Man with grey hair and glasses dressed in Usual Place blacks looks at camera. In the background is the red sandstone facade of The Usual Place building

Statement from our CEO 27th June 2025

28/06/2025
Statement from Craig McEwen, CEO at The Usual Place in response to question from Craig Hoy MSP to First Minister, John Swinney MSP in Scottish Parliament on 26th June 2025. “We have been overwhelmed by the support The Usual Place...
Current News
Two women dressed in black unform stand either side of a young man in white shirt and black tie. They are all smiling and doing a thumbs up sign. Behind them is a sandstone wall and ornate window of The Usual Place cafe.

Ryan’s First Job! June 2025

27/06/2025
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 has successfully achieved a new part time role serving food...
Our Journey
A volunteer with glasses standing in the centre of the photo. There are two more volunteers on her right and her left, and 3 mentors behind them. All of them are wearing The Usual Place uniform. The volunteer on the left is holding a certificate to give to the one with glasses. Everyone is looking into the camera and smiling.

Katy Has Completed Her Work Experience

24/06/2025
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 way for young people aged 14-26 with additional support needs...
Our Journey
4 people standing and smiling. 2 volunteers in the centre-left foreground holding certificates and 2 mentors in the centre-right background behind them.

Brooke and Scarlett Complete Their Work Experience

02/06/2025
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, Tadashi were very happy to present their certificates of achievement....
Our Journey
One of the volunteers standing in the centre of the photo wearing The Usual Place uniform. He is holding 2 certificates. Behind him are 3 other volunteers and 7 mentors and staff, also wearing The Usual Place uniform. They are all looking into the camera and smiling.

Ryan Has Completed His Work Placement

29/05/2025
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, washing dishes, helping in the kitchen, baking, clearing and cleaning...
Our Journey