years, in particular the Me Too movement, has opened my eyes to the banal misogyny I grew up with in the 80s and 90s.&nbsp;We have come remarkably far in a short period of time to call out our experiences. Women's History Month and International Women's Day are opportunities to reflect on this, but more importantly bolster our&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;to talk.&nbsp;What I’ve learned in the last few years, in my 40s, is that there is no place for embarrassment, shame, or secrecy.&nbsp;

Q: Data demonstrates that COVID 19 has had a significant impact on many women’s careers. How has the pandemic impacted you, and what advice would you give to help mitigate long term impacts of the pandemic for all women at Starbucks?&nbsp;&nbsp;

A: I don't know any parents, women in particular, who have not had a hellscape of a year. For me, and others around me, there was immense pressure to hold it together for our families and our partners, and to protect my enormous privilege of employment. Women will be feeling negative economic impacts of the pandemic&nbsp;for years&nbsp;to come. But I try to remember that we are the lucky ones. In the moments you come up for air, give support to anyone you can reach, in whatever capacity you have.

A: My journey with the Starbucks brand starter almost nine years ago when I joined 23.5 Degrees, working up to my current role as Regional&nbsp;Director. My job involves communicating a compelling vision to my team to grow and develop our business, and effectively deliver the Starbucks Experience for our customers and partners. Leading a team of local managers, it’s important that I inspire and engage my team while helping execute a seamless regional operation with minimal disruption.

Q: Why is International Women’s Day/Women’s Heritage Month an important moment to mark for you?

A: Women's Heritage Month is an essential moment to mark because it is a testimony to all women. For me, it’s important to remember those who went before us and challenged the status quo, surpassing tradition to strive for more with the belief and courage to reject conventional notions about the place of women in society, and instead having a vision of a diverse society where one and all’s contributions are celebrated and recognised equally. &nbsp;

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?&nbsp;

A: Believe in myself and to be vocal. You won’t remember the good and positive things people say but you will remember how they made you feel. And also, to embrace your mistakes, and use them to thrive.

A: I’m Roshnee, I live in London, and my highlight of 2020 was getting engaged!

I started my Starbucks journey in 2019 as a Beverages Product Developer in the Research &amp; Development team and I’ve loved every minute of it so far.

Good food is more than just a passion for me – it’s an obsession. I’m always going over new flavour combinations in my mind and contemplating new techniques to experiment with in the kitchen – that rush when it all comes to fruition for my next meal is second to none.

I have a background in Chemistry as well as a Masters in Nutrition, so working to develop innovative and (more importantly) tasty food and beverages is a dream.

Q: Why have you joined WIN and what excites you most about the activities the group have planned?

A: University was a real eye-opener for me, as I was one of only ten female students out of 200 in my Chemistry BSc – a male dominance that’s sadly common amongst all the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical degrees (STEM).

Not only is there is a severe lack of women entering these fields, but for the women who do, they must navigate often exclusionary and inflexible male-dominated cultures to succeed, meaning women in leadership roles within the STEM industry are scarce. It really is a cycle we need to break!

Therefore, I was quick to join the Women's Impact Network as I think we need to recognise that there is still important work to be done when it comes to gender equality, particularly within the STEM industries. Ignoring the historic issue of gender inequality won’t remove the glass ceiling – we must address the invisible barriers to improve our future.

I’m already so proud of all that the Women’s Impact Network has so far, and as we continue to find new ways to support and educate, I hope we can show that we’re not a “women’s only club”, and that we’d love to see allyship from all partners.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?

A: Relax, and don't be so hard on yourself! Worrying too much about the future takes away the energy you need to enjoy your life right now, and those teenage years go by so quickly. Every mistake you make has led you to where you are today – learn from them and become stronger! I heard someone say, "if something looks completely impossible, it's probably everything you should be doing. So don't say no too quickly". Be courageous, try it, ask the question! You're so much more capable than you think, so trust your gut and listen to your instinct.

