Winter Warmth & Wonder for Young People in the Dawlish Strand Centre
6
The Pitch
Problem statement
Many children and teenagers in Dawlish face social isolation, limited leisure options, and financial hardship, especially in winter and at Christmas. Low-income families often cannot afford trips, toys, or safe, sociable spaces, leaving young people without opportunities to connect. In Teignbridge, one in five children lives in a low-income household, with high energy and food costs adding extra strain. Our beneficiaries are these children and teenagers, who need warmth, friendship, and inclusive activities.
Solution
This winter, the Dawlish Strand Centre will offer a safe, welcoming space for underprivileged children and teenagers to socialise and celebrate. We will run video game afternoons, Wednesday film screenings, and festive holiday events. Funding will cover catering (£400) to provide nourishing food and festive treats, age-appropriate Christmas gifts (£400) to ensure every child feels valued, and film licensing (£200) to create joyful shared experiences. The project will support around 100 young people, easing financial pressure for families and spreading warmth and connection during the festive period.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
The Strand Community Trust has over a decade’s experience delivering inclusive events and support for local families, including the annual Lighthouse holiday project. We have skilled volunteers, strong links with families we support through our foodbank, and a central, fully equipped, accessible venue trusted as a safe space. Building on our successful Saturday gatherings, we will use our new AV and large-screen equipment to launch gaming afternoons and film evenings, engaging young people and families who face rising costs and limited social opportunities.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Catering – Subsidised food for children and families attending Christmas celebration events, Lighthouse project, film and gaming afternoons. | £400 |
| Teenager toys (Christmas) – Age-appropriate gifts to ensure no young person misses seasonal celebrations. | £400 |
| Film Licences - Rights for 2 films (£100 each) for Wednesday film afternoons during the festive holidays. | £200 |
Beneficiaries
150 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Our project will create a safe, inclusive winter hub for young people in Dawlish, offering free gaming, films, festive activities. By removing cost barriers, we will ensure families facing hardship can join in. Many children will access experiences they might otherwise miss, fostering friendships, teamwork, communication skills, and positive social interaction. The Lighthouse project and Christmas toy provision will ensure every child receives something special. We expect 150+ young people to attend at least 10 sessions, with most reporting improved mood, reduced boredom, and greater peer connection. Parents will gain respite and reassurance their children are in a supervised, warm space. Volunteers will build skills, confidence, and intergenerational ties. Long-term, the project will strengthen community bonds, encourage ongoing engagement and leave the centre with sustainable gaming equipment, ensuring low-cost, inclusive youth activities for years to come.
Track record
The Strand Community Trust has a strong record of delivering high-impact projects that bring joy, connection, and support to people in need. Over the past 12 months, we have welcomed over 1,000 service users, with numbers expected to rise to 1,200 in the coming year. Our centre provides a safe, friendly, and inclusive space for diverse groups, including older people, homeless individuals, refugees, and vulnerable families. One service user described us as “a very friendly place to meet people over a nice cup of tea and delicious homemade cakes. You are made very welcome” (Gail, April 2024). In November and December 2024, we were chosen as Lidl’s Toy Bank charity for their Teignmouth store. The generosity of local customers meant that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could enjoy an unforgettable Christmas. In addition, Devon County Council’s Growing Communities Fund supported our festive provision, which included the ever-popular Christmas Day lunch.