New position available – Contracted Facilitator

See our Facebook and LinkedIn for more details

Dover Big Local

Changes at Dover Big Local

Dover Big Local was founded on £1 million lottery funding granted for resident-led action in Dover to make it an even better place to live work and play. That funding has been spent on grants to local organisations, initiatives such as Co-Innovation that have enabled local businesses to develop, arts events and education, contributions to Destination Dover which has improved Dover’s tourism benefits and direct delivery such as Dover Big Local’s Hub in the Charlton Centre and setting up Dover Pantry with other community partners.

As Dover Big Local reached the end of its lottery funding it ceased to be a grant-giving organisation with Dover Big Local CIC now finding funding to continue the projects that have developed from, and alongside, the lottery funding. Our hub continues the well as established groups running in it, as well as new projects that have developed as funding allows. It is a time of considerable change that offers exciting opportunities to work with new and familiar partners. Of course we continue to be resident-led, so please tell us about your ideas and consider becoming a Dover Big Local Partner.

What’s on at the Hub

There is a regular programme of events and groups at our Hub. Some groups are open for anyone to join in and some are for particular groups of residents. Drop into the hub to see which sessions you might like to attend. We have adult and family cookery, Parent & Child group, Home Education Group, Job Club and welfare advice, One You Healthy lifestyle advice, Digital Inclusion sessions DBL Stitching group, Bereavement support group, Bingo and social group, outdoor garden group and soon to come a Men’s Group in our new shed. Other special groups are available with many one-off events advertised on our Facebook page.

Special events at the Hub

Holiday activities for children take place during most school holidays. Watch this space and Facebook for more details.

Volunteers are Vital

If you have a few hours a week or a few hours a day to spare we would love to have you as a volunteer! Our community hub at the Charlton Centre in Dover hosts social and learning sessions most days of the week. People who are willing to help out with tasks from reception to helping with events, admin work or leading activities make a huge difference to what we can offer the town. Maybe you have a skill you would love to share or would like to lead a special interest group – we would love to have your input.

2024 – We’ve been busy this year, just a selection includes

  • February Half Term Science Week, including a trip to the Science Museum!
  • Parent and Child Sessions
  • Children and Family events including Easter Egg Hunts
  • Networking events so Dover Organisations can work together
  • Saturday table sales every month
  • Cooking sessions for families and adults
  • Job Club every week – help with your CV and searching for jobs
  • Digital Inclusion Support
  • One You Healthy Living and weight loss sessions
  • Bereavement group
  • NEW Garden area
  • Quiz Night(s)
  • Laser Quest with the Home Education Social Group
  • and much more