Local Priority: Create safe outdoor and indoor spaces for young people

Planet Youth is an evidence based substance use prevention model. It is a 10 step process which aims to identify risk and protective factors to build a protective environment for children and young people to grow up in. The work is built around 4 domains - Leisure Time, School, Family and Peer Group. Through working with young people at Baldragon Academy over a series of workshops with V&A, Dundee and examining the Planet Youth data it was identified by both pupils and teaching staff that creating safe indoor and outdoor spaces was a priority. YP have disclosed through the work we have completed that there is a lack of places to sit outside and a limited amount of benches with shelter. We would hope with the approval of this application that we could provide a further three outdoor tables and bench set for the playground. This would allow young people to eat their lunch outside and engage positively with their peers. We would also hope that young people would have had a more positive experience over lunchtime, therefore returning to class in a more relaxed state and are more likely to engage with their in their learning. It was also identified by the young people that there is a lack of sporting activities/resources in the playground. Again, through consultation with the wider school community suggestions have been made to invest in basketball nets and a selection of different sporting equipment for the playground. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and engage them in physical activity in school and encourage team building activities. The PY data also shows that there is a lack of young people participating in physical activity so therefore by creating more opportunity for them it is likely to encourage them to be more physically active. The YP have also identified spaces in school which they would like to create. The young people expressed that lunchtimes can be busy and there is not enough space for everyone in the lunch hall. After pupils presented to Senior Leadership team, it was identified that there was certain spaces pupils could use in school. The hope is this would create a calmer environment for all pupils in school, it would reduce overcrowding in certain areas of the school. Young people have also asked if they can open different departments at lunch. This again would allow young people to engage in a more positive lunchtime and be with their peers.

In 2023 the Planet Youth survey was completed by S3/4 pupils in Baldragon Academy. The survey focuses on four domains: School, Peer Education, Leisure Time and Family. Baldragon Academy has been working in partnership with V&A, Dundee, Barnardo's with the PY Development Officer to look at the Planet Youth data. A mixture of pupils from across S1-6 examined the different statements that came from the data and prioritised 'safe spaces in school'. With the support of the V&A, the young people went on a ‘safari tour' of the school to identify spaces where they felt safe and not so safe in school. Through looking at the pictures the YP were able to discuss with their peers and professionals what it was they liked and disliked about specific places in school. The young people then created prototypes of spaces they would like to see in school such as: using the fitness suite at lunchtime, having somewhere comfy to sit and making more of the outdoor space. The senior pupils then presented to senior leadership team and at assembly to consult the rest of the school. During lunchtime the group created a ballot where the rest of the school could vote on what spaces they would like to see be developed in school. The school voted as follows: Gaming Room- 50% Outdoor Spaces – 50% Movie lunchtime – 40% Fitness suite – 35% Opening departments – 25% Soft furnishings-25% Junior vs Seniors- 10% Other suggestions – set up sporting activities outside, basketball net and opening upstairs.

Local Priority: Improve accessibility and safety to community buildings

Upgrade of community centre toilets. The centre was opened in 2008 and the toilets have not been upgraded since then. This project would allow the centre to have modern toilet facilities that would benefit everyone using the centre. The community centre encouraged use by other projects and workers from health, education, welfare and many others to provide support for local people and having modernised toilets will make for a more comfortable environment for them. The community centre has regular weekly groups for people of all ages and during school holiday periods and christmas celebration events the number of people using the building and toilets increases hugely. We also have two community cafes that provide free melas and support and information for local households. These visitors would benefit from modern toilet facilities being installed.

The community centre is managed by local volunteers and they speak with local people and centre users to get their views on the centre and how things can be improved for them. The need for toilet upgrade has been mentioned by some of the older people using the facilities and the youth workers have shared that the current toilets are no longer 100% suitable for the young people using them due to signs of damp.

Costs

Removal of existing WCs / Urinals & basin unit/shelf. Supply and install new WCs in female and male toilets and disabled WC in separate disabled toilet area. Supply and install new worktop for new basins. Supply and install new basin mixer taps with. Supply and install 2 new urinals with automatic flush system. Supply and install new wet wall splash back to replace tiles. Supply and install new fold down baby changing unit. Test installation (s)

Local Priority - Improve outdoor spaces

Development of greenspace at Keswick Terrace for the whole Kirkton community to access and feel safe using. We are asking for funding to install a Wi-Fi/DJ hub that young people can access and use as an area to meet friends in a safe and open environment. This resource will complement the current and future work planned for the greenspace where we have been able to fund the installation of a MUGA with floodlights as well as extra seating and other equipment. A new youth shelter has been purchased and is waiting to be installed. The Wi-Fi/DJ hub will provide young people with the opportunity to meet with friends in this area and be able to connect with friends and family while they are in a safe space. This will limit the need for young people to travelling within in the area and across the city and as a result contribute to the lowering of potential anti-social behaviour occurrences in Kirkton and elsewhere in the city. This project will contribute to Strathmartine Local Community Plan priorities as it will: - Improve outdoor spaces - Create safe outdoor and indoor spaces for young people

Strathmartine Community Empowerment Team has been working in partnership with DCC Environment Team and local community group Kirkton Partnership to engage with local people to share the hopes for the greenspace and to get their thoughts on what should be installed on the space that will benefit them and their community. This has resulted in information and feedback from more than 200 local people from sessions at local nurseries, primary & secondary schools, youth clubs, sheltered housing complex, family groups and Girl Guides. We also conducted an online Microsoft Forms questionnaire that resulted in 54 completed returns. In addition, the worker with Planet Youth has consulted with 1400 Strathmartine based young people since 2022 with many sharing concerns around safety and lack of resources in the Kirkton community that they would be attracted to. Findings from Planet Youth Data tells us that young people have reported: - There are low levels of physical activity and sport participation - There are low levels of activities in the community - High screen time - Low levels of community support and action - Low levels of feeling safe in the community - Self-reported low mental health This funding would allow us to provide a safe space where physical activity can take place. A focal point where young people can socialise and develop important social skills. Young people stated numerous times that having access to local free Wi-Fi would be a positive addition to the greenspace and see them spend more time outdoors meeting up with friends as a result of it being installed.

