Local Priority: 

- Improving local facilities to allow for more social, learning and creative activities

- Improving local playparks and greenspaces

Since 1986, The Yard has supported thousands of disabled children and families through inclusive play and family support, guided by the belief that disabled children deserve equal opportunities to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, develop their independence, and most importantly, have fun. We are currently renovating our Mid Craigie support centre to accommodate the growing number of families that are approaching us for support. Approximately 37% of our current members in Dundee live in the East End in deprived areas like Linlathen and Mid Craigie, where 20% of young people aged 0-15 have a long-term health condition or disability (Census 2022). This represents a significant intersection between disability and poverty, and a real need for low-cost support services likes ours that blend whole family wellbeing support with accessible play activities. This renovation will improve access to a much-loved local play space through more fit-for-purpose facilities and the introduction of new services running throughout the week. In addition to the social, learning and creative activities that disabled children will be able to access through play, parents and carers will also benefit. Through on-site family support activities, such as peer support groups, educational workshops, a community larder and more, they can meet and learn from others in similar situations, discover creative new ways to support their child, build confidence, and feel less isolated. Through this development, we hope to go from supporting 337 families per annum to approximately 500 by the end of 2026. Funding from the Dundee Neighbourhood Capital Fund would fully fund the purchase of a portable interactive floor projector, for flexible sensory play around the centre. Sensory play is popular among all who attend The Yard, and it has been recognised as a vital component of childhood development. However, it is particularly beneficial for the many children who visit The Yard who are autistic and/or have sensory processing difficulties. This floor projector will provide opportunities for sensory play and relaxation outwith our dedicated sensory room, making the benefits of sensory play more accessible to all. It is pre-loaded with 300 interactive games and activities, including team games that promote social interaction. Moreover, as transitions can also be difficult for many autistic and other neurodivergent children, a portable floor projector would also be used to ease transitions in and out of the centre by giving them something fun to focus on as they arrive and leave.

We have delivered services in Dundee since 2015, after local families told us that there were few accessible leisure and social activities for their disabled child within their area. Since then, we have established our service and reputation, building partnerships with other local organisations, both in the East End and across Dundee more broadly. For example, we are integrated into the Linlathen Fairness Initiative, a Scottish Government funded pathfinder project aimed at reducing poverty in Linlathen. The renovation of our Mid Craigie centre follows an extensive consultation period, which started back in 2017 with the commissioning several independent evaluation reports, with one report focusing specifically on how we could better meet the needs of the local community. Within this report, consultants interviewed 13 parents and carers and 17 external stakeholders (public and third sector professionals), and delivered a workshop with 10 pupils with additional support needs from Kingspark School, in order to identify our priorities for service expansion and the design of the new centre. Through this process, they identified that “families want a bigger, more extensive service that would continue the non-judgemental and empowering environment while opening up to a more diverse range of children.” More recent conversations with families using our Dundee service revealed that transitions between activities were a common challenge for many children. We carried out some research into resources we could use to help families with these transitions and found that a portable floor projector could be a good solution. Upon discovering that these projectors often include a wide range of interactive games, that could encourage our families to connect with one another through shared play and teamwork, we decided that it would be an invaluable addition to our new space.

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.

This project will address the 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 grant will be used to provide a much needed refurbishment to the ladies, gents and easily accessible/unisex toilets at The MAXwell Centre. Our project alone has a footfall of over 2,500 each month and our centre is the nearest available toilets for visitors to enjoying the facilities and attending events in the Hilltown Park. Improve safety, accessibility and equipment in outdoor recreational spaces for families and young people was a key local Coldside priority identified by our very own youth council for this funding. This grant would allow us to open our facilities to accommodate the increase in footfall that the improvements to play facilities and the outdoor recreation areas in the park would create. We would install signage in the park that our toilet facilities are open to all not just MAXwell participants. Part of our plans for the coming year is to provide more evening and weekend activities, this would increase the open times of the centre and allow access to toilet facilities for longer hours. We also have plans to increase the growing spaces in the park enhancing the recreational spaces. We have been key to developing the Berry Train, Coldside’s Playful nature trail with the Hilltown Park being the start point of the route! This is also a perfect fit for the local Coldside priority. We have recently signed a new lease with our landlords to access the large hall upstairs above the centre. This fits with the local priority Improve community facilities to support a wider range of projects that address issues affecting local people. The additional space will allow us to set up new groups and have new meeting rooms and private spaces. We are well known as a one stop shop for support and our new space will allow us to engage with a wider range of partners to deliver their services and activities in the Coldside area. Our footfall continues to increase year after year. This grant also meets our city plan outcome that our communities have high quality and accessible local services and facilities. Our project is truly representative of the broad spectrum of people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, religions, etc. that we have in the area. Our project breaks down barriers and brings people together in an environment that promotes interaction, integration and to empower them to improve their lives and the place they live in.The current toilets are in very poor condition, bitterly cold in winter and no longer fit for purpose. It has been nearly 20 years since any refurbishment has taken place. The hand driers don’t work making us reliant on expensive, less environmentally friendly paper towels. Lighting is poor and overall the facilities are difficult to clean and maintain.

