After being closed for refurbishment, our vocational day service Cafe Kudos has reopened with a brand new look! Over £26,200 was raised during a fundraising campaign with generous donations from trusts, individuals and community groups.

The official reopening took place on Wednesday to thank those who had been involved, at which Aileen Campbell MSP attended to cut the ribbon.

The main focus of the work carried out was a new, custom designed commercial kitchen that will provide a better working environment and more training opportunities, benefitting the people with autism that work there. It also has new windows, flooring and furnishings - as well as lots of fresh internal paintwork. The relaunched cafe has an airy, welcoming atmosphere; perfect for enjoying a light lunch or coffee break.
 
Gillian Smith, Service Manager, said; “Everyone is incredibly excited that Cafe Kudos is finally refurbished and opening it’s doors to the public again! It has taken us over a year to raise this money which has involved lots of hard work from the team and their families who have all been involved in fundraising and to whom we are so grateful. Much of this was co-ordinated and run by our Fundraising Department who have done an amazing job.”
 
Gillian continued; “This will make a huge difference to the individuals with autism that work in Cafe Kudos. Working in the cafe helps boost their confidence and independence, along with providing an opportunity to learn vocational skills. We have been closed for four weeks for this refurbishment and as we are very much in the heart of the community we are sure the public has missed our delicious cakes, coffee and friendly service as much as we have missed serving them!”

Donald, who is supported at Scottish Autism’s transition service, New Ridgepark started working at Cafe Kudos last year, and the experience has led to his own self belief growing enormously.  
 
His mum, Lesley, commented; “The work of the Scottish Autism staff has enabled our son to cope with travelling to London with myself and his dad for his twentieth birthday, doing things we never though he would be able to do such as sightseeing and going on the Tube! We are so proud of what he has achieved. Donald loves showing everyone how much he enjoys his time at the cafe, using photographs to communicate this.”
 
Pop along for a visit to Cafe Kudos at 5 Union St, Carluke, ML8 4AG. The cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.