M&S Dundee Gallagher Park

Boomerang Community Centre SCIO is the only community hub in Stobswell, Dundee – one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland. Each week, we welcome people of all ages, offering food provision, social activities, youth and family work, volunteering opportunities, and vital interpersonal connection. We deliver a diverse and joined-up programme of support that meets people where they are and provides opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive: • Food support – Our Community Larder provides affordable access to fresh and staple foods; the Cosy Café offers a warm, welcoming environment where people can eat, relax, and meet friends; and our daily Community Lunch Club brings people together around the table, tackling both food insecurity and social isolation. • Wellbeing & engagement – A varied timetable of activities supports physical, emotional, and mental health. From art, music and creative expression to fitness classes (tai chi, chair yoga, Boccia), and from mental health support groups to our book club and social gatherings, these opportunities give people structure, purpose, and joy. • Youth & family support – Families benefit from our popular Stay & Play sessions for toddlers and parents, while older children and young people engage in youth groups, youth arts, and holiday provision. We also work with local schools on placements for disengaged students, offering volunteering and attainment opportunities, and we are proud to deliver a fully-funded Duke of Edinburgh programme, opening up experiences and skills development for those who might otherwise miss out. • Community events – Seasonal fayres, open days, and themed fundraisers not only generate income but also celebrate local identity, bring residents together, and showcase local talent and creativity. • Partnership services – By hosting services such as health checks, benefits and housing advice, addiction recovery support, cultural exchange, and adult learning opportunities, we act as a gateway, making professional help accessible in a trusted, local setting.

We are a community garden that grows veggies and fruits. Our foremost goal is to provide a safe and judgement-free 'third place' that capitalizes on the existing beauty and nurturing atmosphere intrinsic to a green space. We support the larger community through social events, hosting group activities, encouraging and teaching methods of healthy eating and reducing both our individual and collective carbon footprint. Most of our volunteers are internationals trying to make friends and adjust to life in Dundee, while the products that we either grow ourselves or receive as donations are maintained through our community fridge as part of the Dundee Community Fridge Network (DCFN). A few of our most ardent volunteers collect from large grocers such as Tesco, Co-op, Asda, and Sainsburys, while we are also supported through the Fareshare network. Each Friday and Saturday, we open our larder doors and offer a host of fresh produce, bakery, chilled and frozen foods on an entirely free or donation basis. We average approximately 250 unique visitors and 1000 individuals aided per month through our community fridge. Through Neighbourly, we are able to receive excess plants and seeds from B&Q Garden Centers. Most of this is for immediate use in Victoria Gardens, as we are always trying to increase plant variety and output. Any excess is then offered back to the community on a free or no-obligation donation basis.

The Kirkton Community Food Larder is set up fully by a team of volunteers, to enable people from the Strathmartine area of Dundee an alternative cheap source of essential groceries. At a time when we are in Dundee seeing headlines of being second highest in UK for child poverty and areas of multiple deprivation, we see more and more great volunteers giving up time money and resources to help combat this, however we do not operate like food banks as we recognise in work poverty so no referrals are needed everyone is welcome and we hope to grow this to a community fridge and offer school meal replacement service over summer and other school holidays if we can.