Our Impact
Stories From Young People
Learn How The Usual Place is Changing the Lives of Young People Across Dumfries and Galloway
Meishan and Eden Complete Their Work Experience
Congratulations to Meishan and Eden for completing our S3 Work Experience Programme today. This is open to all schools in Dumfries & Galloway They were each presented with a certificate
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Leah At The Welcome Station
Leah has two different roles with us here at The Usual Place. Today she is training in our cafe and learning the different aspects of customer service with Mentor Tina.
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Internship for Harry
Meet Harry, one of two new Information Interns at The Usual Place. You may recognise Harry as he completed his training here in our cafe and has been a very
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Leah Joins the Team on an Internship
Leah is one of two new Information Interns here at The Usual Place. She and Harry will be with us one day a week for the next 12 months to
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Extraordinary opportunities for young people raise almost £10K for The Usual Place
Together, we raised almost £10,000 for The Usual Place – a wonderful result from an event on Sunday 26th October 2025 that will have a lasting impact. What made the day so
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Emma completes her training November 2025 and has gained confidence to return to education.
Congratulations to Emma, who completed her training with us last week.
Emma has been on the Young People’s Training Programme since the end of May, and, after trying out both Front of House and Kitchen, Emma chose to do her training with the kitchen team.
Dan completes his training October 2025
It’s always a bittersweet moment when we have to say goodbye when a young person has completed their training and is ready to move on – we are going to
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Teigan Starts Her First Job at Kirkcudbright Bay Hotel
Another young person is moving on into the world of work from The Usual Place to Kirkcudbright Bay Hotel. Teigan is enjoying being part of a new team serving food
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Katy gains work experience in constituency office
Training at The Usual Place not only gives young people an opportunity to learn food, drink and hospitality skills, our mentorship also enables individuals to discover their own strengths, gain
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Eva, Noemi and Leah Complete Their Work Experience
Last week we said goodbye to Eva, Noemi and Leah who have been with us for the past six weeks on our S3 Schools Work Experience Programme in collaboration with
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Shania starts work in busy kitchen at Moffat Academy
Shania is branching out beyond The Usual Place to gain experience in a different type of kitchen setting. She is enjoying being part of the fast paced team providing lunches
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Training at The Globe Inn to prepare for our Fine Dining Fundraiser Summer/Autumn 2025
Liam and Evan (and Mentor Thomas) have had the amazing opportunity to spend time with the multi-award winning chefs from 1610 at The Globe Inn to learn the skills required
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Harry Has Completed His Training
We are so proud of Harry, who has completed his training at The Usual Place and is moving on to further education computer course. We are also very pleased that
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Jack Has Completed His SVQ in Professional Cookery
Huge congratulations to Jack, who has completed his SVQ in Professional Cookery here at The Usual Place. He completed his final module and was presented with a certificate of achievement.
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Ryan’s First Job! June 2025
How does it feel to start your first job?Well, according to Ryan, it’s “Amazing!”.Ryan couldn’t resist popping in to see us after his first shift with The Cairndale Hotel & Spa where
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Brooke and Scarlett Complete Their Work Experience
Congratulations to Brooke and Scarlett on completing their 6 week Work Experience Programme for S3 students in collaboration with Dumfries High School. Lived Experience Mentor, Kat and Trustee and Volunteer,
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Ryan Completed His Work Placement
Wow, Ryan what a great achievement! Today is the Ryan’s last day of his school work experience placement. He has done well around the cafe; welcoming customers, checking stock levels,
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Jack bakes cake for Holywood Trust Spring Gathering 16th May 2025
Our Chief Executive, Craig and Trainee Jack tonight attended The Holywood Trust Spring Gathering at The Bridge. The Holywood Trust has supported The Usual Place since its inception. The Trust
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Katie gives inspiring talk at Disability Confident Event 15th May 2025
Wow Katie has really inspired lots of employers today at the Disability Confident event run by Department of Work and Pensions at The Bridge, Dumfries. Katie was asked to give
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Lewis starts a full time job at Best Eating Experience in Scotland 6th May 2025
Please watch this film about Lewis and his journey through The Usual Place and into employment – we think you’ll enjoy it! Lewis tells the story of his journey through
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
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