INCHGARTH ANNUAL REPORT 2025 final for internet

ANNUAL REPORT 2024/2025
www.inchgarth.org
inchgarthcc1@btinternet.com
Aboyne Place, Garthdee.
Aberdeen
A YEAR OF CHANGE, GETTING
READY FOR AN EXCITING
FUTURE.

Contents
Page 1
Page 2
Pages 3-5
Pages 6-18
Pages 19-22
Pages 23-24
Pages 25-26
Pages 27-28
Pages 29-32
Pages 33-34
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Pages 38-44
Page 45
Page 46-47
Contents
Introduction
The Extension
The programme
Volunteering
A year in numbers
Improvements
Highlights
Planning ahead
Spotlight on our funders
The Future
Our impact
Reviews
Accounts
What’s on
Friends of Inchgarth
01

Introduction
Celebrating Another Landmark Year at Inchgarth
It is with immense pride and great pleasure that I introduce the annual report for Inchgarth
Community Centre, looking back on what has been another exceptionally successful and
impactful year. As I reflect on the past twelve months, the theme that shines through is one of
growth, connection, and unwavering community spirit as we embarked upon the creation of our
multi-million pound new extension.
Once again, Inchgarth has proven itself to be the vibrant, beating heart of our community. We
have been thrilled to offer a diverse and dynamic range of services and activities, catering to the
varied interests and needs of our members. From our bustling youth clubs and engaging adult
learning classes to our vital support services for seniors and those with additional support
needs, the centre has been a hive of positive activity, energy, and shared experiences.
A key highlight of this year has been our success in forging new and exciting partnerships with a
host of local and city wide organisations and businesses. The collaborations have been
instrumental in expanding our reach, enhancing our programmes, and bringing fresh
opportunities to our doorstep. By working together, we have amplified our impact and
strengthened the network of support available to everyone in our community.
Alongside our expanded programmes, we have remained deeply committed to improving the
physical environment of the centre. This year saw continued investment in our facilities,
ensuring Inchgarth remains a safe, modern, and welcoming space for all. We believe that
providing high-quality environment is crucial to delivering the high-quality opportunities our
community deserves.
As we celebrate these achievements, our focus remains firmly on the people we serve, from the
youngest toddlers in our playgroups to the wisest of our older residents. Everything we do is
driven by our mission to create a place where people of all ages can learn, socialise, and thrive.
Thank you to every single person from our dedicated staff and committee, our passionate
volunteers, our invaluable partners, and of course, our wonderful community members for
making this year another resounding success. We look forward to building on this momentum
and embracing the opportunities of the year ahead.
Paul O’ Connor MBE
Chair.
02

iNChgarth community centre
THE EXTENSION
12 Months that will change our centre
th
On the 12 May 2025 the long awaited day arrived, and our multi-million pound extension
project started with the diggers rolling into our grounds. This 12 month project has been a
culmination of a decade of campaigning and work, and will create around 80 percent
additional floorspace and 100 additional sessions of new activity.
It is the largest investment in community facilities in Garthdee for several decades, and one
that will create a lasting legacy for generations to come.
With a completion date of May 2026, work will be ongoing throughout 2025 and early 2026
to create a programme and services to make you proud, and we welcome new members
and partners to approach us to join us on this journey.
be part of our journey, be part of
our future....get in touch today.
03

OUR VISION
Building Our Future: The Exciting New Extension at Inchgarth!
The future at Inchgarth Community Centre is brighter than ever! We are thrilled to announce the
development of our brand-new extension, a project that marks the most significant expansion in
our history. This state-of-the-art addition isn't just about adding bricks and mortar; it's about
building capacity, creating opportunities, and securing the long-term future of our beloved centre
for generations to come.
A New Era of Activities and Facilities
This incredible new space will dramatically increase our capacity, allowing us to introduce a
significant range of new activities and state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the evolving
needs of our Aberdeen community. We envision a bustling hub offering:
A larger multi-purpose hall: perfect for bigger community events, sports, performances, and
private functions.
Dedicated arts & crafts studio: a creative space for pottery, painting, and other artistic
workshops.
A modern digital hub: providing IT training, access to technology, and support for digital
literacy inclusion.
Quiet rooms for wellness & support: offering a calm environment for counselling, therapy,
and wellbeing classes like yoga and meditation.
Expanded café and social area: more space for friends and neighbours to connect over a
cup of tea, lunch, meetings, and for service providers to promote their organisation.
This expansion will allow us to say "yes" to more ideas, more classes, and more people than
ever before.
04