We engaged our youth council to consult with our young people about the refit. We were disappointed to hear that some of our youths actually find the toilets ‘scary’. Lowering the ceiling and installing floor to ceiling cubicles would make the facilities safer and more pleasant to use. The easily accessible toilet will also be gender neutral, ensuring inclusivity for all. We will also make improvements for hand washing/ drying and new lighting would make the space brighter. All the upgrades will make the facilities more sustainable.

The current toilets are in very poor condition, bitterly cold in winter and the gents urinals are no longer fit for purpose. It has been nearly 20 years since any refurbishment has been done. The hand driers don’t work making us reliant on expensive, less environmentally friendly paper towels. Lighting is poor and overall the facilities are difficult to clean and maintain. We engaged our youth council to consult with our young people who quickly established the refurbishment was a key priority. We have 100’s of children a year using the toilets each year as part of our activities. We were disappointed to hear that some of our youths actually find the toilets ‘scary’. Lowering the ceiling and floor to ceiling cubicles would make the facilities safer and more pleasant to use. They identified the need for improvements to hand washing and drying facilities especially before lunch! New lighting was also identified as a priority making the space brighter and using more environmentally friendly bulbs. Our youth council are passionate about supporting us to achieve our local outcome that children will be safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible and included. The easily accessible toilet will also be gender neutral to ensure inclusivity for all. We also conducted a series of community consultations in 2022 to improve facilities in the park. This consultation highlighted the need for access to toilet facilities was essential to increased engagement and park usage. Finally, we have a dedicated team of over 70 volunteers who take ownership of our project and ensure that it continues to be supported. They are true ambassadors of the centre and our work, many have been involved in discussions around the need for the refurbishment and it’s planning.

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.

Ormiston Play Park is centrally located in the heart of Whitfield, surrounded by the streets of Lufness, Craigievar, Pitcaple, Dunrobin, and Cardoness Walk. Positioned within a social housing development predominantly occupied by families, the park is a vital community asset, offering a safe and accessible space for children, young people, and families to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. Despite its popularity, the park’s equipment is outdated and in urgent need of refurbishment. Through recent community engagement and consultation, residents have clearly expressed the need for improvements. Key priorities identified include the installation of equipment suitable for pre-school children, the addition of inclusive and accessible play features, picnic benches to encourage family use of the green space, and repairs to existing well-loved equipment.

The redevelopment will not only improve physical infrastructure but also foster stronger community connections, promote outdoor activity, and support early years development. The inclusion of picnic areas and improved signage will further encourage families to spend time in the park, strengthening social ties and promoting well-being.

This project directly supports local priorities by addressing the significant levels of child poverty in the North East of Dundee, where 36% of children live in poverty, higher than the city average of 31% (SIMD 2020). By enhancing the quality and inclusivity of Ormiston Play Park, we aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment for children of all ages and abilities, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have linked with Stakeholders such as Primary Schools, Parent Councils, Tenants Community Empowerment Team, Early Years Educators, to ensure there is no duplication of work and to ensure we are enhancing current assets. Angus Housing Association, a registered charity and the landowner, is committed to supporting this initiative. However, due to financial constraints, we are unable to fully fund the redevelopment independently. We are therefore seeking external funding to bring this community-led vision to life. This project represents a meaningful investment in children, families, and the wider community, creating a more inclusive, engaging, and vibrant public space for all. The association has undergone extensive outreach through a Microsoft Forms questionnaire to gather feedback regarding what equipment and improvements should be made. This included targeted door knocking in the surrounding areas of the play park. We also attended the North East Campus during school finish times to facilitate more engagement and feedback. Additionally, this was sent out on our social media platforms and distributed through emails and text messages to tenants and the wider community for completion. On Monday, May 2nd, which was a school in-service day, we aimed to maximize feedback and engagement while schools were closed. We held a picnic in the park event from 11 AM to 1 PM as another way to engage with individuals. Here, we invited children and families to complete the questionnaire and assist with designing a sign and notice boards for the park, which was successful.

