Date: 24th September 2025
Dovecote Voluntary Parent Committee a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting
disadvantage children, young people, families, and local residents by creating welcoming, accessible
opportunities and activities that are both engaging and inclusive is thrilled to announce it has been
awarded a four-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund through its Reaching Communities
programme.
The substantial funding will enable Dovecote Voluntary Parent Committee to expand and deepen its work
with children, families and senior living in Blackbird Leys and surrounding areas]. The grant will support the
charity’s efforts to tackle social isolation, improve mental health, create community-led initiatives, etc.
“This funding is a game-changer for us,” said Rachel Partlett Chair of Dovecote Voluntary Parent
Committee “It means we can continue working alongside our community, growing our services and
responding to the real needs people are facing every day. We’re incredibly grateful to National Lottery
players for making this possible.”
Over the next four years, the grant will enable us to sustain our existing services while developing a range
of new initiatives to meet the evolving needs of our community. This includes the creation of welcoming
‘warm spaces’ like a Tea & Toastie Café, a wider programme of social and family events, and stronger
partnership working with local organisations. The funding will also help us make greater use of the
Dovecote by collaborating with other groups, create new community hubs, offer more volunteer
opportunities, and expand our team with new staff roles.
Quote from a community member, “ It’s really nice interacting with the kids at the SKIP (Senior & Kids
Intergenerational Programme) session. Staff are great with the children and make the sessions fun for the
young and us oldies from the Leys” Jean
The Reaching Communities fund is designed to help voluntary and community organisations make positive
changes in their communities by supporting people who are facing challenges and bringing communities
together.
For more information about Dovecote Voluntary Parent Committee and its programmes, visit
www.dovecoteproject.com or follow facebook; dovecotevoluntaryparentcommittee, Instantgram:
thedovecotecentre