Local Priority: Safe and accessible pathways/ spaces.  

We are a busy community larder & café based in Lochee. Our aims are to: • fight food poverty by providing a more sustainable food provision model, where community can access and choose free or low-cost food; • fight social isolation by creating a welcoming community café; • and create a safe space that is non-judgemental. We will be using the grant money to resurface the back access to the larder, café, storage units, shops and residents drying area. The area has become very uneven and quite dangerous. Resurfacing it will help ensure the safety of the staff, volunteers, general public and residents. This will also enhance the aesthetics of the area. Whilst we have created a safe and welcoming space inside our larder & café for the local community. The back access area, which is in constant use by our volunteers and delivery drivers during our opening hours, as well as residents and the general public delivering donations to us, has become unsafe. This work has become urgent due to the number of injuries our volunteers have been sustaining, which has a negative knock-on effect to the running of the larder and café.

Over the past 12 months there have been numerous accidents due to the uneven nature of the surface. Volunteers have had to attend A&E, ambulances called and long absences from duties because of injuries. We have had conversations with the neighbouring properties above us, suppliers, general public and the other business in the vicinity. The outcome of these conversations is that everyone is in agreement that the area needs to be resurfaced to enhance and ensure the safety of everyone.

We would like you to know of the issues that have arisen over the years we have been in situ. There have been several accidents to volunteers resulting in damage to their person which have required hospital treatment. As well as the uneven surface, when the loose stones get wet, they become very slippery causing slips and falls. There has also been damage caused to cars due to uneven surface and loose stones which have been repaired at cost to individuals. Some of the injuries have had an impact on the running of the larder & café as volunteers have been out of action for sometimes weeks. One example is a volunteer who was unable to lift any crates for 4 months due to a back injury sustained by tripping over the uneven ground when unloading items from a delivery van. We have recently had the pathway to the rear of the premise which leads to our stock rooms re-laid which in itself has made a big difference to the quality and appearance of the premises. We funded this renovation, with money from grocery sales. We received the quote from Tayside Contracts after we got the council confirmation, and this is the one we would like to proceed with

Local Priorities the project will meet: - Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

We are seeking funding to transform the historic site of Dundee’s first Calendar Works into a vibrant, youth-led community café and heritage hub. This innovative project, led by Helm’s Youth Collective, will revitalise an underused space into a warm, inclusive indoor and outdoor café with a Mediterranean feel, while also celebrating local history through guided heritage tours. The project will deliver real-world skills, create employment opportunities, and foster community cohesion, with young people at the heart of its design, delivery, and growth. This project will provide: • 15–20 young people engaged annually in meaningful training and employment roles. • Increased footfall and community engagement with the Helm site. • Greater public awareness of the area’s heritage through regular tours and public programming. • A transformed, safe, and attractive outdoor space supporting tourism and wellbeing. • Sustainable income generation through café and tour sales supporting future wages. Currently underused and largely hidden from public awareness, the Calendar Works is Dundee’s first of its kind — a building of significant local heritage with untapped potential. The adjacent courtyard, once overshadowed by a derelict neighbouring property, will be reimagined with Mediterranean-style touches: bistro seating, palm plants, wall art, and canopy lighting, creating a welcoming space for people of all ages to gather, relax, and connect. Alongside the café, young people will develop and lead guided heritage walking tours, bringing the rich industrial history of the site and surrounding area to life. Training in hospitality and heritage interpretation will be delivered by Helm staff and our partners at Dundee Dark Tours, ensuring young people gain high-quality, transferable skills rooted in real-world experience.

With young people leading every stage — from design to delivery — the Helm Café & Heritage Hub will become a powerful model of youth empowerment, heritage celebration, and community transformation at the heart of Dundee.

