Category

• Promising Local Practice

---

Poverty impact

• Prevention
• Mitigation
• Reduction
• Awareness

---

Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (material)
• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)
• Increase income from benefits
• Increase employment income

---

Keywords

• Community Engagement
• Education
• Empower
• Housing
• Employment

Aim

The Stobswell West project aims to empower individuals and families in the Stobswell area by connecting them with essential services and support.

Summary

The Stobswell West project, led by Dundee International Women's Centre, collaborates with local organisations to support families in the Stobswell area. It focuses on five key areas: health and wellbeing, housing and energy, income maximisation, reducing social isolation, and employability. The project connects individuals with healthcare services, provides housing advice, assists with financial support and budgeting, organises community activities to combat loneliness, and offers job search and training support. By empowering individuals and families, the initiative aims to foster stronger community connections and improve quality of life.

What difference does it make?

Community engagement activities and support groups have fostered stronger connections among residents, helping to combat the isolation that often accompanies poverty and marginalisation. These initiatives have created a deeper sense of belonging, particularly for women from low-income backgrounds. Through their participation, women have gained significantly in confidence and acquired valuable skills including, language proficiency, formal qualifications, and practical abilities such as cooking which can help them navigate and overcome some of the everyday challenges of living in poverty. In a supportive group setting, women are empowered to express themselves and openly discuss issues such as violence against women, financial hardship, and housing insecurity without fear of judgement. This has notably improved their ability to communicate in English and offered a sense of validation and dignity, reinforcing the message that their experiences and voices matter.
The project also offers cultural exchange opportunities that promote understanding and solidarity across different communities, many of which face intersecting forms of discrimination and economic disadvantage. Notably, many staff members at the Centre began as learners or volunteers who had themselves experienced poverty, becoming role models for others in the community: “She was me when she came here, so I can also be that person she is now”.

Key take-aways

• Community-Centred Approach - A key learning point from the project is the importance of designing and delivering services that are deeply rooted in the needs, experiences, and aspirations of the local community. By involving individuals with lived experience of poverty, migration, and marginalisation, the project fosters a strong sense of ownership, trust, and relevance. This community-led model ensures that support is not only accessible but also meaningful and responsive to those it aims to serve.
• Collaborative Partnerships - The project demonstrates the value of building strong partnerships with local organisations and service providers. By coordinating efforts and sharing expertise, the initiative can offer support that addresses interconnected issues such as housing, financial insecurity, health, and employment
• Empowerment Through Education - Education and skill-building emerge as powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion. The project shows that when individuals, particularly women, are provided with opportunities to learn English, gain qualifications, and develop practical skills in a supportive environment, they experience increased confidence, independence, and employability.

 

Organisations

Dundee International Women’s Centre (main organisation), Home Energy Scotland, Dundee City Council, Shelter, Stobswell Forum, Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Location

Dundee, Stobswell.

Contact