Category: Our Journey

John Swinney MSP, First Minister for Scotland called in early this morning to see us here at The Usual Place before the cafe opened as he was in the region and had heard about the photography exhibition organised by @U3A...

There are always loads of laundry to be sorted, ironed and stored here at The Usual Place. From tea towels and cloths to aprons, table cloths and chefs tunics the team is always ensuring everything is hygienic and well presented....

Aaron how was your day today? by Leah

Being Seen and Accepted Leads to Confidence, Learning and Ambition. A year ago, I moved to Dumfries & Galloway due to family circumstances and found myself unable to get a job. I left behind my home, familiar environments, friends, routines...

When the spark of inspiration meets the fuel of possibility. My name is Harry and I work at The Usual Place as an Information Intern. However, I began here as a trainee in the Cafe’s Front of House team. Before...

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 ready for other members of the team to take on...

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 each customer request is understood and relayed to our kitchen...

We have a new group of S3 students who have started on their School Work Experience Placement, in collaboration with Dumfries High School. Here are students Jack, Layla, and Martha on their induction with Lived Experience Mentor, Kat – they are...

Ross, who is on our Young People’s Hospitality Training Programme, has been working with Mentor, Tina, on the busy Drinks and Cakes station in the café. Here, they are checking the drinks orders, as well as preparing and delivering them...