Starbucks honours Women’s History Month - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks honours Women’s History Month

For Women’s Heritage Month this March, we have been celebrating women who are redefining leadership and stepping up in new ways. Here, we meet a few of our Starbucks EMEA partners. Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, your role in the business and how long you&#8217;ve been a Starbucks partner? A: I’m […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/starbucks-honours-womens-history-month/

This October, during Black History Month, Starbucks is proud to celebrate the unique stories of our partners and what this month means to them.

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner?

A. I am Basil, I live in London, married for 33-years, and have three grown-up children.

I have been proud to be a partner for other 12-years and currently work in Finance as Credit Controller. I am also a Coffee Master, a Mental Health First Aider, and the Chair of the Starbucks EMEA Black Partner Network. Outside of work, I am also a trustee for the Hogarth Charitable Trust, a children’s charity based in Chiswick.

Q. Basil, as the chair of the Black Partner Network, please can you tell us a little more about it.

A. The EMEA Black Partner Network was established in July, it follows to some extent the best practice and legacy of our Black Partner Network in the US which was established way back in 2007.&nbsp;

The Black Partner Network aims are to encourage diversity, promote inclusion, and contribute to the success of our partners and our business. Giving partners the opportunity to act with courage, no longer be bystanders, and challenge the status quo to influence our culture through the lens of humanity.

The Black Partner Network is led by partners, for partners, and is open and available to all EMEA Support Centre Partners to join to share, learn, listen, contribute, and grow.

Q. What does Black History Month mean to you, and why is it important to celebrate the landmark?

A. Black History is a time when the African diaspora can take time out to appreciate, by celebrating the people who came before them, and what they had fought for, and the present pioneers.

It’s to recognise their contribution to humankind, that was hidden from the rest of the world by design and bring awareness to the those whom choses to be enlighten by these facts, that the enslaved was an interruption to African history.

And that this diaspora refers to the many communities of people of African descent dispersed throughout the world because of historic involuntary movements, this being the result of the Arab and Atlantic slave trade.

From a personal impact perspective, and from my own family history, it’s an opportunity for me to reflect on my Great, Great, Great-Uncle’s contribution, who died on in battlefield defending the British empire – mother country as it as was known then – 1914-1918.

A. My name is Michelle Lisette Wilson, I am mixed race, my mother is from Belize, Central America and my father is Scottish, born in Dunfermline. I have been a Store Manager in Dunfermline Kingsgate Centre for just over two-years now. I began my Starbucks career as a supervisor in 2015 and it is the best decision I have ever made. Having worked in retail from the age of 16 I have had the pleasure of working in many different workplace environments and I can safely say none have been as welcoming, enjoyable and as motivating as working for Starbucks. The team I joined, and currently work with are my second little family, who I value massively. &nbsp;Past and present partners still socialise together and when old partners pass through from time to time it is like they have never been away. So far, I have had an amazing career and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

A. Black History Month means so much as it's an opportunity for people of colour to celebrate their culture and the accomplishments of Black people through the ages. During Black History Month articles and stories are shared through social media and on the news. Museums and Art Galleries use this month to celebrate and try to educate. The more we discuss these things the more we can affect change. My hope is that more people will begin to know how oppressed Black people were and know more about their history. That they will begin to understand what Black people have been through and continue to go through. NOW is the time for change.

Never have we had a generation where so much is accepted and normalised, publicised or advertised. People can literally do or be whatever they want, the choices and opportunities are endless. So why is it we still find ourselves fighting for basic human rights for certain cultural groups? It makes no sense to me!

As the great Anti-Racism Educator Dr Jane Elliot once said, “There's only one race, the Human Race.”

I live by that. Happy Black History Month. Respect and love always.

