EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – October 25, 2024 – Teens+, the Edinburgh-based pathway for school leavers with additional needs to fulfil their potential celebrates its new, accessible, state-of-the-art life skills kitchen opened by Roger Baird, Scotland Rugby legend and British and Irish Lion.

The kitchen opened at the new Teens+ Centre in the heart of Edinburgh was made possible by a generous donation of £15,000 from Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby.

Designed to ensure accessibility for all Teens+ students, the kitchen features a lowered stove and countertops, for the centre’s wheelchair users and high-contrast surfaces and fittings create an easy-to-navigate space for students with visual impairments. The kitchen will play a vital role in enhancing the daily experiences and skill-building opportunities for the centre’s 25 students.

“It is always a huge privilege to be asked to represent Wooden Spoon and to see first-hand the difference rugby fans are making to young people’s lives with their generous donations,” said Roger Baird at the opening event. “Every penny Wooden Spoon raises in Scotland stays in Scotland and we are incredibly proud to fund this kitchen where Teens+ students will learn essential life skills, build confidence, and, from what I’ve seen, have great fun.”

“The new life skills kitchen at Teens+ is more than just a place to learn how to cook,” said Simon Pearce-Madge, Head of Teens+. “For the young people with complex needs we support, the kitchen also offers an accessible space for friendships and peer relationships to develop as they share experiences and enjoy themselves, which is just as valuable as mastering a recipe. Thanks to Wooden Spoon, the new kitchen is helping to create an environment where learning happens naturally through laughter, collaboration, and friendship.”