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 coming here I did very little: my day consisted of me being sat about the house the whole time, and rarely ever leaving home. But a spark of inspiration made me realise I needed a change, and so I decided to join somewhere to gain employability. I looked around, but it was The Usual Place that was truly there for me when I needed it. Now, I can firmly say I’m glad I made that choice.

It was back in August 2024 when my family and I were watching the Paris Olympics. Before that point, I had left education and was doing virtually nothing with my life. But when I saw Olympians that were around my age, and the incredible things that they were all doing, it sparked a desire for change in me. I was in a comfort zone, and although it was easy for me, I knew it had to change, and now was the time to take ownership of my life. The Usual Place was the organisation that enabled me to do that.

Working in the Front of House of The Usual Place Cafe gave me the opportunity to deal with lots of different situations that were all very new to me. Before joining, my people skills were extremely limited, but that’s all changed after having to interact with customers here.