A. My name is Rebecca Sotomi, manager of the Drive Thru store in Belvedere, Kent. I started at Starbucks 10 years ago as a barista and have risen through the ranks to where I am today. My journey with Starbucks has been an incredible and enjoyable one. I have had the opportunity to make friends and meet people both customers and partners. I have really grown from a shy and unsure 20-something to the confident self-assured woman I am today. I owe that to Starbucks.

Being African-Nigerian growing up, I felt uncertain of my place in the world and was unsure of how I would be received. This made me quiet and observant being slow to think about what my responses should be. I did not enjoy the benefit of being able to discover myself out loud. I've been blessed to not have had to deal with any overtly discriminatory behavior, but I have been cautious in certain places where I find myself.&nbsp;

A. Black history month is so important because it highlights the plight of a race of people who were for centuries repressed and oppressed. It also highlights the strengths and capabilities of the amazing men and women who broke free from their oppression and achieved incredible feats. Lastly, Black history month is important because it is vital that we don't forget.

As George Santayana so eloquently said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.

A. My name is Longji Longhor, I am a two-and-a-half-year partner and currently work within the Accounts Payable Department. The heartbeat of the company being responsible for all outgoing payments to our suppliers.

Q. Longji, as the co-chair of the Black Partner Network, please can you tell us a little more about it.

A. I am one of two co-chairs of the Black Partner Network, created following the death of George Floyd.

Whilst the Black Partner Network was born out of an unwarted situation, I am very proud to say that we have made huge strides in a short space of time, showing we really can make the best of a bad situation.&nbsp;

A. Black History is so important for me as it is a time for us to reflect on the rich history and heritage we have.&nbsp; A lot of our history was lost during the burning of the Library of Alexandria, pillaging of the Library of Timbuktu, and with the 400 years of slavery.

However, when I think of black history and people that has really helped shape our history, I think of people such as: Mohammed Ali, Rosa Parks, Kofi Annan, Oprah Winfrey, Frederick Douglass, Lewis Hamilton, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr, Wole Soyinka &amp; Barack Obama to list a few.

When I think of black history, I think of the great achievements black people have done to contribute to the world we live in of recent years. I think of Barack Obama becoming the first Black president in the United States, I think of Lewis Hamilton equalling Michael Schumacher race wins and on course to becoming the most successful F1 driver in F1 history and a plethora of other achievements Black people have accomplished.

This is why Black History Month is important to me. I believe in due course the world will become a better place.

“Real Eyes, Recognise Real Lies, Imagine If We Only Saw The World Through The Innocence Of A Child’s Eyes” Josiah.

Starbucks honours Black History Month - Starbucks Stories EMEA

This October, during Black History Month, Starbucks is proud to celebrate the unique stories of our partners and what this month means to them. Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, your career, role in the business and how long you have been a partner? A. I am Basil, I live in London, married for […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2020/starbucks-honours-black-history-month/

Starbucks honours Black History Month

&nbsp;Five finalists, three rounds of heated competition, and copious amounts of coffee

This September saw five Milan Roastery partners battle it out through coffee tests challenging their skills, knowledge, and expertise – not to mention a deep passion for handcrafted coffee. Having been whittled down from 30 competitors back in July, the five finalists had everything to play for: the title of Roastery Barista Champion 2020.

Taking place in the Reserve Roastery Milano on its two-year anniversary, the annual Barista Championship format was completely redesigned to focus specifically on Starbucks Reserve Roastery partners and manual coffee craft.

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The two-day competition was the first of its kind in more ways than one, with the addition of virtual judging to overcome COVID-19 travel restrictions. Each round saw two physical judges joined by one virtual judge, all paying careful attention to taste, presentation and technique.

The five finalists were challenged to pick a Roastery-exclusive coffee of their choice to showcase across the three stages. Once chosen, they were ready and raring to go.

First up was Barista Craft, where partners created a carefully calibrated espresso in a series of expertly poured Flat Whites – cue latte art aplenty!