Securing Our Sustainability
A key strategic goal of the extension is to enhance the long-term sustainability of Inchgarth. The
new, high-quality facilities will create vital new income streams. By offering modern spaces for
corporate hire, private functions, and paid classes, we can generate revenue that will be
reinvested directly back into the centre. This income is crucial for covering our core running
costs and subsidising our essential, free-to-access community services, thus ensuring Inchgarth
remains a pillar of support for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Join Us in Shaping the Future: A Call to Action!
This new chapter is a community-wide effort, and we need your involvement to realise its full
potential. Here’s how you can be a part of it:
1. New Volunteering Opportunities: With new activities comes the need for more of
our local heroes! We will have a host of new and exciting volunteering roles, from
assisting in the digital hub and supporting art classes to helping run major events. If you
have time and passion to share, we want to hear from you.
2. Organisations & Community Groups – Partner With Us! Are you an organisation,
charity, or community group looking for a modern, accessible, and welcoming base in
Aberdeen? Our new extension offers the perfect home. We are actively seeking new
partners to join us and deliver their services from Inchgarth community centre.
3. Corporate Sponsors – Make a Local Impact: We are looking for forward-thinking
local businesses to become corporate sponsors. This is a unique opportunity to
demonstrate your commitment to the Aberdeen community, gain visibility, and directly
contribute to a project that enhances quality of life for hundreds of local people.
4. Share Your Ideas! What would you like to see happen in our new space? We want to
build a vibrant, exciting programme that reflects what our community truly wants and
needs. Please share your ideas for new classes, clubs, events, or services you’d love to
see at Inchgarth community centre.
This extension is more than just a building; it's a promise to our community. A promise of more
connection, more learning, more support, and more fun. Together, let's build the future of
Inchgarth.
05

inchgarth community centre
programme
At the end of March 2024 our programme had 150 sessions of activity for all ages, making
Inchgarth the centre with the largest programme of activities in the city. We are delighted to report
rd
that at the point of writing this report (23 June 2025) there is a programme of 171 sessions of
activity, that cements our place as Aberdeen’s busiest centre with the most diverse programme.
This represents a 14 percent increase in our sessions of activity and testimony to the hard work
that the team have put in over the last 12 months.
OUR PROGRAMME PROVIDED ACTIVITIES IN:
Music, sports, fitness, education, art, training, social care, the arts, leisure, social groups,
recreation, spiritual, support projects, outreach services, and attracts people from every age
group. While our core customer base and remit is to serve our local community, we are proud
that Inchgarth has supported a significant amount of people from across the city, where services
and opportunities don’t exist in their own community.
06

inchgarth community centre
pROGRAMME- OLDER PEOPLE
TACKLING ISOLATION
One of our core services is to provide activities and opportunities for our older people, which
we take real pride in. Due to providing a large programme of social opportunities, Inchgarth
reduces social isolation among our local older people, and in turn this has a hugely positive
impact on the quality of people’s lives and their wider wellbeing.
OUT-REACH PROJECT
For over 25 years we have delivered an excellent programme of entertainment within the
sheltered housing complexes of Garthdee, while over the last 48 months we have expanded
this service significantly to support 15 complexes across the city. No other centre delivers a
service like this, and it highlights the uniqueness of our centre and team.
ADAPTING TO MEET THE NEED
Over the last 12 months we have created several new services such as the men’s club,
sustained important wellbeing groups like the chair-based exercise classes, while we worked
hard to find the resources to provide new facilities like our IT room that will be ready in July 2025.
Inchgarth strongly believes that to have a strong community, we must ensure that our older
people are supported. Our centre delivers services of excellence for over 500 people aged 55-
90+
500+ people aged 55-90+
use inchgarth’s services
07

