In relation to the identified priorities in the Guidance & Essential criteria what will your idea achieve and who will benefit from your project?
Purchase of Scout Hall will create a community hub, supporting wellbeing, youth engagement, and local events—benefiting residents, volunteers, and coastal visitors
Please describe what you plan to do and what the money will be used for? (i.e., purchase equipment/resources)
Dundonald is a vibrant rural village in South Ayrshire with a strong sense of community, but like many small settlements, it faces challenges around access to wellbeing services, social isolation, and opportunities for intergenerational connection. The redevelopment of the Scout group property into a Community Wellbeing Hub will provide a much-needed inclusive space for residents of all ages. It could support those experiencing loneliness, mental health challenges, and digital exclusion—particularly older adults, young people, and those living in more remote parts of the village. The project will strengthen community ties, promote healthier lifestyles, and create new opportunities for volunteering, learning, and social interaction, helping Dundonald thrive as a resilient and connected coastal community.
We plan to purchase the building (through asset transfer) from South Ayrshire Council and then redevelopment the Scout Hall to support two key outcomes:
· Promoting good mental health and wellbeing
· Tackling social isolation and loneliness
The building will be designed to offer:
· A calm, inclusive environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and supported.
· A venue for the community to offer counselling, peer support groups, and wellbeing workshops.
· Space for preventative activities such as yoga, mindfulness, creative arts, and physical exercise.
· Opportunities for co-design and community involvement, fostering a sense of ownership, belonging, and empowerment.
The building could also serve as a hub in the future to:
· Host informal social spaces for conversation, shared meals, and spontaneous interaction.
· Deliver intergenerational programmes that bring together people of all ages.
· Create volunteering opportunities, helping individuals build purpose and community ties.
· Provide digital inclusion support, including Wi-Fi access, devices, and skills training to help people stay connected.
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