Investing in our proposed play park will not only enhance the community’s recreational offerings but also provide a safe and engaging environment for children and families to thrive. By fostering physical activity, social interactions, and imaginative play, we are nurturing the well-being of our youth and building stronger community bonds. We believe that with your support, we can create a vibrant space that will be cherished for generations to come. Together, let’s make a lasting impact on our community by turning this vision into reality.

Local Priority: Improving spaces to increase opportunities for sport and exercise

We hope to purchase and install new portable football goals at our 3G pitch, located at Fairfield Community Sports Hub. The existing goals are worn and heavy, making them difficult to move and unsuitable for the range of activities and age groups who use the facility. The new goals will be lighter, safer, and easier to reposition—improving flexibility for training, matches, and inclusive programming across all user groups. Our 3G pitches are used by people of all ages, from toddlers as young as 18 months to older adults in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. Activities include early years football, youth development, adult 5-a-side, walking football, para football, and mental health recovery sessions. The new portable goals will ensure a safer, more adaptable environment for all, enabling coaches and session leaders to tailor the pitch layout to the specific needs of each group. This project aligns strongly with local priorities by: Improving health and wellbeing: High-quality sports infrastructure encourages people of all ages and abilities to be active, helping to address physical and mental health challenges, tackle loneliness, and build resilience. Supporting inclusion and participation: With easier-to-move goals, we can better accommodate inclusive formats like para football and mental health sessions, creating a more welcoming environment for people who may otherwise face barriers to participation. Empowering young people and families: The pitch is regularly used for sessions that support early years development, youth engagement, and family activity—offering positive pathways through sport. Strengthening community cohesion: As a valued community asset in an area facing economic and social challenges, the Sports Hub plays a vital role in bringing people together. This investment will improve the quality of delivery and open up more opportunities for diverse groups to share the space. By replacing our outdated goals with modern, portable alternatives, we’ll be able to offer a safer, more flexible, and inclusive sporting environment that meets the needs of our community now and into the future. This upgrade will enable us to continue delivering meaningful, accessible, and engaging physical activity for all—from 18 months to 99 years.

Our consultation has included: Feedback surveys and coach debriefs following sessions and block bookings. Engagement with parent groups and carers, particularly around early years and disability sport sessions. Community events and forums where local residents have raised facility improvements as a priority. The need for this investment is also reflected in wider local priorities around reducing health inequalities, supporting young people, and improving access to inclusive sport. As a well-used and loved facility, Fairfield Community Sports Hub plays a central role in addressing these aims—and safe, high-quality equipment is essential to deliver this. The request for portable new goals has come directly from those who use the pitch every day. This project responds to that need, ensuring the facility remains accessible, inclusive, and fit for purpose for all ages and abilities.

The outdoor space at the Finmill Centre needs updates to improve safety, especially for children and those with mobility issues. To make the area safe, welcoming, and accessible, it needs seating, sensory equipment, planting, safe play equipment, fencing, and new surfaces. Currently, the tarmac surface with small stones is unsafe for children, toddlers, and people with mobility issues. Although there is a ramp, it leads to rough surfacing, which is unsuitable. The area lacks welcoming spaces for the community to sit, chat, or play. The Finmill cafes exist, but outdoor areas with safe seating are inaccessible for people. The local priority indicates a desire for such amenities. Children's groups could use the space for outdoor play, enhancing learning in nature. This enclosed play area would offer safe spaces for all children, including those with additional needs. Families can spend time together outdoors without safety concerns. Adults can enjoy the café and outdoor seating, improving mental health and wellbeing. The outdoor space will encourage community interaction and connections. These improvements align with local priorities and promote greater community engagement.

