Chocolate for Change

Positive Changes was established when the founder moved to the Stirling area and was looking for ways of getting involved in the local community. She started volunteering within the family hub at nearby Cornton Vale Prison and from there, became aware of the range of difficulties and problems faced by the female inmates and their families, especially when it came to settling back into the community and finding ways of accessing employment upon being released. The founder had an interest, and skills, in making homemade chocolates, and in 2017 established Positive Changes which trades as ‘Grace Chocolates’ to support women into employment. At present, the organisation works with women who have been released from a custodial sentence of less than 4 years and they are one of the only organisations in Scotland working exclusively with female offenders.

According to the historic commission for Women Offenders in Scotland, many women offenders are vulnerable, with complex needs with many having experienced domestic violence, mental health problems, and drug and alcohol addictions. It found a significant number of women who were sent to prison for short periods, reoffended after release. Positive Changes states the average rate of reoffending within one year of leaving prison is 47% but this has fallen to 5%, for the women they engage with.

Positive Changes, through Grace Chocolates, aims to help women to develop the confidence, self-esteem and resilience required to make changes in their lives and behaviours. They support participants to establish a stable lifestyle outside of an institutionalised setting. 

Thanks to a three year grant of £43,470 from The Volant Charitable Trust, awarded in 2022, they were able to create a new part time Administrator post which has been key to the organisation’s recent progress. The Administrator has supported programme delivery, ensured smooth logistics, and contributed to a positive, welcoming, environment for the women. Their presence has enabled other team members to focus on frontline work, and has enhanced the quality, consistency, and responsiveness of the overall service.

Now, the Administrative Assistant role has proven to be such a resounding success, the scope of the position has been expanded beyond what was originally envisaged and has quickly become integral to the wider operations of the organisation. They have decided to take the next step in the organisation’s growth by restructuring and enhancing this position into a Finance and Business Support Administrator role which will also include more responsibility around procurement, sales and marketing, and strategic planning.

Over the course of the 3 year funding period, Grace Chocolates has made significant progress in strengthening its operations and enhancing its impact. Income has increased by 21% compared to the previous financial year, despite challenging economic conditions, including a 13% rise in staff wages and a 60% increase in the cost of commodities such as chocolate and packaging. This growth highlights both the resilience of the team and the growing recognition of the value and impact of their work.

With demand increasing and production scaling up, the Volant funded Administrator role is helping them to futureproof internal operations, laying the groundwork for sustainable expansion while maintaining the high standards and personalised support that define their work and to continue ‘making chocolate with a purpose’.

Louise Humpington, CEO of Positive Changes said:

"This funding has been truly transformative. It's not just helped us keep going, it's helped us grow, adapt, and dream bigger. Thanks to your support, we've strengthened our foundation, expanded our reach, and empowered more women to take control of their futures. You've been part of something powerful, and we’re just getting started."

Read more about the Volant Charitable Trust grants programme