Edinburgh charity Capella gets shiny new HQ.

Capella, a non-profit organisation running Teens+ and Sleep Action programs, is excited to announce the opening of its new headquarters in Edinburgh next month. The charity’s new home at 95 McDonald Road aims to provide additional space for its expanding services and operations.

Joining forces with Hanover Scotland at McDonald Road, Capella’s move will enable Teens+ to support more school leavers with additional needs by offering tailored education and life skills training. The relocation to McDonald Road comes after Capella’s rapid growth overwhelmed its existing office spaces at Teens+ Centres in Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

Gail Burden, CEO of Capella, highlighted the significance of the move by stating, “McDonald Road will serve as a central hub for the charity, providing dedicated space for Capella’s operations while fostering collaboration and community. This marks a major milestone in our journey towards continued growth and success.”

The new headquarters will span two floors, with Capella’s head office occupying the first floor and the Teens+ Edinburgh Centre relocating to the ground floor, providing improved facilities and support for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

Key Highlights of the Teens+ Centre:

• Increased support for young people: McDonald Road will cater to an additional 13 school leavers, doubling the capacity to 25 students receiving individualized attention and education.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Plans are in place to develop a versatile space, including a large teaching kitchen, designed for accessibility and tailored learning experiences.
• Response to demand: Capella’s expansion aims to meet the rising demand for educational support for young people aged 17+ with various needs, advancing the charity towards its goal of supporting 100 students by 2025.

Simon Pearce-Madge, head of Teens+, expressed the importance of the move by stating, “Opening in Edinburgh city centre is crucial to enhance our services and accessibility for young people who might otherwise be excluded from further education due to their needs.”

Furthermore, Capella’s new headquarters will feature a dedicated hub for Sleep Action, offering training and support services to tackle sleep problems among children. Alyson O’Brien, head of Sleep Action, emphasised the need for increased flexibility and space to meet the growing demand for their services.

Christopher McShane, Capella’s head of corporate services, highlighted the charity’s commitment to becoming net-zero by 2029 through the strategic location of the new headquarters. He mentioned, “The move to McDonald Road aligns with our goal of becoming a net-zero charity by 2029, leveraging public transport links and proximity to like-minded organisations to lay the groundwork for our sustainability ambitions.”

In a bid to strengthen their sustainability efforts, Capella recently welcomed Dr Adrian de Andres, an executive leader in the renewables sector, to its board of trustees, further solidifying their commitment to environmental goals.

Angela Currie, chief executive of Hanover Scotland, expressed delight in welcoming Capella to their Head Office on McDonald Road, highlighting the organisations’ shared values and collaborative approach towards empowering individuals and communities.

Capella is now seeking donations of office and kitchen equipment to enrich the new centre and provide a conducive environment for Teens+ students to flourish. This initiative reflects the charity’s dedication to supporting young people and driving positive change in the community.

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