Lochee speaks: Shaping Rekindle through local voices
In June 2025, as part of Rekindle’s consultation with the local community in Lochee around a potential after-school provision, we hosted a Community Conversation in partnership with The Roots Programme and our local partner, Lochee Community Hub.
Roots’ Community Conversations are designed to bring people together to share experiences, hopes and concerns for their area in a relaxed, open setting. They’re a space where different voices meet to surface insights, strengthen local bonds and shape future change.
This session brought together around 25 local people, with over half under the age of 25 – a rare and valuable intergenerational mix. The group gathered over snacks from local favourite Clark’s Bakery in the welcoming setting of the Hub, with both small and large group conversations creating a warm and thoughtful exchange.
Key reflections from the conversation included:
- Dundee is seen by many as a city of contrasts – with deep-rooted challenges in some areas, but also strong pockets of community and resilience.
- Young people are viewed as a source of real hope – yet they face significant barriers, from intergenerational misunderstandings to the pressures of social media and a lack of dedicated spaces.
- Early support and clearer access to information were seen as vital – along with more face-to-face engagement opportunities.
- Future priorities suggested by attendees included youth empowerment, better visibility and communication across services, regeneration and local investment and using social media as a tool for connection rather than division.
These insights are now feeding directly into Rekindle’s ongoing work in Dundee – helping shape a locally rooted approach that reflects the voices and needs of the community it seeks to serve. We’re excited about what’s ahead – stay tuned for more on the launch of Rekindle Dundee.