A local community survey revealed a desire for a safe and welcoming outdoor space at the Finmill Centre, suitable for families. The local playgroup and youth and family groups reported safety concerns, indicating the urgent need for improvements. The playgroup has deemed the current surfacing unsuitable for young children to play on, or use bikes, scooters, or prams. Children with ASN would benefit from a sensory area with equipment that aids their development. The family group which supports parents with children with additional support in many areas, have expressed they would like a nature-connected area with a sensory garden and safe play zones. Such an environment is crucial for children's development, fostering expression and creativity. The survey indicated that a safe, welcoming outdoor space would enhance community engagement and encourage its use.

The outdoor area should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone to use, from young children to adults. It should be a space to be creative, encourage curiosity particularly amongst children and promote wellbeing. A sensory space for all to use and enjoy, building positive relationships across the ages and throughout the community.

Funds would be used to pay for mud kitchen, play panel, balance block, seating, picnic table accessible, picnic table recycled plastic, sensory mirror leaves, sensory flower mirrors, sensory planting, Buddy bench, resurfacing, bins 

Local Priority: - Improvements to infrastructure incorporating fencing and bollards, bins and bin enclosures

Stobie Green Screen is a creative green infrastructure project transforming an unused space on Raglan Street- currently the site of flytipping, littering and car-dumping, into an attractive, eco-friendly space that supports sustainability, biodiversity, and community pride.

The project will install a living wall structure that screens off refuse bins and a hot-composter, while also acting as a vertical green space filled with plants. It will provide environmental benefits, reduce visual blight, and offer a community growing space for local residents and groups.

We aim to:

Improve the visual appearance of the Raglan Street side of the community centre.

Introduce a hot-composting system to reduce food and garden waste for the centre, the community and local food-businesses.

Create a biodiverse vertical garden supporting pollinators and air quality.

Strengthen community engagement and ownership over shared spaces.

Promote environmental education through signage and involvement of local schools/groups.

Attached are pictures of the space currently, some 'concept' designs (these are just AI, which never quite captures it, but gives an idea), pictures of some similar projects elsewhere, and examples of the composter/living wall equipment which would be required.

Project Summary: The Stobie Green Screen is a creative green infrastructure project that will transform a currently problematic area at the rear of the community centre on Raglan Street in Stobswell. This space is currently a hotspot for fly-tipping, drug use, and on occasion sex work, leading to concerns around safety, hygiene, and community perception. By installing a living wall structure that screens off the refuse area and houses a new hot-composter, we will convert a neglected and misused space into a vibrant, eco-friendly feature. The project will increase safety, visual appeal, and local pride while delivering tangible environmental, educational, and social benefits. ________________________________________ Project Objectives: Improve the visual appearance of the Raglan Street side of the community centre and tackle the stigma associated with the space. Introduce a hot-composting system to reduce food and garden waste and promote environmental responsibility. Create a biodiverse vertical garden that improves air quality and supports pollinators and local wildlife. Strengthen community engagement and safety, encouraging a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Promote environmental education through signage and involvement of local schools and groups. Eliminate misuse of the area by creating a physical and visual barrier that reduces opportunities for anti-social behaviour. Expected Outcomes: • Visually enhanced street frontage, improving pride and perceptions of the area. • Increased awareness and uptake of sustainable waste practices, especially composting. • Reduction in waste sent to landfill through use of the hot-composter. • Improved local biodiversity and microclimate benefits. • Engagement of volunteers, children, and residents in planting, maintenance, and learning. • A replicable model for small-scale urban greening in other parts of Stobswell. ________________________________________ Timeline: Phase Activity Date Phase 1 Planning & permissions Month 1 Phase 2 Installation of wall & composter Months 2–3 Phase 3 Planting, signage, community engagement Month 4 Phase 4 Launch event, monitoring, and educational outreach Month 5 ________________________________________ Sustainability & Maintenance: Maintenance will be managed by our volunteer gardening group and supported by existing staff. We will also explore youth engagement opportunities through local schools and summer activities, ensuring the space remains cared for long-term.

We initially had our Community Learning & Development Officer visit our cosy cafe and groups to familiarise service users with the Neighbourhood Capital Fund and explain the community involvement in the process. We then handed out suggestion forms to our service users and other visitors to several engagement events both in the centre and outwith it. With the community idea generation underway we were able to draw up ideas which would fit their requirements whilst also being realistic and achievable. With our 'Green Screen project in mind we have displayed the idea for this alongside the other project ideas in Arthurstone library, taking part in the wider community consultation and receiving positive feedback and support from attendees.