08

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
Making a huge difference
PROGRAMME- CHILDREN
A RANGE OF SERVICES LIKE NO OTHER
Another key area of Inchgarth’s work is with primary and secondary school aged children and
youths which has several strategic aims. First of all, it’s to give the young people positive,
enjoyable and relevant activities that are affordable and accessible. Secondly, it’s about tackling
anti-social behaviour within the community which acts as powerful diversionary tools with the
aim of creating safer and strong communities. Finally, we strive to give young people the best
possible platform to learn respect, gain lifeskills, volunteer to learn about good citizenship,
social skills, interacting with people from all walks of life and challenges, while ensuring
opportunities are relevant that keep them engaged throughout their developing years.
Our work with young people improves their confidence, health and wellbeing, life chances and
fosters good relations between different sections of the community. There are many young
people that use our centre where there are significant stresses and challenges in the
household. Inchgarth is the one constant outwith the family unit that young people can enjoy
and access quality opportunities as they grow up.
There is a multitude of dance classes, martial arts, fitness, music lessons, play events, clubs,
performing arts, art clubs, sports activities and social opportunities combined with access to the
very best equipment in the city, not available in any other centre.
“The centre makes a huge difference in the lives of my children and
community, I don’t know what we would do without it”
Youth club parent of 3 children.
09

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
PRE-SCHOOL
The best start in life
Over the last few years we have worked
hard to improve the range of services
available for our pre-school children,
parents, carers, and childminders. During
the last financial year we have been
successful in obtaining the vital funding
resource needed to provide free, or
highly subsidised activities.
Thanks to the NHS GRAMPIAN
CHARITY, and the ACVO MENTAL
HEALTH AND WELLBEING FUND, we
have created quality, well attended, and
much loved services that provide the best
possible start in life.
We offer a free baby & toddlers group
every Thursday for 30 registered
children and 23 parents.
2 Moo Music groups supporting 30
children and 20 parents.
Regular free Fancy, Sensy, Dansy
groups for 20 children and 15
parents.
Free access to our centre for the
childminders group.
Messy play sessions for aged 0-4.
Investing in the community
New partnership with the Little
Explorers.
10

oUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES
The wide range of services that Inchgarth and our partners deliver represents a
significant investment into the lives of the young people, that has a lasting impact on
the wider family unit and community as a whole.
Inchgarth makes a colossal difference!
Reduces instances of anti-social behaviour.
Improves confidence.
Quality opportunities improve the life chances of young people.
Creates numerous volunteering pathways such as the Duke of Edinburgh & Saltire
awards.
Fosters a stronger, more resilient, and safe community.
Enhances relationships between adults, community leaders, young people and families.
Gives young people new skills, the opportunity to make new friends, and be part of the
community.
Improves young people’s wellbeing both physically and mentally.
Provides opportunities for intergenerational engagement and understanding.
Diverts young people away from negative destinations, crime, drugs & alcohol.
11

inchgarth community centre
programme- fitness
A WIDE RANGE OF FITNESS CLASSES
WE IMPROVED THE
FITNESS & WELLBEING
OF HUNDREDS OF
PEOPLE
The centre has a long standing tradition of
delivering fitness classes, dance, and martial arts
for all ages with the remit of improving people’s
confidence, physical and mental health, and
general wellbeing. Our groups leaders have
provided outstanding sessions over the last 12
months, with several hundred people participating
and enjoying the many benefits in their lives.
Some examples of our offer are Rhythm nation,
Danspirations, Elle Performing Arts, Karate,
Aikido, Capoeira, Zumba gold, chair based
exercise, Chair based tai-chi, Friskis & Svettis,
Ballroom dancing, Chance to Dance, kids Zumba,
inclusive Zumba, Cheerleading, and so much
more!
Our sincere thanks go to all of the tutors and
centre users for making our fitness offer a truly
important part of Inchgarth’s programme.
The impact
Our fitness classes provided a wide array of
physical and mental health benefits, including
improved cardiovascular health, enhanced
strength and endurance, better flexibility, stress
reduction, and increased motivation. They also
provided a social environment, fostering a sense of
community and making exercise more accessible.
12

