The Right Course, the charity founded by Channel 4 show First Dates’ maître d’ Fred Sirieix to give prisoners catering skills, has opened its first restaurant in a UK women’s prison.

The restaurant called Flavours Unlocked has launched at HMP Drake Hall and will give prisoners experience in hospitality and catering for jobs when they are released.

It is also backed by £1.5m in government funding over the next year.

“We are creating the right environment for our learners to turn their lives around, to gain the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to positively contribute to society,” said Sirieix.

“I want our graduates to be the best so that our employer partners snap them up and see them as valued members of their team. It’s up to our new learners to seize this opportunity.”

Prisons minister Catherin McKinell added: “Programmes like The Right Course show what can be achieved when prisons, charities and businesses work together to help offenders build better lives.”

The initiative has been launched with support from hospitality firms such as hotel group Hilton, which has contributed trainers to support women involved.

“For our industry, it is also a powerful reminder that talent can be found in many different places, and that with the right support, hospitality can open the door to meaningful, long-term careers,” said Hilton’s senior vice president of UK and Ireland Stephen Cassidy.

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