Many of the young people we support at Helm face significant barriers to education, employment, and social inclusion. These include care experience, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, and a lack of stable support networks. What they need most are meaningful opportunities to build skills, confidence, and connection — in spaces where they feel ownership and belonging. Through this project, young people will help bring the site back to life by creating a café and heritage hub that is inclusive, vibrant, and rooted in local identity. It will provide: Real-world employment and enterprise pathways for young people through training, volunteering, and paid roles A safe and inspiring community space that encourages social connection and wellbeing The activation of local heritage through youth-led walking tours and storytelling

We are working in close partnership with Dundee Historic Environment Trust (DHET) and Dundee Dark Tours (DDT) to deliver this project. Both organisations bring significant expertise and credibility in local heritage, and are fully behind the vision of a youth-led community café and heritage hub. In particular, Dundee Dark Tours have generously offered to deliver free professional heritage interpretation training to our young people. This will equip them with the confidence and skills needed to research, design, and lead walking tours celebrating the Calendar Works and surrounding area — offering the community a fresh, authentic insight into Dundee’s past, through the eyes of its future. DHET has also committed to supporting the project’s development, ensuring our heritage offer aligns with best practice and wider city priorities. Their endorsement not only adds value to the initiative but connects us to a growing network of local historians, archivists, and heritage professionals who are excited about the project’s potential. In addition, we are engaging local businesses, Helm staff, volunteers, and our Helm Youth Collective, who are central to the project’s design and delivery. Young people have already contributed ideas for the courtyard layout, branding, and menu, and will take ownership of day-to-day operations, supported by trained staff and local mentors. This joined-up approach — combining youth leadership with expert guidance and community support — is key to the long-term sustainability of the café and heritage hub. Income from the café and paid tours will be reinvested into youth training and jobs, while ongoing partnerships will provide routes into further volunteering, employment, and education. Ultimately, this project is about placing young people at the heart of local regeneration — restoring a hidden heritage site, creating new social enterprise opportunities, and building pride of place. The strong community partnerships we’ve already secured reflect wide-ranging belief in this vision and a shared commitment to making it a success.

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.

We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe area of our community playground in the Lochee Ward—an area identified in the most deprived 10% of the Scottish population according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020. We are seeking funding to transform a neglected and unsafe section of our community playground into a vibrant, welcoming, and safe space for children and families. The current area is overgrown, with broken planters and uneven surfaces that pose safety risks and limit use. Our goal is to replace the hazardous terrain with tarmac for safer play, while retaining pockets of greenery and installing buddy benches to promote family gatherings and community cohesion. Working alongside the school, the Balgarthno Parent Council are excited to try and enhance this area for all the school children and the local community.

A portion of our community playground has become increasingly unsafe due to overgrown vegetation, damaged and unstable planters, and poorly maintained ground surfaces. This area, once intended for communal use, now poses trip hazards and restricts children's ability to play freely and safely. Families often avoid the area, diminishing the overall appeal and function of the playground.

Proposed Solution:

With the requested funding, we will:

• Clear the overgrown vegetation and remove all hazardous structures, including broken planters.
• Tarmac the surface to create a smooth, even, and safe area suitable for a range of activities and accessible to all children, including those with mobility challenges.
• Retain some grassy areas to maintain a natural feel and support biodiversity.
• Install buddy benches to encourage longer visits and community interaction.
• Add bright, cheerful colours to enhance the space visually, making it more engaging for children.

This revitalisation will:

• Improve safety and accessibility for all children.
• Provide a safe space for children and families to play together.
• Encourage outdoor play and physical activity.
• Foster community spirit by creating a shared, inclusive space for all residents.

By enhancing this area of the playground, we will create a safe, attractive, and functional space that benefits the entire community. The transformation will ensure the playground remains a cherished asset for years to come, promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and play.

Local Priority: Enhanced community facilities.

