The café – which has been named Hartnell’s Café in memory of a former resident – is a social enterprise designed to benefit both residents of the Cygnet Social Care service and the wider community who will be able to access the new service.
The opening was a great success with members of the local community joining residents from Ranaich House and Trinity House, two other Cygnet Social Care services in Scotland, in sampling the drinks and cakes on offer. A short opening ceremony was also held with the ribbon being cut by former local councillor, Lucy Dudgeon.
The café will provide valuable work experience and skills training for the residents living at Trinity Lodge and nearby Trinity House.
The initiative is centred on promoting key employment skills, including customer service, money handling, health and safety, and food hygiene. Residents working in the café will have the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, helping to prepare them for future employment opportunities within the community.
Initially, the café will open for a few hours per week, welcoming both residents at the Cygnet Social Care services and the local community. It will be run primarily by those residents supported by Trinity Lodge, with the chef at the service preparing simple yet delicious meals such as toasties, soups, and light snacks.
The residents will take orders, serve customers, and handle transactions, gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Heather Smith, Cygnet Social Care Operations Director, said: “The café’s creation was a collective decision, with individuals living at Trinity House and Lodge fully backing the project when discussions first took place.
“As a tribute to a long-term resident, Greg Hartnell, who lived at Trinity House for 20 years before sadly passing away in 2023, the café will be named in his honour, ensuring his memory remains a part of the community.”
Beyond its daytime role, the café will transform into an internal hub in the evenings, providing a communal space for the residents.
Heather added: “As the project develops, we do have aspirations to extend voluntary opportunities to the wider community, further embedding the café as a valuable social and vocational resource.
“We want this café to be more than just a place to enjoy a meal—it’s an opportunity for our residents to develop skills, gain confidence, and engage with the wider community.
“Naming it after someone who was such an integral part of Trinity House makes it even more special. We are excited to see the impact this initiative will have on both our residents and our neighbours.
“This initiative is not only about providing a welcoming space for the local community but also about empowering individuals with practical experience that will support their future job applications. Over time, the café aims to expand its operations, increasing its opening hours and strengthening its role as a vital community asset.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming residents, visitors, and supporters to experience the new café and be part of this exciting journey.”
Trinity Lodge, on Townhead Street, and Trinity House, on Carlisle Street, are specialist residential services supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.