Local Priority:  New seating and picnic benches across the ward

The Whitfield Garden space is being utilised by more local groups, than just the garden volunteers for various events and would be useful to have 6 metal seated benches and 2 metal picnic table/benches for those visiting and will make the space more accessible in terms of people just wanting to come, sit an enjoy the space. Many residents are elderly and enjoy visiting the garden. In addition, we would be looking for funding to improve access by creating an additional path from the from the front gate to connect to main paths in the garden, so more people can access the space. We are also looking to use this fund to repair damaged fencing to create an enclosed safe space for those visiting, especially children and young people.

We have a lot of local support for the above proposals from local community groups, local authority staff and other stakeholders such as Whitfield changemakers. We have supporting letters to that effect that we are happy to share. When local community workers, engaged with the community for ideas, some of the above was raised as possible improvements.

The garden space is more than the spaces itself, the produce from this donated to the local community larder and community cafe. The space is also utilised by other groups and stakeholders and will submit support letters of support as mentioned above.

Local Priorities:  Improvements to outdoor play and recreation incorporating parks, green spaces and school playgrounds

The project will put three pieces of outdoor play equipment into the school playground with a bark surface. This will enable all the children in school(480 approx.) the opportunity to participate in large-scale play to develop their gross motor skills. It would also be available to the before and after school clubs, holiday clubs and the wider public. This will be an improvement to a currently bare piece of ground.

The design is based on the discussions which took place with the pupil council over a period of a school year. These class reps then took the ideas back to their classes so all children could have an input. The after school club's comment was "anything is better than the nothing we have at present"

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.

Local Priority: Improving local facilities to allow for more social, learning and creative activities

The grant will be used to purchase a container, to be sited outside East Housing Office, that will house both the Community Toolbox and storage for the Food Hub &Freecycle project (which currently runs from the Hub Library). At 45ft long, the container will be spilt into 2 sections, to house both Toolbox and Food Larder &Freecycle services. It will be insulated, fitted with shelving and have 2 separate entrances. The Community Food Hub & Freecycle are a well-established service, run by members of the local community. They currently are based in the Hub Library, but this building will shortly close to the public and the service is planned to move to East District Housing office but need storage space. The Community Toolbox is a new initiative, to be run by members of the local community, which offers local people the opportunity to hire items such as power washers, lawnmowers, carpet cleaners etc at very low cost. Volunteers will be responsible for this project, supported by Wellgate Community Toolbox who will provide insurance and admin support. Both local groups are working in partnership with Housing and Communities Teams through the Linlathen Fairness Initiative to bring vital services to the area. There are many benefits to the local community of being able to provide these services through the grant award – Local people will have access to tools and equipment, on their doorstep and at a very affordable cost. They will also continue to have access to low cost, fresh, healthy food and good quality clothing and household goods at no cost and also the benefit of volunteering and training opportunities for local people and building their capacity to be instigators of change in their community. The Toolbox volunteers also believe that their service will build the capacity of residents to foster a sharing community with neighbours helping each other out e.g hiring a power washer to clear moss off a garden path and then clearing the path of an elderly neighbour. The outcomes contributing to the Community Plan are – "We need a response to cost living crisis" The project is also referenced in the Linlathen Fairness Initiative narrative inquiry recommendations which state that the food larder should continue to ensure people have dignified access to food.

In Spring of 2024, members of the community took part in a Columba 1400 course, exploring both their own development and that of their community of Mid Craigie/Linlathen. One of the outcomes of their participation was that people agreed there was a need for local people to have a service in their community that allowed them to improve homes and gardens at a low cost. This included garden tools, decorating equipment, power washers, carpet cleaners etc. Developing this idea further, local people were consulted on the need for this and overwhelmingly agreed that this would be a valuable service to be able to access locally. The Linlathen fairness Initiative has been successful in fostering a participatory approach with residents involved in budgeting, planning and delivering services such as the community Toolbox project and it is this approach which builds the capacity of people to be leaders of change in their community The Community Food Hub & Freecycle has been running at the Hub library for 8 years and continues to run to full capacity. Local people who use this service have been consulted on the proposal to move it to the East Housing Office, with storage space in the container and have expressed positive responses to this proposal. Food Insecurity is a significant issue in this community which is affected by low-income, long-term unemployment and poor health. In particular, the community of Linlathen contains several data zones which fall within decile 1 and 2, indicating very high levels of deprivation. A recent evaluation of the value of the Food Hub & Freecycle project, carried out with local people was evidenced by the following quotes - ‘Being able to buy a couple of bags of food here every week for £4 is a lifeline for me and my family’ ‘It’s hard to put into words what the freecycle means to me. As a single parent with 4 kids, I rely on being able to pick up clothes for them here, it takes away some of the stress about money’ ‘The money i save by only paying £4 for bags of food and being able to pick up clothes for growing kids means i have more money to pay for electricity and the odd treats now and again’ Being able to continue the Food Hub & Freecycle, and the addition of the Community Toolbox, will ensure that local people can continue to work together to thrive and develop their community.

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.

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.