Next came Coffee Curiosity. Here, the competitors showcased their preferred brewing method, whether Coffee Pres, Syphon, Chemex or Pour-Over. At this point, things were *literally* heating up.

Last up was the Signature Beverage round, where baristas utilised mixology credentials in the Roastery’s Arriviamo Bar. The creative prowess showcased here was crucial, with the aim to develop a beverage fit for the prestigious Roastery menu. If successful, the winner would have a chance to develop their drink with the Starbucks innovation team.

After a nerve-wracking three rounds over the course of two days, only one barista could take home the grand prize: three cheers for 24-year-old Gisella Felice!

We caught up with Gisella as she celebrated her victory in Milan.

What is your favourite coffee?

My favourite has to be the coffee I used in the competition, the Costa Rica Honey Process, which has a delicious natural sweetness.

How did you keep your coffee passion alive during lockdown?

It’s impossible for true passion to disappear, it’s always there!

How did you prepare for the Barista Championships?

I dedicated myself, mind, body and soul to the competition – a lot of hard work got me to this point. Talking about coffee is such an integral part of my life, it always has been!

What was your favourite part of the competition?

I loved presenting a Brazilian coffee brewed with the Syphon method, where I got to share one of my most cherished childhood memories with the judges. Of course, another special moment was when they announced I was the winner – that was very emotional, I’ll never forget it.

What qualities make a Starbucks Roastery Barista Champion?

A lot of passion and dedication for sure! Not to mention persistence and a constant desire to improve and overcome your limits.

How did it feel when you won the first Roastery Barista Championships?

It took me a while to realise that it was my name being called! It’s hard to describe the feeling, a mix of total shock and joy. Winning the championship really shows that hard work pays off.

Partners compete in world’s first Starbucks Reserve Roastery Barista Championship in Milan - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Partners compete in world’s first Starbucks Reserve Roastery Barista Championship in Milan

&nbsp;Five finalists, three rounds of heated competition, and copious amounts of coffee This September saw five Milan Roastery partners battle it out through coffee tests challenging their skills, knowledge, and expertise – not to mention a deep passion for handcrafted coffee. Having been whittled down from 30 competitors back in July, the five finalists had […]

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“We don’t always have the wind beneath our wings , but one day you will wake up and you will see all your hard work start to flourish and you will be ready to pick it up.”

Abdulazziz, known by friends, family, and partners (employees) as Aziz, because, in his own words, “my name is really long”, arrived in the UK just over one year ago. Growing up in Homs, Syria, until the age of 13, Aziz fled with his family to Amman, Jordan, to continue his studies. Whilst studying Aziz juggled two jobs, one in a shop selling nuts, the other distributing newspapers.

“It was really difficult” Aziz said, “but, looking back, I can see and feel how that experience changed my personality to become a more independent person.”

Fast forward to May 2019 and Aziz landed in the UK, he explained how he felt “stabilised” for the first time. “Everyone feels lonely at the beginning, but I had my family and we were all going through the experience together”.

Aziz’s first seven-months were spent getting to grips with the English language, “seven-months was enough time for me to understand English as well as other people understand me”. It was then time for Aziz to look for employment and start using his newly acquired English skills.

With the help of the Refugee Council, Aziz secured an interview at Starbucks. Despite almost going to the wrong Starbucks store – he recalls: “It was like something from a movie, how could I go to the wrong store!” – Aziz passed his interview with flying colours and, in March, donned his green apron for the first time.

“My journey at Starbucks has been the greatest thing ever, finding a company which respects you, gives you all the support that you need, you really feel like one big family with all the partners, it feels more than just a workplace. My store partners are always helping me with new words and my managers are really kind to me, giving me all the support that I need. Starbucks has a welcoming environment and I feel welcomed here”.

Then, the global pandemic hit, and while so many of us turned to TV to pass the time, Aziz has used the time to memorise Starbucks beverage recipes and finesse his barista skills. Aziz will be back in store behind the bar next week, ready to serve customers their favourite drinks. An ambitious partner, he is working towards being a supervisor but also not giving up on his lifelong goal of becoming a filmmaker.

Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners such as Refugee Council, Starbucks has now placed over 600 refugees into permanent roles in the business around Europe as part of a commitment to hire 2,500 refugees across Western Europe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Andrew Lawton, Head of Integration at the Refugee Council, said: “Refugees bring an incredible wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to the UK which is hugely beneficial to society, but for various reasons they often need additional support to find work and apply their talents here. There’s real scope for&nbsp;businesses to benefit from a committed and enthusiastic workforce by supporting refugees who are desperate to rebuild their lives and start working again.

That’s why our partnership with Starbucks is so effective – it’s all about us working with refugees, like Aziz, to fully equip them to prepare for the really vital step of landing their first job, and Starbucks offering a unique insight into their business and the skills and qualities they look for from prospective candidates.”

Through a combination of benefits, Starbucks supports all partners with career and personal development in and out of work. All those who have been with the business for over three months can apply for a rental deposit loan through Home Sweet Loan to help make moving easier, and when it comes to education, there’s apprenticeships available up to Level 6 or the Arizona State University courses, offering free access to over 40 online degrees.&nbsp;

Meet your Barista, Aziz - Starbucks Stories EMEA

“We don’t always have the wind beneath our wings , but one day you will wake up and you will see all your hard work start to flourish and you will be ready to pick it up.” Abdulazziz, known by friends, family, and partners (employees) as Aziz, because, in his own words, “my name is […]

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Meet your Barista, Aziz

Every day, even through times of hardship and temporary store closures, our partners support the communities and neighborhoods we are a part of. 

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Through donations and community spirit, Starbucks partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are helping to navigate COVID-19 and keep human connection remaining at the heart of what they do, creating a reimagined sense of community amid the chaos – at a time when our world needs it most. 

We continue to make our communities stronger thanks to our partners proudly wearing the green apron.

So far, our UK store partners have given away 200,000 free beverages to NHS staff.

Whilst our UK and EMEA Distribution Centres have connected with local community groups and food banks to donate: 

150,000 Bottles of Juice

50,000 Packets of Biscuits

50,000 Bars of Chocolate

16,800 kg Whole Bean Coffee

30 pallets of beverage components such as Hot Chocolate and other treats

STARBUCKS SHARES A COFFEE WITH The front-line responders of Milan

At the beginning of March, Milan was one of the first cities in both Italy and Europe to face the outbreak of COVID-19. Starbucks partners responded quickly to ensure the safety of both partners and customers and shut stores across the country along with the Reserve Roastery Milano.

Partners next thoughts quickly went to those on the front-line – hospital workers, doctors, nurses, cleaning staff – who, day-in-day-out, are responding to the COVID-19 emergency.

From the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Piazza Cordusio, bags of ground coffee were sent to the city’s hospitals, ready to be enjoyed during the much-needed break from the intense work of a medical professional.

Partners even led a virtual coffee tasting, sharing the perfect brewing techniques along with information on the Roastery’s small-lot Kenya Baragwi Reserve coffee.

“It’s been intense and emotional to prepare a coffee press together with the nurses”, tells Greta, a Roastery partner. “I was happy to represent all partners on that occasion”.

This small act of kindness was a “message of closeness to the community that we passionately wish to serve”.

Starbucks On The Go gives 500,000 cups of free coffee to front-line responders

Half a million hot drinks are expected to be given away to frontline responders in the UK. Starbucks On The Go is handing out free hot drinks to emergency staff by partnering with petrol channel operators, such as Selecta. Starbucks On The Go has also donated instant coffee to 30 UK NHS hospitals, ensuring healthcare workers are stocked up for their much-needed coffee break.

