Rosie’ s opens up new cafe with social cause the focus

Social enterprise Rosie’s has opened a new cafe in Aberdeen. The new premises at Tillydrone Community Campus will act as a gathering point for the area, which has been without a cafe since Covid.

Rosie’s Cafe on Rosemount Place also recently closed, after more than 20 years.

Run by the charity Turning Point Scotland, Rosie’s is a social enterprise that supports people in recovery from ill mental health to regain confidence, build routine into their lives and enhance their work skills.

Jane Fullerton, a member of the Tillydrone Community Campus management group, is delighted to see Rosie’s operating in the area.

She said: “We didn’t have a cafe in place after Covid. But one of the things we thought of was opening it as a social enterprise.

“The idea was we can give people something and they would have a reason to come in.”

Alison Paterson, service manager of Rosie’s Social Enterprises, said: “We are delighted to have Rosie’s Cafe open once again after overcoming the challenges we encountered during the pandemic.

“It allows us to continue providing support and training to the people we work with, and we look forward to serving great food to the community.

“It has been wonderful to see our staff and members of the community enjoy Rosie’s Cafe... at the grand launch and I would like to thank everyone who attended for their support.’’

The cafe will form part of the wider Rosie’s Social Enterprises, which is based on Holburn Street.

It also runs framing, crafts, graphic design and upcycling workshops. All the handmade products are showcased and sold in the on-site gift shop.

Work placements at any of these professions are funded by Aberdeen City Council for up to two years.

They operate as a normal business and try to turn a profit.

But instead of profits going to the owner, they will be reinvested in the business’s social goals.

Craig Winter, the director of business development, and Nikki Bramley, the service coordinator for Turning Point Scotland, were also at the launch.

Mr Winter said: “Sometimes communities like Tillydrone can get a bad reputation or become discouraged.

“But this is where Turning Point’s heart is. We wanted to put the cafe in the heart of where we work.”

Ms Fullerton would like to see the Tillydrone area being “viewed more positively”.

She said: “We are building up a range of activities here like arts and crafts, yoga, activities for children, dance and exercise for the elderly.”

Kairin van Sweeden, councillor for Tillydrone ward, said: “It is fantastic to see the cafe opening in the great location of Tillydrone.”

PROVIDING: Members of the Rosie’s Cafe team pose for its launch. Picture by Darrell Benns.