13

inchgarth community centre
programme- asn
400+ ADULTS WITH ASN
ACCESSING SERVICES
a centre of
excellence for
adults with
additional support
needs.
Another important strand of Inchgarth’s work, and that
of our partners, is the provision of activities and
opportunities for adults with additional support needs.
Throughout the year we have invested significant
resources to ensure people with learning or physical
disabilities have a vibrant, relevant, inclusive, and
meaningful programme of activities.
Not only do we have an excellent range of dedicated
services for adults with ASN, we take particular pride in
the fact that across our entire programme there is a
significant level of people participating in our sessions,
promotion inclusion, understanding, education and
friendship.
A great example being our bingo club which runs every
Thursday where there is a wide range of older people,
adults with ASN, and others where barriers are broken
down, and people enjoy each others company no
matter their needs or challenges.
Our chair based exercise groups, inclusive zumba
class, indoor carpet bowls, pensioners club and many
more, are positive examples of inclusivity.
AMAZING PARTNERS.
There is an additional programme for adults with ASN
beyond what Inchgarth provides, where Create
Aberdeen, Future choices, and Brain Injury Grampian
deliver excellent activities that promote inclusion,
choice, individuality, and above all they enhance
people’s social circles and sense of belonging.
Inchgarth’s Phoenix clubs have social groups providing
a wide range of services, had another successful year,
providing much loved opportunities and friendship.
14

15

inchgarth community centre
programme
music
a combination of
paid and volunteer
tutors, CREATING
EXCELLENCE
Striking a High Note: The Resounding Success of
Music at Inchgarth
This year, as it has been for nearly 30 years, the sound of music has been a vibrant and defining
feature of the Inchgarth Community Centre, echoing our commitment to accessible, high-quality
creative opportunities for everyone. Our music programme has flourished, becoming a
cornerstone of our community and a testament to what can be achieved when passion,
dedication, and talent come together.
At the heart of this success are our exceptional class leaders and a remarkable team of volunteer
tutors. Their professional expertise and unwavering commitment have set a consistently high
standard. More than just instructors, they are mentors who foster a nurturing and inspiring
environment, guiding students through every step of their musical journey. Further, the invaluable
contribution of our volunteers, who generously share their time and skills, adds a unique and
powerful dimension to our classes, creating a rich, collaborative, and supportive atmosphere for
all. Lets face it, they didn’t need to give up their time to help others!
Our music groups are a joyous symphony of diversity. People of all ages, from young children
discovering their first notes to seniors rekindling a lifelong passion, come together to share in the
delight of making music. We proudly welcome individuals at every level of experience, from
complete beginners taking their first courageous steps to seasoned musicians honing their craft.
This inclusive spirit is what makes our programme truly special.
These activities are all underpinned by our excellent music facilities. We have invested in creating
a space that is not only well-equipped but also warm and welcoming, providing the perfect stage
for creativity to blossom.
The Inchgarth music programme is more than just classes; it’s a place of learning, friendship, and
shared achievement, it's a community. We look forward to another year of beautiful music and
continued growth.
16

