Dumfries charity co-founder attends Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey

Heather Hall, one of the co-founders of a charity in Dumfries, had the honour of attending the Princess of Wales’ Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. Heather, who recently retired from her role at The Usual Place, was accompanied by Anna, a longstanding mentor from the charity, to the prestigious event. The Princess of Wales’ carol service is a significant annual event held at Westminster Abbey, and Heather and Anna represented The Usual Place at this special occasion.

The Usual Place, a social enterprise cafe in Dumfries, has been instrumental in supporting numerous young people with additional support needs. Under Heather’s leadership as the former chief executive, the charity raised over £1 million to establish the cafe at the former Townhead Church. Following her retirement, Craig McEwen has taken over the reins of the organisation, continuing its legacy of empowering young individuals in the community.

During the carol service, Heather and Anna received a special letter from The Princess of Wales to be shared with the young people at The Usual Place. The letter also included ideas for decorating a Christmas tree, inspired by the kindness tree at Westminster Abbey. This gesture of recognition and support from the royal family signifies the impact and importance of the work being done by The Usual Place in Dumfries.

The Royal Carol Concert: Together at Christmas, where Heather and Anna attended, will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve, allowing a wider audience to experience the spirit of the event. The dedication and commitment of individuals like Heather and Anna, alongside the transformative work of charities like The Usual Place, contribute significantly to creating inclusive and supportive communities.

In conclusion, Heather Hall’s attendance at the Princess of Wales’ carol service not only highlights the recognition of her dedication to The Usual Place but also showcases the positive impact of charitable initiatives in empowering and uplifting individuals in society. Such events serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and collaboration in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.