Ucan's Vision and Evolution: Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities

Ucan was originally conceived as a social enterprise dedicated to equipping individuals who had faced educational and employment barriers with essential life and work skills. The goal was to create a fun, vibrant and welcoming centre that would not only support personal development but also contribute meaningfully to the broader community.

Key Drivers Behind Ucan's Creation

Educational Challenges: At the time, Further Education was undergoing significant changes that threatened to reduce access to courses, particularly for those falling under the "inclusion" umbrella. jigsaw

Mainstream Education Gaps: There was a noticeable increase in school children struggling to adapt to the mainstream curriculum, leaving them without adequate support.

Training Program Limitations: Many young people leaving school found themselves unable to thrive in traditional training programs or college settings.

Fragmented Community Support: Community support services were often disjointed, with mismatched workers and clients engaging in activities that lacked real value.

Recognising these challenges, Ucan presented its innovative concept to East Ayrshire Council’s Employment and Learning Disability Teams. Impressed by its potential, the Council supported a pilot programme, which laid the foundation for Ucan’s future success.

When Ucan opened its doors in 2013, it offered a variety of facilities, including a training kitchen, a craft and IT room, a workshop, and a gym. These offerings quickly became popular, particularly among individuals with learning disabilities and mental health issues but soon also with school groups. Following the success of the pilot, Ucan was invited to join East Ayrshire Council’s Community Support Framework, solidifying its role as a key service provider.

Impact and Growth

Ucan’s journey since then has been one of continuous growth and expansion. To date, we have served approximately 400 individuals across Ayrshire, Glasgow, and East Renfrewshire. Our facilities have grown to include three expansive warehouse units (with a fourth on the way) housing two training kitchens, a hospitality training kitchen, a gym, a woodwork shop, a hair and beauty room, an IT suite, a drama room, art and craft rooms, pet care facilities, and a vegetable garden. We also operate businesses in painting and decorating, and landscape gardening, with plans for further expansion.

Since its inception, Ucan has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals in the areas of health and well-being, social development, independent living skills, and work-related skills. We have witnessed remarkable transformations, with many individuals gaining independence, securing their own tenancies, building friendships, and growing in confidence both within Ucan and in the wider community. Numerous participants have earned recognised qualifications and gained valuable work experience, using Ucan as a stepping stone to further education, training, or employment.

Key Milestones

  • Adaptive Services: We have evolved to meet the needs of our diverse clientele, including neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing high levels of anxiety and social isolation.

  • Work Experience and Volunteering: We have provided hundreds of work experience and volunteering opportunities, helping individuals gain valuable skills.

  • Qualification Achievements: Over 30 individuals have earned recognised SQA qualifications in hospitality and woodcraft through our programmes.

  • Support for Continued Education: We have assisted many individuals in accessing and completing college and other training.

  • Employment Opportunities: Ucan has offered employment to former service users who struggled to find work elsewhere.

  • Community Contributions: We have contributed approximately £12,000 to local charities and good causes including regular donations to East Ayrshire Foodbank.

  • Public Services: Our gardening and decorating services are offered to the public with a focus on affordability, often providing services for free.

  • Collaborative Efforts: We work closely with other professionals and organisations to ensure comprehensive support for our service users.

  • Extracurricular Activities: Ucan offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, enhancing the overall experience for our participants. Including games nights and discos.

  • Valued Learning Placements: Ucan serves as a respected placement opportunity for students in Health Care, Social Care, Nursing, and Social Work, contributing to the development of future professionals.