inchgarth community centre
Quality services
Inchgarth’s music provision is second to
none, where we deliver bass guitar
lessons, saxophone lessons, piano,
singing, Dezibel street drumming,
drumming classes, djembe, rock group for
ASN, bucket drumming, guitar group
lessons, one to one guitar sessions,
entertainment, performing arts school,
Makaton sign & sing, violin lessons,
recorder sessions and so much more.
In general, music lessons can be
expensive and out of reach for many.
However, thanks to our amazing
volunteers many of our sessions are free,
while even our paying lessons are
competitive compared to most others in
the city.
17
Our sessions offer tremendous
learning opportunities and skills.
People gain confidence.
People’s social circles expanded.
Volunteers gained invaluable new
skills, confidence, and experience.
Music enhances the quality of life for
those participating on multiple levels.
Our sessions are accessible,
affordable, and cater for all levels of
experience.
Our music facilities and instruments
are of a high quality, that encourages
people to participate.
No other centre has our range of
music instruments and facilities.
Music enriches people’s lives, brings
people together, and creates a sense
of community and wellbeing.

18

volunteers- our greatest asset
A heartfelt thank you to our community champions: Celebrating
Inchgarth's 140 volunteers!
Here at Inchgarth Community Centre, we are powered by people. Over the last 12 months, an
incredible force of 140 dedicated volunteers has been the beating heart of our community, selflessly
giving their time, energy, and talent. This is a celebration of them—our local heroes who have made
an immeasurable difference to the lives of hundreds of people in Aberdeen.
The Inchgarth Impact: A Year of Transformation
Thanks to our volunteers, Inchgarth is more than just a building; it's a thriving hub of activity,
support, and friendship. Over the past year, their contributions have transformed our centre and
enriched our community in countless ways:
Improving Quality of Life: From running our bustling community café to assisting with
our youth clubs and classes for older adults, our volunteers create a welcoming and
vibrant atmosphere. They ensure that people of all ages have a safe and engaging
space to learn, socialise, and grow.
Enhancing Wellbeing: Are instrumental in tackling social isolation, offering a friendly
face and a listening ear to those who need it most. By supporting our various groups
and activities, they have directly improved the mental and physical wellbeing of hundreds
of local residents, fostering communication and connections, building a true sense of
belonging.
Making the Impossible, Possible: Our volunteers have enabled us to deliver a huge
range of services that simply would not be possible otherwise. They've helped run
community events, maintained our garden, assisted with administrative tasks, and
supported our most vulnerable users. Their collective effort amounts to thousands of
hours of vital work that strengthens the very fabric of our community.
Built on the Foundation of Volunteering
Inchgarth Community Centre was born from community spirit, and it continues to thrive on that
same principle. Volunteering is not just something that happens at our centre; it is our foundation.
Every class we run, every meal we serve, and every person we support is made possible by the
generosity of those who give their time freely. Without our volunteers, Inchgarth simply could not
exist. They are the pillars that hold our centre together, and we are eternally grateful for their
unwavering commitment.
19
reallygreatsite.com

The Positive Power of Volunteering
The impact of our volunteers radiates throughout our community, creating a stronger,
kinder, and more connected place for everyone
Benefits for Our Community:
Delivers Vital Services: Allows the centre to offer a wider and more affordable range
of activities, support groups, and services.
Builds Social Connection: Reduces loneliness and isolation by creating opportunities
for people to meet and interact.
Fosters a Safer, More Caring Neighbourhood: A strong volunteer base creates a
powerful sense of collective responsibility and community pride.
Improves the Local Environment: Volunteers help maintain and improve our shared
spaces, like the centre's gardens and facilities.
Shares Skills & Knowledge: Creates a culture of learning where skills are passed
between generations and neighbours.
The Rewards of Giving Back
Volunteering is a two-way street. While our volunteers give so much, they also gain
invaluable rewards in return.
Benefits for the Volunteer:
Learn New Skills: Gain practical experience, from customer service and catering to
event management and mentoring.
Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem: Making a difference and seeing the positive impact
of your work is a huge confidence booster.
Improve Mental & Physical Health: Staying active, socialising, and having a sense of
purpose are proven to enhance wellbeing.
Meet New People & Make Friends: Connect with like-minded individuals and become
part of a supportive team.
Enhance Your CV: Volunteering demonstrates commitment, reliability, and a wide
range of transferable skills to potential employers.
Have Fun! Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable way to spend your time and
engage with your passion.
20
To every single one of our 140 volunteers: Thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your
dedication, and your incredible community spirit. You are the heart of Inchgarth, and you
make our community a better place for all.