Update from the Manchester Foundation Trust

To help provide a proper coffee break amongst the madness, several weeks ago we sent cups of Colombian coffee and caramel waffles to the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity - the largest trust in the country that supports ten different hospitals across Manchester and Trafford.

Starbucks waffles were packed up into wellbeing boxes alongside other donated items like fluffy socks and toiletries to help healthcare workers find a little respite after their shifts.&nbsp;The boxes are then handed out to NHS staff as a little pick-me-up, with more than 12,000 boxes being given out so far – almost half of the 25,000 staff working for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Every NHS worker that’s part of the efforts is included, from doctors and nurses to cleaners, porters and security guards.

Partners in Manchester gave the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity staff access to a Starbucks store next to their offices to provide some much-needed extra space, to be used as a little warehouse and store room where they can put all the wellbeing boxes together before distributing them to NHS workers across Greater Manchester and Trafford.

In the Netherlands, Sophia has been using her trusty retro scooter to support Dutch healthcare workers.

A five-year Starbucks partner (employee) and former Barista Champion, when Sophia’s Starbucks store closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, her first instinct was to think of others.

"What can we do, what are the tools and how can we use them?" Sophia asked her fellow partners, the answer was simple, coffee and community. "We came up with the idea of making coffee goodie bags for hospital staff, the people that are working so hard right now".

So she started making coffee goodie bags for hospital staff, packing up nearly 100 bags of coffee and delivering them to her local hospital, HagaZiekenhuis, by hand - via her trusty retro scooter named Iva.&nbsp;

It was far from straightforward on such a small scooter - "I had two huge shoppers full of coffee bags, my legs were hidden beneath, it was a bit of a puzzle but we made it work" – but Sophia could see first-hand how appreciated her efforts were.

"You could tell that they appreciated it a lot, even from a distance, you could see that they wanted to hug you and everything, that was a beautiful thing. They all waved and we were shouting to each other saying 'enjoy it' and 'thank you!'. To all feel part of one community, it's really nice".

With Starbucks partners and licensees all across EMEA stepping up to show their support, we’ve seen the real difference donations can make, and will continue to do all we can to support communities through COVID-19 and beyond.

Starbucks partner (employee) support for those working on the frontline of COVID-19 has continued over the last fortnight, with a further 50,000 single-serve coffees, 1600 chocolates and 1000 lemonades donated to front line services and key workers in Swansea.

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Starbucks partners handed over the keys to one stores within the same building as the Manchester Foundation Charity Trust to allow staff more space to organise wellbeing packs for NHS workers which included Starbucks goodies donated by Starbucks UK a few days previously. On top of this, 50,000 units of Doubleshot espresso to Midlands NHS.

Starbucks Iberia has continued its efforts in April to donate food and drink to hospitals across Portugal and Spain. Since the beginning of the month 9,500 coffee capsules along with cups and sugar have been delivered to the Quirón hospital in Madrid, and the San José, Curry Cabral Hospital and Pedro Hispano Hospitals in Portugal.

And in France, partners have been donating coffee and pastries to local hospitals and secured special dispensation to be out of the house and reopen two Starbucks stores, specifically to provide coffee and comfort to vital frontline healthcare professionals.

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Starbucks France Supporting the Unsung Healthcare Heros 

Doctors and nurses across the world are supported by an integral network of hospital porters, these vital, yet often forgotten, healthcare professionals keep hospitals moving by ensuring the smooth flow of patients and equipment around a hospital site -- without them, hospitals would literally come to a standstill.

Porters at Georges-Pompidou Hospital in Paris, France, reached out to Starbucks for any support they could offer and the Starbucks France and Benelux Leadership team were quick to act. Within the week, the partners acquired the keys to two Starbucks stores, along with a permit to be out of the house and began providing coffee and comfort to the vital frontline healthcare professionals.

