AN SOS has gone out to help a community cafe in Dumfries which is facing “critical financial pressures”.
The Usual Place, which employs, mentors and trains people with additional support needs, says its future is under threat due to rising operational costs.
And staff restructuring is now underway, with 6.03 full time equivalent jobs under threat.
Chief executive Craig McEwen says they’re at a crossroads as they approach their tenth anniversary in June.
He listed the main issues as ‘significant increases’ in National Insurance, the Real Living Wage, and inflation, as well as limited access to funding.
Mr McEwen said: “The Usual Place is more than a café. It’s a place of growth, empowerment, and opportunity. We are not just serving food—we are serving futures.
“Our approach is proven to make a difference. We don’t just provide a temporary solution—we offer long-term empowerment.
“The skills we teach, the opportunities we provide, and the real-world working environment we offer all contribute to a future where young people with additional support needs can be self-sufficient and engaged members of their communities, without the need for costly institutional care or services.”
And he called on the community and decision-makers to ensure that its work continues, adding: “Together, we can make sure that the opportunities we create don’t end here. We need to continue showing that every pound invested in our programmes returns far greater value in terms of social impact and public benefit.”
Messages of support and stories of how The Usual Place has, and can make a difference are being called for to share on their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, a long term supporter, has urged all stakeholders to get around the table to discuss the funding issues the Usual Place is experiencing and what support can be given.
He met with fellow politicians and representatives from the charity itself recently to explore all possible solutions.
Mr Smyth said: “It has been a constant challenge almost every year to secure what is the substantial amount of money needed to deliver the invaluable work they do.
“I know from my discussions with them, in particular in recent weeks, that the scale of deficit they face given the growing difficulties securing funding and the rise, for example, in energy and food costs, does mean that it is no longer sustainable at the current level unless we are able to secure additional funding, so that is exactly what we need to do.”
“I am confident that the Usual Place will continue but that will take all stakeholders coming together to agree a way forward and additional funding.
“The Usual Place has been hugely important to the lives of so many young people over the years and that vital work must be secured.”
- Picture shows Anas Sawar visiting the Usual Place