Local Priority: - Improve outdoor play equipment for children

Friends of Clatto is a volunteer group who maintain much of the greenspace, walking areas, wildlife study and information points at the park. We have been working in partnership with Dundee City council Environment team to help enhance Clatto Country park for the local community. The grant will be used to improve the outdoor play equipment for children contributing to the Strathmartine local community plan, by expanding play park equipment to cater for younger children, toddlers and to be more inclusive. The new equipment will include: 1x Pod seat swing 1x Multiplay toddler unit

The Strathmartine Community Empowerment Team undertook extensive community engagement to gather ideas and priorities for the use of a local fund. The engagement process included: • 18 in-person engagement sessions across the Strathmartine ward • 1 online questionnaire made available to local residents • A total of 330 individuals shared their thoughts and suggestions From this process, the second most frequently suggested improvement was the installation of new and improved children's play equipment at Clatto Park. This strong level of community interest highlights a clear desire to enhance the play facilities in this location. Following this, the findings were shared with the Friends of Clatto community group, who agreed to take the project forward into the next stage of development. In addition to the formal engagement, members of the Friends of Clatto group have also conducted informal conversations with families using the park. Many of these families expressed a wish for more inclusive and age-appropriate equipment, particularly for younger children and children with additional support needs. This combined evidence from structured consultation and grassroots feedback clearly demonstrates community support and a locally identified need for enhanced, inclusive play equipment at Clatto Park.

In addition to encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity, the outdoor area will foster creativity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. It will also serve as a vital community hub, strengthening ties among families and contributing to overall community well-being.

Local Priority: - Improve outdoor spaces

Provision of new picnic tables and benches at both Trottick Ponds Local Nature Reserve and Templeton Woods. These seating facilities will improve access for all at these beloved local sites and also enhance the experience of local people to enjoy nature in a walkable setting. This has proven benefits for mental and physical health. This funding would also provide a new dipping platform at the pond within Templeton Woods - a resource which can be used by local community groups and schools. We also propose the refurbishment of signage at Trottick: this will help educate visitors about the historical significance and enhance visits. Also requested is funding to purchase fruit bushes for Templeton Woods will improve the range of species at the site, prove visually appealing and can be used as a food resource by local people. Finally, we would also wish to apply for wildlife cameras for recording at these sites. This record will help to survey the animals in the area and will be used to help educate local groups as to what lives within Strathmartine. This technology is not normally within the financial reach of local people and will also allow children, in particular, to use them and monitor local wildlife both at the sites and potentially within other local areas (such as school grounds). All of these projects will be contributing to the local priorities by improving visitor experiences at accessible green spaces within the ward thereby improving health and wellbeing.

Trottick Ponds Local Nature Reserve and Templeton Woods are both well-used visitor sites within the ward. Provision of facilities improve the experience of accessing nature for all those who visit. The signage at Trottick informs of the historical significance of the site thereby instilling local pride and improving local knowledge of in important part of local history. Visitors have spoken to Rangers about the need for these projects, which will improve nature access to all. The need for more seating was identified by local residents, as relayed to the Ranger Service by Community Workers. Both sites are important cultural icons within the city and serve a wide range of people for pursuits such as dog-walking, cycling, community group activities and relaxation within peaceful settings. Templeton also provides a formal cycling track (Templeton Tangle) and toilet facilities during opening hours. The sites draw visitors from all ages and social grouping; both being placed within commutable distances from some of the most challenged areas of the city. The Ranger Service regularly meets with and provides nature education to visitors from Strathmartine at both sites, including community groups and schools.

The Countryside Ranger Service is a well-established service within Dundee City Council's Neighbourhood Services section. Much of our remit is to serve the people of Dundee in educating about nature as well as maintaining the sites we manage as best as possible for the people and other living things there. We have key sites we manage within Strathmartine which are well used by all the people of the area and beyond. These are Green Flag winning sites with a wide range of visitors from all demographics and we feel we can enhance them for local people by the use of the Community Fund. This is a time when the funding within our own department is often hard to access for these sort of projects. It is also a time when people are increasingly under pressure within their own lives and in need of places to relax and enjoy nature. We think that improving the sites and enhancing access to the natural world we are so lucky to have on our doorstep is of paramount importance to the health and wellbeing of our own citizens. The Ranger Service has delivered groups, volunteer events and education to over 600 people already this year within the city. The majority of these have been met within Strathmartine as it is our key area of interaction. With your assistance we can provide more of the same for our sites and for the people of the city.

The funds received will be used to enhance the entrance of the Downfield JFC facility, ensuring it meets the needs of users with disabilities. Currently, the building lacks suitable wheelchair access and electronic doors, which these improvements aim to address.

We are currently working with the trustees of the Kirkton Community Centre Local Management Group with an aim to provide accommodation for several of their community activities while work is underway to establish a new community centre in the area. During this period, they will use our building to host two community cafés, children’s programs, adult groups, fundraisers , holiday and term time provision for family groups and a food larder. To ensure accessibility for all, we have consulted with centre users, committee members, and volunteers to identify necessary provisions. Additionally, we have engaged with a representative from the Dundee Access Group to discuss the project and gather valuable insights on the needs of those with restricted mobility.

Ramp installation £22,500.00 Automatic Doors installed £10,620.00 Planning permission / business warrent costs £1,000