inchgarth commujnity centre
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
SALTIRE AWARDS
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The centre has a long history of providing volunteer placements for Duke of Edinburgh
young people where they gain tremendous experience working with people of all ages, in
a verity of centre clubs. This is a tremendous boost to the young people’s confidence,
while giving them invaluable experience for life. Equally, the young people make a
positive contribution and difference during their placement, setting an excellent example
for their peers to follow.
SALTIRE AWARDS
We have a significant amount of young people who are undertaking their volunteering
with Inchgarth as part of their Saltire awards. A Scottish government initiative with each
milestone and certificate signed by the First Minister. Again, this provides young people
with a positive platform to give back, gain new skills, confidence, friends, and make a
difference in the community. Our thanks go to all young people who have given their time
and made a difference this year for our centre and community.
21

HOURS VOLUNTEERED
7995
VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING
£ 146,628.30
April 2024
681
£ 12,489.54
May 2024
602
£ 11,040.68
June 2024
726
£ 13,314.84
July 2024
490
£ 8,986.60
August 2024
634
£ 11,627.56
September 2024
752
£ 13,791.68
October 2024
721
£ 13,223.14
November 2024
787
£ 14,433.58
December 2024
406
£ 7,446.04
January 2025
618
£ 11,334.12
February 2025
794
£ 14,561.96
March 2025
784
£ 14,378.56
22

inchgarth community centre
in numbers
the busiest centre in aberdeen
For the last 3 decades Inchgarth has been the busiest centre in Aberdeen, and we are delighted to
report that 2024/ 2025 has been the busiest year on record.
The attendance statistics represents the combined use of all activities, services, and facilities while it
must be noted we have given a modest value for services such as our playpark and Peggy’s cafe.
CONTINUED GROWTH
It is vitally important to the centre’s long term vision
and sustainability that we retain a high level of
members, footfall, and retention.
Our greatest challenge is merging the need to keep
activities low cost and accessible, with the challenges
of funding all aspects of Inchgarth’s operations.
We believe that our centre has got the balance right,
and are proud to announce that our free programme is
larger than other centre’s entire service provision.
BUSIEST
YEAR ON
RECORD
23

ATTENDANCES
COMPARISON TO OTHER YEARS
2023/2024 1 35 027
2022/2023 1 37 058
2021/2022 (Partial impact of covid) 96 311
2020/2021 (Full impact of covid) 22 117
2019/2020 129 069
2018/2019 117 658
2017/2018 116 746
2016/2017 111 911
171 SESSIONS OF ACTIVITY
1200 MEMBERS
2400 USERS
24
USAGE
People of all ages access Inchgarth’s programme and services
People come from all over the city to our centre
300 people with additional support needs use Inchgarth
500 children use Inchgarth for their social opportunities.
400 pensioners use Inchgarth for their clubs and activities.
500 adults access our services
400 users within sheltered housing complexes enjoy our services.
Over 300 casual visitors to our various public spaces who don’t attend groups

inchgarth community centre
improvements made
we never stand still
One of Inchgarth’s core strengths is the ability to adapt, grow, and improve, even
when faced with significant pressures and challenges. Over the last year we have
invested significant funds into our fitness gym, our games room, new community
garden, new IT/meeting room, and equipment within numerous rooms. These
improvements form part of a rolling programme of investment and replacement.
It’s what keeps
inchgarth ahead of the
game and aberdeen’s
most vibrant centre
Over the next 18 months you will see a
significant investment into new equipment
25

inchgarth community centre
an ever changing garden
If you’ve walked through the door of Inchgarth over the last 7
years you couldn’t miss the stunning community garden that was
created by our committee member Bryan Hall. It was simply
wonderful, but due to construction of our extension the garden
sadly had to go.
Despite this sad loss, Bryan has been busy over the last 18 months
creating a garden of excellence number 2, and this year the flowers,
bees, birds, plants and trees have flourished and is now looking
beautiful.
When you walk through the new front door of the centre in 2026,
you’ll be faced with Bryan’s wonderful creation and the ideal
space to enjoy a coffee, lunch, or catch up with friends.
THANK YOU BRYAN!
26

