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 is receiving from members of the public and community groups who are making such efforts to support the future of The Usual Place.  So many groups and individuals are both: fundraising and making individual donations to continue the work of The Usual Place.

“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who is sending us their messages of support and to those contacting local councillors, MSP’s and MPs to keep their focus on The Usual Place.  It is so heartening that so many people believe in our work – ensuring more young people with additional support needs in Dumfries & Galloway can continue to be offered the life-changing opportunities through the work of The Usual Place.

“On average, it takes around 17 months to 2 years for a young person with additional support needs to complete an SVQ qualification in Professional Cookery or Hospitality Services through our programmes.  Prior to signing up, they also spend a number of foundational months in developing confidence, orientation and basic food health and hygiene training which is a vital part of preparation, ensuring successful and sustainable long-term outcomes for citizenship and employability.

“Many of the young people we work with would otherwise be invisible, excluded, or at risk of isolation and loneliness. At The Usual Place, they discover belonging, purpose, and the chance to fulfil their potential as valued citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities.

“This is a long-term commitment for both the individual young person and The Usual Place – something we don’t take lightly.  Therefore, we need to be confident in the longer-term future of the organisation when making this commitment to starting young people on this journey.

“We are very grateful for the interim funding from the Scottish Government, and we are still in discussions with them, however, to ensure The Usual Place can continue to make these commitments to young people, our trustees will have to make a decision regarding our future and that decision will be this side of Christmas.”

Craig McEwen, CEO The Usual Place

We will always live by our values:

*Everyone is of equal worth

*Everyone can’t contribute to their community

*Everyone deserves dignity and respect

We focus on promoting the innate talents and capabilities of young people, enabling and empowering them to flourish, and challenging stereotypes every day.

Our Skills Academy and Early Enablement programmes provide a personalised, structured, supportive route into employment and citizenship for young people with additional support needs. Young people aged 16-26 gain practical café and hospitality training, accredited SVQ qualifications in Professional Cookery and Customer Service and real-world experience. Through mentorship in our cafe as well as a range of experiences at a special events, we also build communication, confidence, health and hygiene, teamwork, and independence —preparing young people not just for work, but for life as active, confident citizens.