A new and purposeful partnership is forming between two organisations committed to transforming lives through hospitality. Following a recent introduction, The Clink Charity and the Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha) have begun collaborating on a shared vision: to create accessible, inclusive pathways into hospitality careers for people living with disabilities, including those in prison preparing to rebuild their lives through training and work.
The connection between the two charities was sparked by Christopher Moore, former Chief Executive of The Clink, who stepped down three years ago after eleven years of dedicated service. Moore introduced Donna-Marie Edmonds, newly appointed Chief Executive of The Clink Charity, to Denis Sheehan, Managing Director of Accessible Hospitality Alliance and Publisher of Hospitality & Catering News, identifying an alignment of values and a no-nonsense drive for real-world impact.
Moore recognised that many individuals trained by The Clink live with neurological or cognitive disabilities, often undiagnosed prior to incarceration. The Clink’s programmes equip prisoners with culinary and front-of-house skills to re-enter society with dignity, purpose, and the tools to build a sustainable career in hospitality. That mission sits closely alongside aha’s work in removing barriers to employment in hospitality for people living with disabilities, making workplaces not just open, but welcoming.
After connecting, Edmonds and Sheehan quickly saw the potential for deeper collaboration. Within days, Sheehan committed to increasing editorial coverage of The Clink’s programmes through Hospitality & Catering News, while Edmonds embraced aha’s broader mission and accepted an invitation to join its Advisory Board.
Edmonds will also speak at the next aha Forum, hosted by the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, where industry leaders, innovators, and individuals with lived experience gather to shape the future of inclusive hospitality.
Reflecting on the early stages of the collaboration, Donna-Marie Edmonds said: “The Clink’s mission has always been about restoring lives, and hospitality is the primary medium through which we do it.
“Many of those we train face complex barriers, including neurodivergent disability. The opportunity to connect with Denis and the aha team was not only timely, but inspiring. We share a direct, action-focused approach, and I look forward to bringing our communities closer together so that more people can find purpose and belonging through hospitality.”
Sheehan echoed that sentiment: “Chris saw the potential in this relationship and I’m grateful he made the introduction. From the moment Donna-Marie and I spoke, it was clear we were aligned, not just in our purpose, but in how we approach our work. The Clink isn’t just changing lives it’s redefining what second chances can look like. That’s a message aha is proud to support, and I look forward to building on this collaboration with Donna-Marie and her team.”
Looking Ahead
The timing of this new relationship coincides with a renewed spotlight on The Clink Charity, following the announcement of HRH The Princess Royal as its Patron and the appointment of Edmonds as its new Chief Executive.
It also follows the success of the most recent aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks, which cemented aha’s place as a movement catalysing genuine change in the hospitality sector.
Sheehan will attend The Clink Charity Open Day, a showcase of the organisation’s pioneering work, including masterclasses, panel talks, and live demonstrations. The event provides a tangible expression of the shared values between both organisations: dignity, inclusion, purpose, and action.
Further joint initiatives between The Clink Charity and the Accessible Hospitality Alliance will be announced in the coming months, underpinned by a shared commitment to inclusive employment, accessibility, and transformation through hospitality.
Find out more about both organisations in the links immediately below.
