Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to speak at the Clink Charity event

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will be the first guest speaker in the Clink Charity's series of ‘Lock-In' talks at the Clink Café in Manchester on 20 February.

The Clink works in partnership with the prison and probation service to provide hospitality training and qualifications in prisons across the UK, giving inmates the skills needed to break the cycle of crime and secure work in the hospitality industry after release. The Clink Café is staffed by Clink participants.

Burnham will be discussing his support for homeless charities and social enterprise issues in Manchester with the opportunity for attendees to ask questions and meet Clink graduates.

Chris Moore, the Clink Charity's chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have Andy Burnham's support for the first Lock-Ins @ The Clink Café. As a passionate advocate of social enterprise and support for the homeless driving change in Manchester, together we can demonstrate how changing attitudes is helping create second chances and transforming lives."

The Clink Café is based in a Grade II-listed building in Canada House. Additional guest speakers and dates are to be announced shortly.