There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at DPC and we will soon be seeing the positive outcome by way of a number of new projects for our local community to enjoy.

 

We will soon be launching a Community Fridge thanks to funding from Hubbub & the Heart of England - Birmingham and Black Country Fund. A Community Fridge is a public space where people and businesses can donate surplus food, and others can take it for free. It will be the first of its kind in Sandwell and it will 1) reduce food waste 2) ease food poverty and 3) create a sense of community.  This is open to everyone.

 

Continuing with the food theme, our new Community Kitchen continues to prove popular and there will be a thorough programme of Together We Cook courses continuing into 2025. This is thanks to funding provided by Global’s Make Some Noise, Recovery College, and The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust. We would also like to acknowledge the funds received from Hopkins / Sayer Charities, and the Asda Foundation, for the cooking equipment which is required to deliver these courses.

Early in the new year we will be launching BoxClever, in partnership with Craig Jones. BoxClever is a free 12 week programme for up to 24 children aged 9 – 16 years old and consists of Non-Contact Therapeutic Boxing. The sessions are designed specifically to enhance the wellbeing of participants. Each session will consist of 45-60 minutes of physical/boxing activity related to the session topic and 30-40 minutes dedicated to group/individual discussion around the session topic. The 90 minute sessions will take place at Uplands Manor Primary School on Monday evenings from 5pm – 6.30pm and booking details will be released soon. This project is funded by SCVO and their Vision2030 Sports Grant.

 

We are delighted to announce that Nature Buddies will be returning to our Community Allotment Plot in 2025! It is very much back by popular demand, after sessions ended in August when the Rewire project ended. The six month project will run from March 2025 – September 2025 and delivered in partnership with Breathing Space Therapeutic Services. Sessions will take place on a Saturday from 10.30am – 12pm and will be fun and interactive for all members of the family to enjoy. This project is funded by SCVO and their Vision 2030 Main Grant.

 

The Next Gen Takeover Youth Club started at DPC in September and funding from the Inclusive Communities Fund will enable sessions to run through to March 2025. This project is lead and delivered by Powered by CAN and it provides a warm, safe, and secure space for 11-16 year olds to socialise and take part in various activities including VR and gaming, arts and crafts, and music. Sessions are on Friday evenings from 6pm – 8pm and are free to attend.