The Hall is unwelcoming, in poor condition, inaccessible & unsuitable with inadequate kitchen & toilet facilities & lacking a lift to the first floor. Visible issues internally+externally are rapidly worsening & negatively affecting Hall’s usability & considerably reducing the number of users. This Project will: 1-Execute urgent repairs to the roof/walls/windows & replace rainwater goods (considerably overdue), to stop rapid deterioration caused by massive water-ingress, Safeguarding Hall’s features/fabric/Heritage, enhancing appearance (townscape transformation) & improving condition. 2-Making Hall disabled-friendly & ‘all inclusive’ by installing a much needed lift. All with mobility problems/crutches/wheelchair users cannot access the first floor, where the stage is found. This is ’Disability Discrimination’, a major barrier to all in the community to ‘fully’ access & appreciate/benefit from this Community Hall. 3-Make essential improvements to outdated, inadequate/unsuitable toilet+kitchen facilities, meeting the needs of community users. A grant from Neighbourhood Capital Fund will be used towards no 2 and no 3. Outcomes Aiming to ‘Enhance Community Facilities’, this Project will: Make the Hall more accessible (remove physical challenges/barriers e.g installation of lift, improvements to toilets). Hall will become a safer,/suitable,/inclusive,/attracting & meaningful Hub in its offering of a warm+welcoming community space, (where needs are being met). Raise the profile of ‘Lochee’ District in Dundee Contribute to shared social & cultural identity, creating excitement, inspiring/encouraging & improving collective abilities/social functioning, boost confidence & improve significantly emotional & mental well-being create sense of belonging & ‘Pride in Place’ Improve Hall’s facilities, condition & increased access. This improves user experience, increases inclusivity & sustainability, guaranteeing greater use. Optimism & enthusiasm increased locally, enabling Hall to function as a better central Hub for social interactions+activities unify community to work towards common goals, promoting & strengthening community cohesion, eradicating social fractures identify & outreach to a greater diversity of people to connect with their local communities & groups help with ‘Place Making’ enabling Lochee/Dundee to be a better place to be, live, work, visit, study, thrive & invest in Open up many opportunities for interaction, volunteering, skills training/workshops/placements in the ‘new secure place’. boost trade from tourists as Lochee Heritage site becomes better known. attract more investment, creating more available capital in the area around Hall, giving rise to more supporting businesses of a diverse nature moving into this area. This causes economic growth to spiral upwards. improve economic well-being by increasing employment for a range of workers on the socio-economic scale.

Since 2022, we’ve received many complaints from Hall users about its poor condition & its run-down facilities. A petition was then signed by hundreds of current users & beneficiaries stating the seriousness of the building condition & requesting improvement & preservation of this important community space. We then carried out a number of discussions & consultation exercises with a variety of local people, groups, Educational Institutions & Local Authorities, obtaining their views+suggestions, to understand/explore their needs & interests. Gaps in the social welfare services, the needs of the Educational Institutions & community groups were then identified. We considered how this Social Space & Project could best help Lochee Community members & also mitigate Dundee’s severe social issues: Removing barriers/challenges, improving social equity, creating opportunities & improving quality of life, were foremost on this Project’s Agenda. We met with the three Dundee High Schools, serious concerns were shared about available+suitable career paths for their pupils. They welcomed the chance to provide their youth with realistic alternatives to the unhealthy & destructive lifestyles currently prevalent in Dundee. Exciting roles & availability of variety of jobs would motivate/inspire pupils & increase employability opportunities. We then considered showcasing Hall’s repairs/improvements to pupils & introducing available exciting manual+professional Heritage Careers+information about available training bursaries to remove financial ‘barriers/challenges’ to enrich pupils' Heritage craft/skills for steady employment in the Heritage Sector. There was overwhelming agreement with project aims & projected outcomes to further develop this project.

This project will address Local Priority: - Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

There has been extensive consultations carried out by the Dundee City Council Empowerment Team to identify which projects local people would like to see delivered in the area, public street seating was brought forward through this process.

The locations chosen are on our local shopping street Albert St and in the Stobswell West area of the locality. Streets chosen in Stobswell West include Court St, Arkley Terrace, Sandeman St and Strathmore St, While on Albert St seats would be placed on Albert St itself Eliza St and Craigie St.

The grant will provide funding for the manufacture and installation of eight Albany style bench seats manufactured by P&G Blacksmiths and installed in the Albert St District Shopping Centre and Stobswell West as a result of extensive consultation carrier out by the Dundee City Council Empowerment Team.

