Teens+ marked an exciting milestone with an opening day for the brand-new kitchen at the McDonald Road Centre in Edinburgh. Designed from the ground up with accessibility at its core, the kitchen serves as a space where students with additional needs can learn, create, and connect.
The new kitchen was made possible by a generous £15,000 grant from the Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, a foundation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and disabled children and young people. To mark the occasion, Scotland Rugby legend and British and Irish Lion Roger Baird, a Wooden Spoon ambassador, visited to officially unveil the commemorative plaque and cut the ribbon.
Students had prepared a delicious spread for attendees to enjoy. In a heartwarming moment, they gathered to sing You’ve Got a Friend in Me, a song that captured the supportive spirit of Teens+. STV News was present to cover the event, interviewing staff and students about what the new kitchen means to them and sharing the story on the evening news.
The kitchen was designed to meet the diverse needs of Teens+ students. Its lowered counters make it accessible to wheelchair users, while the high-contrast fittings help students with visual impairments navigate and use the space independently. These adaptations reflect Teens+ commitment to creating a learning environment where every student can thrive and participate fully.
The kitchen represents more than just a cooking space. It’s a place where students can develop practical life skills, collaborate with peers, and have fun. The kitchen showcases the Teens+ mission of helping students to thrive and Be the Best You as they transition into adulthood. By learning to prepare meals and work together in this supportive space, students are gaining valuable skills that will serve them well beyond the walls of the McDonald Road Centre.
Teens+ is grateful to Wooden Spoon for their support in realising this vision, and the new kitchen stands as a testament to the power of accessible spaces in creating opportunities for growth, connection, and independence.
