The Christmas spirit was clear to see in Dundee as Change Centre staff, players and volunteers engaged in a number of different festive activities for yesterday’s Santa Grotto with Barnardo’s Dundee.
Barnardo’s, who are a key partner as part of our youth programmes, managed to secure the services of Father Christmas to deliver some cheer to young players across the day.
Leigh-Anne Orrock, Development Co-ordinator for Barnardo’s Dundee, highlighted the benefits of the partnerships after another successful event.
“The support and partnership we have with the staff at the change centre Dundee is so unique.
From hosting team meeting, training events, holiday activity days and our annual Santa’s grotto we can not thank the staff and players enough. From the minute anyone walks in the door you are greeted with a smile and the offer of a cup of tea and made to feel at home.
This is vital for some of the families we work with to feel they have a space for their child to play and not be judged. I look forward to building on this partnership and what we can achieve together in 2023…”
The event was a great opportunity to see the centre’s new sensory room in full use, with the service now available throughout the week for public use. Other partners were engaged in activities throughout the day too, with Toddler Sense Dundee now only days away from revealing our new family room in an exciting new development.
Kelly, who leads Toddler Sense classes in Dundee, is looking forward to bringing a brand new offering to the community, allowing more players than ever to access the support at Change Centre Dundee without barriers.
“Toddler Sense Dundee is very excited to be part of the Change Centre community. Joining the team at Change Centre was an easy decision for me as they have shown how supportive and dedicated they are to changing people’s lives. I feel honoured to be able to bring my classes to this venue, where I will be able to watch everyone thrive – from toddlers to adults.
As well as my weekly classes, aimed at toddlers from 13 months – 5 years, I look forward to working alongside the Change Centre, contributing to the amazing work that they already carry out”
More information on our new family room and its services will be revealed in the New Year.
With programmes across Scotland now winding down for the Christmas period, Street Soccer continues to offer its support to those in need. Support services will be managed centrally over this period and all correspondence can be directed to our team on 0800 334 5119.
Our weekly sessions will change slightly moving into January, where most programmes will then resume as usual. Here’s what the festive timetable looks like in the area near you…
Aberdeen: Final 2022 session on Thursday 22nd December, sessions resume from Monday 9th January.
Dundee: Final 2022 session on Friday 23rd December, sessions resume from Monday 9th January. Christmas Day session available via referral – contact Ryan Hopkins on 07495956164
Edinburgh: Weekly programme continues until Friday 23rd December, with Christmas Day football party at Leith Links. Adult drop-in available on Wednesday 28th December in Portobello with usual programme timetable continuing from Wednesday January 4th .
Glasgow: All sessions continue as usual aside from Monday 26th December and Monday 2nd January.
Network:
Motherwell (Fir Park Astro) no session 26th Dec, 02nd Jan – resume 09th Jan.
Glenrothes (Michael Woods S&L Centre) no session 28th Dec – resume 04th Jan.
Hamilton (Hamilton Palace Sports Ground) no session 28th Dec – resume 04th Jan.
Livingston (Almondvale Community 3G) no session 29th Dec – resume 05th Jan.
