Heather Hall, the woman who fought to set up The Usual Place and set up the charity behind the cafe: Inspired Community Enterprise Trust Ltd in 2011 was presented with a British Empire Medal by Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong on behalf of King Charles III at The Usual Place on Thursday 27th November 2025.

Heather Hall BEM, our Founding CEO who retired in 2024 was welcomed back for this special occasion and, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and other special guests as our Chair, Amy Wright spoke about Heather’s extra-ordinary vision, courage and compassion and how this grew from an idea no-one thought possible into the vibrant reality that The Usual Place is today.

Our customers and facebook followers have been inundating us with congratulatory messages for Heather and we are planning to collate these in a special commemorating book for her.

We are eternally grateful to Heather Hall BEM.

Read Amy’s and Heather’s speeches in full below.

Welcome Speech by Amy Wright, Chair of Trustsees: Inspired Community Enterprise Trust (The Usual Place)

Everyone,

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my great honour—and pleasure—to welcome you all to The Usual Place today as we celebrate the amazing person who turned it from an idea born of desperate need into a glorious, life-affirming reality.

We all know she is extra-ordinary, we have all experienced her vision, courage and compassion in action, and many of us have benefitted directly from her belief in our individual potential, or through the amazing organisation she envisioned, fought for and co-created – The Usual Place.

We are all here together right now as members of the incredible community that has grown up around The Usual Place or as members of this wonderful lady’s family.

And we are here to celebrate a woman who has touched the lives of countless young people across Dumfries and Galloway.  Young people who might otherwise have been invisible, excluded, at risk of isolation and loneliness.  And most importantly not to be expected to fulfil their potential as valuable, active citizens contributing positively to their own communities.

Heather Hall did more than lead us.

She listened.

She encouraged.

She enabled and empowered young people to flourish.

She stood beside young people when they doubted themselves and celebrated them when they soared. And in doing so, she ignited something powerful—not just within them, but within the communities they live their lives in.

She worked with everyone she could to establish The Usual Place as a place that enables young people to truly be themselves, push boundaries, gain confidence, engage fully in life and realise that they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.

Taking a needs-led, strengths-based approach, she has, in her own words, always been what she admires most: ‘an upstander, not a bystander’.

Of course, The Usual Place is only part of her own story and, like all the young people she has believed in over the years, there is so much more to her.

Whilst we draw attention to her work with The Usual Place, we must acknowledge that nothing just happens out of the blue: that this was the pinnacle of years of experience, knowledge, frustration and core beliefs built up through a wealth of career and life experiences. It’s also definitely not the final chapter in an astonishing career – despite retiring, that fire is still well and truly still burning!

However, back to The Usual Place years.

It takes exceptional belief, foresight, drive, resilience and vision to create a core organisation even in what might feel at the time like a vacuum. And in creating it, to gather people, influence and the resources around it in a way that can generate a vibrant, life-affirming community that fuels its purpose, touches so many people and makes it so relevant, in the way that The Usual Place is.

It also takes real strength of character, resilience and genuine compassion to lead and drive with such magnetism and fire. This amazing person may have conceived the idea, set the foundations and values, planned the script and co-written many of its chapters…

…but, what makes her truly extraordinary, is her strength to let go, and her belief in others – allowing development and growth to continue its path over time.

Like each young person who enters The Usual Place with chapters of their own story written for them, the process of exploring, enabling, challenging, achieving and learning creates an environment where they can take hold of their own lives, adapt the plot, fully engage, and write their own story as it unfolds through different phases and times of their own life.

This amazing lady has played a significant role: she’s a catalyst who has co-created something that is bigger than all of us, a place that means so many different things to so many people, and that touches us all in many different, life-enhancing ways. A ‘Usual Place’ of rare dignity and respect, where everyone is welcome, and everyone can contribute.

Her early vision, her values, and her dedication, have set the course for something that now has extraordinary resilience, purpose and potential to both endure and adapt to the needs of future generations of young people in a changing world.

…And there’s impact beyond The Usual Place.  As Chair, I have firsthand seen how Heather Hall has instilled a very positive change in the community of Dumfries and Galloway. She has continually worked to break down barriers, change perceptions, and show that young people with additional support needs, including myself, should not be sidelined – they do achieve their dreams, and they are active citizens in their community.

