A new kitchen in Leith supports school leavers with learning disabilities

The move to a new building for Edinburgh Charity Teens Plus would not be complete without a shiny new fully accessible kitchen.

The project, which currently supports 21 school leavers with learning disabilities, moved to its new McDonald Road base in Leith last month.

They have now officially opened their new indoor kitchen, made possible by a £15,000 donation from rugby children’s charity Wooden Spoon.

Earlier this week, ambassador and former Scotland rugby player Roger Bird unveiled a plaque at the completed number.

He was presented with a “bouquet” of wooden spoons decorated by students.

Simon Pearce-Madge, head of service at Teens Plus, told STV News: “The kitchen is more than just a place where we can cook with the people we support.

“It’s very important for them to be able to build relationships, peer networks and develop their capabilities.”

Students in Leith have adapted well to their new environment after moving from the charity’s former base in Musselburgh.

Center manager Sarah Anderson said: “It’s just a much bigger space, it’s allowed the students to really make it their own.

“It went really well, everyone coped really well with the transition to the new premises and I think everyone is enjoying it more.”

Teens Plus students and staff alike are looking forward to making the kitchen more useful as they continue to settle into their new home.

Wooden Spoon funds numerous projects supporting vulnerable and young people in the UK and Ireland.

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