After making all the necessary arrangements over the phone, Majda, one of the eight partners involved in the project, recalls the first delivery the team made: "The first time we met [the hospital porters], they were so happy, we would have liked to hug each other but, of course, during this time we cannot -- it was so frustrating, honestly. It's a small thing but we are happy to do it, to support and recognise those who are doing a great job around the clock."

Preparing the large takeaway containers is no simple feat, the partners meet at 6 a.m. 3-4 times a week, spend up to two hours brewing the coffee before personally delivering. For the "full Starbucks Experience" they also include paper cups, sugar, stirrers and sweet treats from Starbucks bakery selection.

The partners are currently supporting eight hospitals and one care home, when asked how long they would be able to continue this bespoke service, Majda simply said: "as long as we have coffee and hands we will continue".

Our strength as a company comes from our partners, and as a business we are constantly assessing how else we can support our partners manage the crisis as smoothly as possible.

So today, Wednesday 8 April 2020, we’re launching our Global Partner Emergency Relief Fund, a first-of-its-kind initiative to help support our partners who find themselves facing financial hardship during these unprecedented times.

The global programme will see an initial $10million invested in providing support to the extraordinary needs of partners affected by COVID-19 in markets across EMEA, aiming to cover expenses including (but not limited to) loss of household income, urgent travel needs, back-up child care, sudden loss of home, death of a family member or partner and related funeral expenses.

It will be available from Thursday to equity partners across the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, and as a business we are constantly assessing how else we can support our partners and navigate our way through the chaos of COVID-19 together, as smoothly as possible.

To our UK National Health Service (NHS)

NHS workers are at the frontline of UK efforts to combat COVID-19 and Starbucks partners (employees) have been keen to show their appreciation and support.

It started with partners giving away free filter coffee to NHS, council and emergency workers and writing notes of thanks on coffee cups.

Then, when Starbucks UK announced that it would be temporarily closing all stores, partners rallied to distribute as much surplus stock as possible. Hospitals, food banks, shelters and care homes received food and drink donations from us and although stores had closed, partners took this opportunity to connect with their local communities and show their support for key workers.

More recently, Starbucks UK partners have been in touch with NHS Trusts and charities across the country to determine where the greatest need is for stock that may go to waste in Starbucks distribution centres. This includes donations from Starbucks partners themselves. Known as “mark-out”, all Starbucks partners can take home a weekly free pack of coffee to enjoy, but as stores are closed, partners are now donating their allowance to the NHS instead – with all donations being matched by Starbucks.

Early on 30 March, a delivery of 12,000 packs of Via – equivalent to 144,000 cups of coffee –&nbsp;was donated on behalf of partners from “mark-out” to eight health care facilities across Coventry and Manchester, England. Nearly 40,000 units of biscuits and chocolate, and over 9500 units of juice were donated at the same time.

Donations won’t end there, we also provided 50,000 coffees, 1600 chocolates and 1000 lemonades to front line services, including the NHS, in Swansea.

Partners are continuing to work with local authorities and charities to identify where there is the greatest need and where Starbucks might be able to help.

To our Communities: Partners bring coffee and comfort across EMEA

Throughout the EMEA region partners have been supporting their local communities. 

In the Middle East, Starbucks partners handed out 23,000 beverages on day one of the healthcare and frontline responder giveaway. Those receiving free drinks included scientists from Kuwait’s Ministry of Health carrying out research to better understand how best to tackle COVID-19.

Similarly, partners across the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have been donating coffee and food packages to hospitals and ambulance stations – and for the added Starbucks touch, they too have been adding words of support to their donations to thank emergency workers.

In the Netherlands, Dutch partners have donated 1,260 litres of milk, 38.5 kilograms of oranges and 21 kilograms of coffee to community cafes serving sick, elderly, care workers, refugees and the homeless. Like other markets, Dutch partners also distributed cups of coffee to local healthcare workers and local police forces.

While many Starbucks stores are temperately closed and partners are not seeing each other day-to-day, that hasn’t stopped partners being creative in the way they connect, online.

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