Maintenance will be managed by our volunteer gardening group and supported by existing staff. We will also explore youth engagement opportunities through local schools and summer activities, ensuring the space remains cared for long-term. The composter does not require energy or fuel to run so ongoing costs will be minimal- the unit cost includes 1-3 years servicing depending on model selected.

Should the funding application be successful it will also enable us to grow our partnership with other community groups like Room2Be and Ishka who advocate for and provide mental health and peer support through green-plant based activities.

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 community facilities to support wider range of projects

We propose developing a community garden within our existing allotment space to significantly enhance community wellbeing, foster social cohesion, and rejuvenate an underutilised area. This initiative directly addresses local priorities by offering inclusive, accessible outdoor spaces that promote physical health, mental wellness, and environmental sustainability. The garden will provide dedicated spaces for community members, including accessible areas specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. We will install raised beds, pathways suitable for wheelchairs, sensory garden elements, and seating areas to ensure broad accessibility and usability. Moreover, sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting systems and compost bins, will be integrated to promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices within our community. Residents have highlighted the demand for safe, communal spaces that enable outdoor activities and community engagement. This garden will serve as a vital communal hub, offering structured activities such as gardening workshops thus enriching community interactions and social ties. The anticipated outcomes of this project include enhanced community resilience, increased physical activity, improved mental health, and heightened community spirit. It will contribute to local sustainability objectives by promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices. Additionally, the garden will provide opportunities for education and skill-building around gardening, environmental care, and healthy lifestyles. By developing this community garden, we seek not only to transform an underused plot but also to establish a lasting asset that fosters community pride, wellbeing, and sustainability. This aligns directly with Dundee City Council’s objectives of improving local environments and building resilient, inclusive communities, ensuring long-term positive impacts across the neighbourhood.

With better access to the site we can offer more activities within our campus and hold more open days to raise the awareness of our allotments and foster better relationships within the local community.  Hopefully encouraging local people to develop the skills around gardening which can be used within the allotments and  in their own gardens and the wider community.

We see that with better access we can develop our plots to be more user friendly for wheelchair users encouraging participants to be included  in  a gardening community.

The benefits of safer access will not only enhance our site but will encourage inclusion for all.

The need for the community garden at our allotments has been clearly established through direct consultations and engagement with local councillors, community stakeholders, and consultancy support. This has highlighted significant local interest and demand for enhanced green spaces that actively support physical and mental health, community cohesion, and inclusivity. Initial conversations with local councillors revealed consistent feedback from constituents about the lack of accessible community facilities that foster wellbeing, especially in the densely populated Coldside area of Dundee. Councillors emphasised the importance of utilising existing community assets, such as allotments, to promote health and social integration, reinforcing the necessity of our proposed garden. Additionally, a specialist consultant engaged by our Association undertook structured stakeholder engagement, notably with representatives from NHS Tayside. This identified significant local health inequalities and an need for community interventions promoting preventative health measures, mental health support, and active lifestyles. NHS Tayside representatives particularly noted the role community gardening initiatives play in addressing isolation, depression, and physical inactivity, supporting our strategic alignment with broader local health priorities.

We have proven commitment to promoting community wellbeing and enhancing local green spaces. Since achieving charitable status (SC054265), we've undertaken extensive engagement, hosting numerous fundraising and community awareness events. This demonstrates not only our active role in community development but also our capability and commitment to delivering sustainable projects. Importantly, the proposed community garden will be accessible to all, offering specially designed spaces for those with disabilities and mobility issues. This inclusivity directly responds to community feedback about the lack of accessible, therapeutic green spaces. Furthermore, educational workshops, gardening activities, and intergenerational events will foster social cohesion, helping to build stronger community relationships. Funding from the Neighbourhood Capital Fund will significantly advance our goals, enabling immediate enhancements and lasting improvements that resonate deeply with community needs. By investing in this initiative, Dundee City Council will help secure lasting positive outcomes for the neighbourhood - transforming our space into a cornerstone of community wellbeing, pride, and sustainability.