I have felt the energy, compassion, and relentless commitment brought to every challenge. There were moments when the road was steep, when resources were thin, and when the future felt uncertain—but Heather never wavered. Dedication kept us all moving forward. Clarity of purpose kept us all grounded. Belief in the young people we serve continues to keep us all inspired.

Through Heather’s early leadership, and the excellent efforts of our staff and volunteers, countless young people have gained skills, qualifications, confidence, and hope. Families have felt pride. Communities have been strengthened. And futures have been rewritten.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are so grateful to our Founder, Heather Hall.

And we are delighted that she is being recognised today by Lord Lieutenant, Fiona Armstrong on behalf of The King, for her services to the community in Dumfries & Galloway.

Heather Hall BEM, Acceptance Speech

Heather Hall, Latterly Chief Executive Officer, The Usual Place, Dumfries

Young people, colleagues, friends, and family, and distinguished guests

I stand before you today deeply honoured and truly humbled to accept the British Empire Medal for Services to the Community. To be recognised in this way is both a privilege and a profound responsibility, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made this occasion possible.

Receiving this award is not something I ever expected. When I began my journey with The Usual Place in Dumfries, my focus was always on making a meaningful difference in the lives of the remarkable young people and the wider community we serve. It was never about recognition or awards, but about a shared vision of enablement, opportunity, and hope.

Commitment to Young People

One of the greatest strengths of The Usual Place has always been our commitment to putting young people at the heart of what we do. It has been their leadership, insight, and courage that have shaped the direction and development of The Usual Place, ensuring it is a space where everyone’s voice is valued and every contribution matters. I am immensely proud of all the young people who have led the way, showing us all just what is possible when passion and determination are given room to flourish.

A Vibrant Community and Core Values

The Usual Place is much more than just a place—it is a vibrant community, a safe haven, and most importantly, a springboard for young people with additional support needs. Our core values—everyone is of equal worth, everyone can contribute to the community, and everyone should be treated with dignity and respect—are not just words on a page but the principles we live and breathe every day. These values are the foundation that has guided us, ensuring that every young person who walks through The Usual Place doors is met with dignity and given the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

Board and Leadership Appreciation

I would also like to express my deep pride and appreciation for The Board of The Usual Place, whose vision, leadership, guidance, and steadfast commitment have been crucial to the success of The Usual Place.  Their ongoing support and belief in our mission have been a source of strength for me personally and for the organisation as a whole.

I was truly delighted when Craig McEwan was appointed to the role of CEO and succeeded me. I had every confidence in Craig’s leadership, values, and his passion for The Usual Place, and I see, that despite the difficult economic climate, the organisation continues to flourish under his exceptional and values-based stewardship. Craig has been part of The Usual Place since before we first opened the doors over 10 years ago now. And still he and the whole team are able to bring fresh energy, new ideas, and continuing dedication, ensuring that the underpinning values, developed by the young people themselves and the spirit of The Usual Place  remain totally at the heart of all that happens here.

Community Partnerships

I am especially grateful for the trust that was placed in me by our community partners, local authority, and the Scottish government, whose collaboration has enabled us to reach even more young people and families. Their willingness to work together has strengthened the bonds within our community and enhanced our collective impact. It is through these partnerships that we have been able to innovate, adapt, and respond to the evolving needs of those young people we serve.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our funders, whose generosity and belief in our vision have been instrumental in enabling our work. Their support has provided crucial resources, allowing us to innovate, and reach even more young people who will benefit from bespoke vocational opportunity. We are deeply appreciative of every organisation and individual who has invested in our mission.

Recognising Staff, Volunteers, and Supporters

While I have been privileged to lead the organisation, none of the achievements would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and the young people themselves who inspire everyone daily.

Personal Gratitude

I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement, especially during the challenging times. Your belief in me has sustained me through this journey and has made this recognition all the more meaningful.

Shared Honour and Community Impact

This medal belongs not just to me but to everyone who has contributed to our mission at The Usual Place. It is a reflection of the power of community—a reminder that together, we can break down barriers, open doors, and change lives for the better.

I am also conscious today of the many unsung heroes across Dumfries and beyond who give so much of themselves, often without recognition. I accept this award on their behalf as well, and I hope that it shines a light on the value and importance of serving others.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, I am committed to remaining deserving of this honour and am thrilled to continue my journey with The Usual Place as a volunteer. I eagerly anticipate many more years spent working alongside our remarkable community, striving together to make a lasting, positive difference.