Below is the link to the Albany Bench manufactured by P&G Blacksmiths https://pandgblacksmiths.co.uk/street-furniture/benches-seats/albany

This project links in with the Maryfield priority of ‘Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating park, green spaces and school playgrounds. Our expected outcomes for this project are: • Increase participation of people accessing East Craigie to play football. • Increase participation in females’ access and using the sport facilities at East Craigie. • Increased footfall of people spectating sporting events at East Craigie • Increased footfall contributing to community asset wealth opportunities for East Craigie. Our plan is The plan is to upgrade existing toilet and shower facilities in the existing East Craigie pavilion (1932). East Craigie F.C - Google Maps • Existing building in serious disrepair. • The committee currently looking into suggested layout and facility changes to upgrade the building. • Final scheme will dictate electricity requirements including main distribution board. • Reviewed to accommodate structural engineering inspection and develop options for multi-designated official. Work would include: • Removal of non-structural partition walls • Upgrading shower and toilet facilities • Relocation of laundry equipment including washing machines and tumble dryers The installation of new unisex facilities for match officials and visitors. The installation would include: • Cubicles x3 • Separate toilet and washing facilities • Storage lockers for officials • Upgrades to lighting and heating. • New doors, facings and skirtings. • All surfaces will be wet wall with suspended ceiling.

East Craigie FC are the oldest football club in Dundee. The club is also the oldest junior football club in Scotland. The club was founded in 1880 by mill workers from Wallace Craigie Mill. The club moved from the dock area to their current home in 1932. The club are part of the community and engage in activities to support the promotion of football in the area. We regularly host women at the club through hospitality and as match officials. Our facilities are unfortunately not the standard required. The club is committed to improving changing and toilet facilities for women and girl players, visitors and match officials. East Craigie look to continue and enrich our hosting of groups from the Grey Lodge, Mid-Lin Daycare Centre, supporting elderly and dementia groups. We have an excellent long standing supportive relationship with our neighbours in the allotments. The club has engaged with the Stobswell Forum, who are a local community action group. The club has recently entered into a partnership with Dundee United Social Club (DUSC). This partnership aims to consolidate the club’s community engagement, DUSC have a history of serving areas of multiple deprivation in Dundee and share a similar community ethos with East Craigie FC.

East Craigie are committed to supporting the continuation of football in Maryfield. The clubs’ roots are a century old in the local community. Improving facilities is an essential part of any club’s development. As we move forward to our 150th anniversary as Dundee’s oldest football club, we look forward to welcoming visitors from throughout Scotland, and particularly the Maryfield community. This project will allow East Craigie to work towards our goal of maximising the community wealth opportunities for the benefit of the club and the area it serves.

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 - Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

We hope to install communication boards in four local parks within the Stobswell area of Dundee: Malcolm Street Park, Baxter Park, Crescent Street Park, and Wee Forest. Communication boards are inclusive tools featuring symbols, words, and pictures that help individuals—particularly non-verbal children, people with speech or language difficulties, and neurodivergent individuals—communicate effectively in public spaces.

This grant will fund the design, production, and installation of durable, weather-resistant communication boards in each of the four locations, ensuring a lasting and visible improvement to public spaces in one of Dundee’s most disadvantaged areas.

This project directly supports community inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing, aligning with local priorities around improving public spaces and supporting vulnerable groups. The communication boards will make these parks more welcoming and functional for a wider range of users, fostering meaningful participation for families, carers, and individuals who are often excluded from full engagement in community life. This initiative is targeted to Stobswell West as highlighted in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation as experiencing significant levels of poverty and social disadvantage.

The key outcomes of this project will include: Increased accessibility and inclusive use of public spaces Enhanced support for children and adults with communication difficulties Stronger community cohesion through more inclusive design Direct engagement with families living in poverty who may otherwise face exclusion from mainstream services

High ASN prevalence among youth in Dundee According to Scottish Government data, approximately 33.4% of primary pupils and 48.7% of secondary pupils in Dundee are recorded as having at least one ASN. Nationally, about 40.5% of all Scottish schoolchildren have identified ASN. 

Social isolation among young people The Scottish Household Survey (2020) found that 48% of 16–24-year-olds reported feeling lonely at least some of the time. Additionally, the UK’s Office for National Statistics notes that 11.3% of children aged 10–15 say they “often” feel lonely; rates are much higher (27.5%) for those on free school meals. These figures highlight a clear need for initiatives that foster connection and inclusion outside the school environment.

