Our Impact

Stories From Young People

Learn How The Usual Place is Changing the Lives of Young People Across Dumfries and Galloway

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A young man is in the middle of the photo. He is holding a certificate with both hands, wearing a black uniform and an apron. He is smiling directly towards the camera. To the right is a young woman with brown hair in a ponytail, and to the right of her is a bald man, both of whom are also wearing the same black uniform and apron. To the left of the young man in the centre, there are two more young women, both of whom have brown hair in a ponytail. Everybody is smiling at the camera.

Ross Completes his Food Hygeine Training

Ross has completed the basic food hygiene course and training offered at The Usual Place. From this, he has gained a whole variety of skills which contribute to upholding the
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A young man with curly red hair and glasses, wearing a black chef's tunic and purple apron stands behind a serving counter. In front of him is a large, decorated cake. He is smiling and looking very pleased.

Liam has done it again!

This time he has baked this delicious vegan chocolate cake with kitchen mentor, Sarah. Liam is really putting into practice all the skills he has learned whilst training in the
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a young woman beams at the camera, she is holding up a plate of chocolate coated spheres with strawberry pieces on top

A Great Start for Sommer

A great start for Sommer, making these beautiful strawberry cake pops with mentor Tiana It’s only her second day on our Introduction to Hospitality Training, and already she is creating
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Young woman in black chef's tunic and purple apron stands smiling and holding a large cake which is highly decorated with piped butter icing

Heidi Perfects her Cake Icing Skills

This morning, Heidi has been very busy in the kitchen with Mentor, Debbie. As well as baking this exciting ‘funfetti’ cake, she has also been practicing and enhancing her piping
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Young man in glasses stands behind a serving counter with a large tray of scones under a clear acrylic cover.

Ryan Checks Food Storage

It’s important to us to make sure we check the stock in our cafe to ensure everything is fresh, easily available when needed, within date and stored properly. Here is
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Arron Had a Busy Day!

Leah, one of our new interns, has been exploring around the cafe, learning what The Usual Place involves and the skills it teaches young people. Arron has happily volunteered to
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Katy Has Completed Her Work Experience

Today is Katy’s last day with The Usual Place, we have really enjoyed having her volunteering here on our 12 week programme of work experience. This programme is a great
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A volunteer with brown hair standing to the left of the photo wearing The Usual Place uniform. Standing next to him is a mentor with glasses who is also wearing The Usual Place uniform. They are looking at the welcome station's till screen, concentrated on putting the customer's order into the system.

Aaron Doing Well At The Welcome Station

Aaron took lots of customer orders and payments at the till earlier this week – as well as making customers feel welcome, this requires clear communication and listening. Aaron ensures
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Heidi and Ross Work Together At Cakes And Drinks!

Heidi and Ross were very busy on Monday preparing customer orders behind the counter. They are each working more independently as they make drinks and serve sweet treats and cakes
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