PROJECT
INVESTING IN LOCHEE:
A Hub for Health, Wellbeing, and Community
Lochee Boys & Girls Club is proud to announce a £480,000 investment to expand our facilities and create a vibrant hub for health, wellbeing, and community in the heart of Lochee, Dundee. This ambitious project is designed to meet the growing needs of our community by providing safe, inclusive spaces where people of all ages and abilities can come together to engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and build meaningful connections. By investing in Lochee, we are not just enhancing facilities; we are creating opportunities for youth engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering long-term social cohesion across the area.
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Lochee is a community that faces persistent challenges. It is among the most deprived areas in Scotland, with a SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) decile of 1. Many residents face high levels of unemployment, social isolation, and barriers to education and employment. Around 20% of adults in Lochee are prescribed medication for mental health issues, highlighting the pressing need for accessible mental health support. Crime rates are higher than the Scottish average, and the area experiences social challenges that affect the wellbeing of its residents. Our expansion seeks to tackle these issues head-on, providing structured programs and safe spaces that encourage participation, personal growth, and community connection.
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At the heart of our strategic vision is health and wellbeing. We know that regular physical activity has wide-ranging benefits for both physical and mental health. Engaging in sports and fitness activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving overall physical fitness, energy levels, and self-confidence. Our expanded facility will offer a diverse range of affordable activities, from strength and conditioning classes to team sports, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience.
In addition, all coaching staff will receive mental health awareness training, equipping them to provide support and guidance to participants who may be facing mental health challenges. This focus on holistic wellbeing ensures that the club is not just a place to exercise but a supportive environment where individuals can feel understood, empowered, and cared for.
Social cohesion is another core priority of our expansion. We believe that bringing people together from all walks of life creates stronger, more resilient communities. The club serves as a hub where youth, families, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of minority groups can participate in meaningful activities that transcend social barriers. By fostering teamwork, communication, and collaboration through sports, we create opportunities for friendships and positive interactions. Our programs also provide structured alternatives for young people, helping to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour by keeping them engaged in productive and enjoyable activities. Partnerships with local schools ensure that children and teenagers benefit academically as well as socially, using sports participation to enhance confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills that carry over into the classroom and beyond.
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Inclusivity is central to our mission. Since launching women’s boxing sessions in April 2023, nearly 200 women aged 18 and over have attended classes, demonstrating the demand for female-focused sports opportunities. Young girls now make up around 15% of our membership, reflecting our commitment to breaking down gender barriers and ensuring equal access for all. We also provide tailored programs for individuals with disabilities, working closely with Dundee Disability and specialist schools such as Kingspark to deliver structured, supportive sessions. The new extension will make our facilities fully accessible, including entrances, ramps, doorways, changing rooms, and toilet facilities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility or ability, can participate comfortably and with dignity. Accessibility measures will also include visual signage, sound amplification systems, and staff trained to support participants with sensory or learning disabilities.
Our project is designed with long-term sustainability and growth in mind. To reduce reliance on any single funding source, we are implementing a diversified financial model. This includes tiered membership schemes, corporate sponsorships, grant funding, and philanthropic contributions. By creating multiple streams of income, we can continue to offer free or low-cost services while maintaining and improving our programs. The expansion will also create local employment and volunteering opportunities, particularly in coaching, mentoring, and community development roles. We plan to develop structured training and certification programs for volunteers and staff, providing them with valuable skills and career pathways. By investing in the people who deliver our programs, we strengthen the club’s impact while contributing to the wider economic and social development of Lochee.
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Measurable outcomes are an essential part of our approach. We will monitor participation rates across all programs, paying particular attention to engagement from underrepresented groups and disabled individuals. Health outcomes will be tracked, including improvements in physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall lifestyle changes. We will also monitor community engagement, measuring the number of volunteers, certified coaches, and attendees at events. Feedback from participants, parents, and local stakeholders will help us continuously improve our offerings, ensuring that every program delivers maximum benefit. Collaborations with local authorities and healthcare professionals will allow us to evaluate broader social outcomes, including reductions in social isolation, crime, and health inequalities. By setting clear, measurable targets, we ensure that our expansion produces tangible, long-lasting impact for the Lochee community.
The funding strategy for this project combines diverse sources, reflecting confidence in our vision and impact. A six-figure donation has already been pledged by an individual donor, and the Tillyloss Trust has committed additional support. Beyond these contributions, we are engaging with grant bodies, philanthropic individuals, and local businesses to maximise resources. Corporate partners can align their CSR efforts with our initiatives, benefiting from tax advantages while demonstrating a commitment to community development. Gift Aid also enables us to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated by UK taxpayers, further increasing the value of donations and extending the reach of our programs.
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By investing in this expansion, Lochee Boys & Girls Club will become a central hub for health, wellbeing, and inclusionin Dundee. Our facilities will provide safe, accessible spaces where people of all ages and abilities can engage in meaningful physical and social activities. The programs we offer will improve physical and mental health, foster social cohesion, and create opportunities for youth, women, and individuals with disabilities to thrive. This investment will also contribute to the economic and social development of Lochee, providing employment, volunteer pathways, and training opportunities while strengthening local networks and partnerships.
Ultimately, this project is about creating lasting positive change. We envision a community where residents feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead healthier lives. By providing inclusive spaces, structured programs, and opportunities for personal growth, Lochee Boys & Girls Club will help build a stronger, more resilient community, where every individual has the chance to participate, succeed, and belong. Our £480,000 investment represents not just an expansion of our facilities, but a long-term commitment to transforming the lives of people in Lochee and creating a model for community development that can inspire others across Scotland.
OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