Inclusive play spaces as a solution Installing communication boards in local parks is a practical, low-cost intervention with proven benefits: they support non-verbal or anxious children in expressing needs, understanding park features, and engaging socially. Such enhancements can reduce stress, encourage family outings, and help build peer and community bonds—counteracting both social isolation and exclusion.

Area-specific relevance Our target neighbourhood, Stobswell West, is among Dundee’s most deprived zones (per SIMD). Families here often lack funding for private supports, making improved public amenities vital for young people and those with ASN.

Community-informed need Discussions with local parents, ASN support professionals, and community workers have consistently flagged that recreational spaces lack the visual and communication supports needed for meaningful use by children with ASN. This aligns with both the local demographic reality and national well‑being data.

As the applicant, I bring both professional and personal commitment to this project. I currently work as a Youth Coordinator for a local learning disabilities charity, where I support young people with a range of additional support needs to build confidence, develop life skills, and participate in their communities. I also volunteer with Befriends, a charity that supports children and young people through one-to-one befriending and group activities. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the barriers many families face when accessing public spaces and the importance of small, practical changes that can make a big difference.

This project would directly benefit the young people and volunteers involved in Befriends. Many befriending matches meet in local parks, but for children with communication or sensory needs, these outings can sometimes be overwhelming. Communication boards would provide much-needed support, helping young people express themselves, follow routines, and feel more confident in outdoor environments. They would also give befrienders additional tools to help guide conversations and build relationships.

In addition, this initiative would complement the work being done in local schools, particularly through Enhanced Support Areas (ESAs), where children with significant additional needs receive tailored educational support. Communication boards in the wider community would help reinforce what is being taught in schools and create greater consistency between education and leisure environments.

This project is grounded in lived experience, informed by direct support work, and designed to meet a clear local need. It supports inclusive play, strengthens community connection, and empowers young people with additional needs to take part in everyday life with greater ease and dignity.

We’re excited about the opportunity to deliver a simple but powerful change in our local parks—we believe this project can be a stepping stone toward a more inclusive, welcoming community for everyone.

The grant will be used to create safe and inclusive play areas in our playground. We are aiming to develop 3 separate spaces which would allow increased opportunities for physical activity as well as creating spaces for creative, social and learning activities. Area 1 - ASN provision We are looking to develop the space by installing a rubber floor to replace the current concrete flooring. This area will be available to specific children who find the larger playground overwhelming. This safe and enclosed space will allow for greater opportunities for the pupils to participate in outdoor activities at playtime, lunchtime and during their class learning. At the moment the concrete limits the opportunities we can offer our most vulnerable pupils due to the risk of injury. In this area we would also like to purchase freestanding equipment including a trim trail and outdoor library/reading space.* Area 2 - P1 and P2 Developing the area outside of the P1 and P2 classrooms would allow for daily opportunities for creative and social play. The space would be developed along similar lines of the ASN space with rubber flooring and freestanding equipment*. In this area we would look to purchase equipment with a focus on creative and imaginative play, this would include a mud kitchen, outdoor sand pit and a story teller area. Area 3 - P3 Classrooms Again we would like to develop this into a safe and inclusive play area that can be accessed throughout the day. The rubber flooring would allow for increased opportunities for outdoor learning and social play. In this area we would purchase Dens, Huts and Hideaways* with the view of creating a forest school area. * We would like to purchase the free standing equipment for the spaces as this would allow us to rotate the equipment between the 3 areas. This would mean the children accessing each area would have access to a variety of context areas throughout the year.

We have engaged with our pupils and parents to gather feedback on how we can improve our school. A consistent area of improvement has been identified as our outdoor spaces, particularly for our younger pupils. We have used this feedback to form the basis of our application. Steven Rice has also visited other schools to view their outdoor spaces and how they are used to increase opportunities such as increasing sport and exercise and increasing social, learning and creative play.

Our school is situated within an area identified as one of the top 5% most deprived. The area faces many challenges which impact on our pupils, this has led to a lower than average level of attainment and attendance. We believe that developing our outdoor spaces can not only meet the identified targets but can also act as lever to encourage our pupils to attend. The increased opportunities for play, sport and exercise and outdoor learning have been identified by our pupils and we would appreciate your support in meeting this need.