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

The local priorities this will address are:

- Improve safety, accessibility and equipment in outdoor recreation spaces for families and young people

- Improve community facilities to support wider range of projects

At present our children do not get to achieve their UNCRC article 31 - the right to play in a safe and accessible environment. We would like to enhance their play experiences and widen the activities available to them. Having a basketball court and nets will allow us to have an after school club which we currently can't do due to the lack of facilities in and outside of the building. We will also be able to use the equipment and courts during the school holidays to invite families to holiday camps and competitions run by our SFDW. This would improve community facilities to support a wider range of projects and clubs available. Due to our building we are very limited in what we can offer our families and would like to increase and improve the experiences for all.

Funding will be used to pay for:

Goal post on wall x 2 Professional basketball unit x 2  Basketball floor markings Football floor markings  Activity trail floor markings Wall panels for games Activity frame Wet pour flooring

Due to the age and condition of our building we would really like to develop this project. Our children are missing out on play and social experiences due to this. These facilities would allow us to create more after school clubs as well as inviting families to support sessions during the school holidays.

Local Priority being addressed:  Urban improvements incorporating environmental seating and shelters

Installation of Drop Kerbs in Central Stobswell We plan to install Drop Kerbs in four locations in Central Stobswell. Drop Kerbs lower the standard paving height to road level to allow a smooth transition across the road from the walkway. This allows people with disabilities, the elderly and those using mobility vehicles & wheelchairs easier access across road in the local area. By installing additional Drop Kerbs we will be promoting compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 and the Equality Act of 2010 by making reasonable adjustments to infrastructure to accommodate those with disabilities.

Installation sites are: Process St (Doctors Surgery) DD4 6DG, Dundonald St (Police Station) DD4 6SS, Dykehead Place/Ogivie St DD4 6SE, Process St (Doctors Surgery) DD4 6DG, Dundonald St (Police Station) DD4 6SS, Dykehead Place/Ogivie St DD4 6SE Dundonald Street Manhattan Works DD3 7PY

There has been extensive engagement and consultations over the first half of 2025 led by the Dundee City Council Maryfield Empowerment Team. Through those discussions local residents have made their desire to see additional Drop Kerbs installed in Central Stobswell clear.

The project will address Local Priorities:

- Improve safety, accessibility and equipment in outdoor recreation spaces for families and young people

- Improve community facilities to support wider range of projects

The existing area poses safety risks and limits children’s ability to play freely. With funding, we will install a new, safe surface beneath the trim trail, add outdoor gym equipment, a climbing Oberon, and seating to encourage longer visits and social interaction. Raised beds will be retained to support biodiversity and a natural feel, while bright, engaging colours will enhance the space visually.

This transformation will:

· Improve safety and accessibility for all children, including those with mobility challenges

· Encourage outdoor activity and healthy lifestyles

· Foster community spirit through shared use and inclusive design

By reimagining this space, we will create a welcoming, multi-use area that supports wellbeing, play, and togetherness—ensuring the playground remains a cherished community asset for years to come.

This project seeks funding to improve the surfacing and play equipment at Coldside Community Campus, with the goal of creating a safer, more inclusive, and engaging outdoor environment for children, young people, and families in the local community.

The current outdoor play areas are in need of significant upgrades to meet modern safety standards and accessibility requirements. Uneven or worn surfacing poses a risk of injury, particularly for younger children and those with additional support needs. By installing new, impact-absorbing surfacing and upgrading play equipment, we aim to reduce accidents, increase accessibility for all users, and create a more welcoming space for active play and social interaction.

In addition to improving safety, the project will enhance the quality and variety of play experiences available. New equipment will be chosen to support physical development, creativity, and inclusive play, ensuring that children of all ages and abilities can participate. These improvements will encourage more families to use the space regularly, promoting health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

Importantly, this project also supports the wider vision of Coldside Community Campus as a hub for year-round community engagement. The upgraded outdoor space will serve as a flexible, open-access venue for a range of community-led initiatives, including outdoor learning, family events, and health and wellbeing programmes. By improving the infrastructure, we will enable the campus to host more diverse and inclusive activities, particularly during evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

This investment will have a lasting impact on the Coldside area by transforming the outdoor environment into a vibrant, safe, and accessible space that supports play, learning, and community connection. It aligns with local priorities around improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and creating inclusive spaces for all.

Routine site inspections and risk assessments have highlighted safety concerns with the current surfacing, including uneven ground and worn materials that increase the risk of trips and falls. Staff have reported frequent minor injuries during play, particularly among younger children. Additionally, the existing equipment is outdated and lacks inclusive features, limiting access for children with additional support needs. Local health and wellbeing data also supports the need for improved outdoor facilities. Coldside is an area with higher-than-average levels of childhood obesity and lower physical activity rates, as identified in local authority health profiles. Providing safe, engaging outdoor spaces is a key strategy in addressing these issues. Community Engagement: Engagement with families, pupils, and community groups has been central to identifying this project as a priority. Feedback gathered through parent surveys and pupil voice groups consistently highlighted the need for safer, more inclusive outdoor play areas. Parents expressed concerns about safety and limited opportunities for active play, particularly during out-of-school hours.