We are looking to fund an extension to our existing building, and improve what we already have. We need to create a new community lounge which would be a multi-functional space for meetings, workshops and for members and parents to utilise. We would update the current kitchen with an accessible fridge, counter and a working cooker to provide cooking provision for community groups who are tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Description
Local Priority: - Enhanced community facilities.
Since 1946 to date the Lochee Boys and Girls Club has been evolving. The club plans to invest more than £500,000 into the Lochee community, by expanding its facilities to better serve the community's growing needs. Collaborating with local stakeholders, plans are underway to enhance gym and training areas and create additional community spaces. Our project will create positive change for individuals and the wider community by encouraging youth engagement in healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and discipline through sport. It will promote social cohesion by bringing together diverse groups to foster understanding, cooperation, and inclusion. A key focus will be on physical and mental wellbeing, providing safe spaces for exercise that contribute to both physical fitness and mental health improvements. The expansion will generate wider social benefits, this includes new opportunities for volunteer and create employment opportunities, creating avenues for coaching certifications, mentoring positions, and careers in sports and community development. Sustained benefits for the community will be achieved by reducing social isolation, enhancing local engagement, and improving overall health metrics.
Collaboration is central to our strategy. We intend to partner with local charities and stakeholders to create a unified network dedicated to community health and safety.
The facility will actively promote the benefits of sport beyond just physical activity. Mental health support will be integrated through structured programmes that incorporate stress management and resilience-building workshops. The space will encourage social interactions, reducing loneliness and fostering friendships. This is aligned with the local community plan to tackle social isolation and build community resilience. It will also serve as a positive diversion for young people, reducing crime rates by engaging them in structured activities. Additionally, partnerships with local schools will support academic attainment through sports participation. The new extension will enhance the club’s ability to deliver these initiatives, ensuring a broader reach and greater impact on the community.
Along with the Capital Funding for the extension we are also looking to improve what we currently have. This grant would be utilised to achieve this. We are hoping to improve accessibility to all areas of the club and this involves renewing the entrance with DDA approved automatic doors, lowering thresholds to ensure wheelchair accessibility.
To support our commitment in developing opportunities for women and girls in our sport we are creating a new female changing area. The demand for the women's only class and the number of girls attending the junior boxing sessions has increased. We plan to collaborate with partners in Health who will be working towards improving support for those in recovery and this facility will prove essential to meet the needs of those women.
If we can achieve both the refurbishment and extension this allows us to double our outreach and be a positive factor for individuals and families in the local area.
We have been embedded in the Heart of Lochee for almost 80 years. Our club membership is continually growing with 70% of our members residing locally. We are engaged with several local partnerships, including the Regeneration Forum, Lochee Community Larder and Lochee Residents and Tennent’s group. We work closely with local schools providing activities within schools and elsewhere.
We attend community meetings and are members of the Lochee Area Community Sports Hub which allows us to engage with a vast number of individuals and groups.
We work with Active Schools and deliver sessions within various locations across the ward during which we have discussed with parents, carers, and young people themselves to identify their needs and expectations.
Engagement has been carried out with local councillors, Sport Scotland, Dundee City Council, NHS and other groups and charities. We consulted with them regarding our strategic aims and development plan and there is a shared opinion that due to the lack of other community facilities in the Lochee area our project is vital and should be a priority.
The Lochee Community Plan 2022-2027 has outlined the community priorities and our plan supports these. We are focused on tackling social isolation and improving mental wellbeing, introducing a multi functional community lounge and increasing the accessibility of our club and delivery of our services, we can have a massive positive impact.
Another priority is the need to improve community safety. With larger premises we can offer diversionary programmes for young people in partnership with education. Boxing can be a tool to reduce antisocial behaviour by offering a positive outlet for energy and promoting discipline, self-respect, and a sense of community. Boxing clubs can act as a “great hook for change” by providing a space for self-development and keeping individuals away from crime and violence.
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