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
Sheltered complexes
For over 25 years Inchgarth has delivered
entertainment in the sheltered housing
complexes of Garthdee, giving hundreds of
older people quality social opportunities to
look forward to.
This year, we provided 13 sheltered
housing complexes with these
opportunities, thanks to funding from
ACVO, which represented a significant city
wide impact delivered by our team.
Fitness gym
Our gym has an impressive 207 members
this year, where people of all ages and
level of fitness are given affordable, quality,
and in some instances free access to our
facilities.
Cafe success
Inchgarth’s cafe had another tremendous year,
creating a positive social space for people to
meet their friends. With numerous service
providers having stalls to reach out to new
clients. and others using the space for
meetings, our cafe has become a real focal
point of the community while generating
significant revenue for the centre.
Key to the success of our cafe is the
tremendous dedication from our volunteers,
who we simply couldn’t live without, while
Margaret our cook gets through a power of
work, ensuring our customers get quality
affordable food at great prices.
Thank you to all of our loyal customers for their
support over the last 12 months.
Munelle Arts
This year we had a new performing arts
school join the centre and it has been a
pleasure seeing them grow into a hugely
successful group, providing excellent
quality tuition and opportunities for 45
children. We look forward to continued
growth and perhaps even a showcase at
Inchgarth later next year.
Parties
The centre relies on the income generated
from hosting children’s parties at the weekend.
This year has witnessed another hugely
successful level of bookings, income, and
equally as important, a local space for families
to enjoy affordable parties for their little ones
special day. Special thanks to Jules and
Forbes for ensuring these sessions run
smoothly and so successfully.
27

highlights
IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENTS 2024/2025
28
We took just under 80 pensioners on a bus run last year.
We provided free Christmas lunch at the Ashvale for 100 pensioners
The centre’s community garden has flourished, thanks to Bryan.
We delivered a massive programme of activities for adults with additional support needs.
Inchgarth delivered 30 shows in numerous sheltered housing complexes.
We successfully secured significant corporate support via CSR projects.
Once again we improved the range of facilities, that no other centre can boast.
We invested in the centre’s maintenance and improvements once more.
The centre supported our local Kaimhill Primary School with over £3k of support.
A significant amount of teens progressed with their Saltire and Duke of Edinburgh awards.
We were successful in securing significant support from trusts and funding bodies.
We partnered with Cfine to provide a food pantry at Inchgarth for a second year.
We partnered with Pathways to provide positive employment support.
Our café has another extremely busy and successful year, generating vital income for our
centre.
Numerous groups that use the centre hosted annual shows, events, and showcases.
We continued to diversify our programme despite facing many challenges.
Our playpark has arguably its busiest year yet, providing a save, quality facility for families.
Delivered a large Festive programme, investing thousands of pounds.
We further improved our databases of contacts and widened our networks, building on last
year.
We invested time to improve our networking and profile by attending over 70 events.
Recruited & supported more volunteers than any other centre in Aberdeen.
We continued to support the respected Foundation Apprenticeship scheme.
Built upon our partnership with AFC community trust- free tickets to games.
Sustained our income streams at a time where many are facing financial difficulties.
Supported the next batch of people to gain new skills through our volunteer chef training.
Provided free programme of activities that were as large as most centre’s main programmes.
Put in place a significant marketing campaign to reach a wider audience and new markets.
We partnered with new organisations, professionals, and agencies to provide services.
Surpassed the 13,000 social media followers.
Strengthened our board and governance for the third year running.
Represented the community on major issues, in the face of adversity.
Supported numerous other third sector organisations to sustain and grow.
We re-launched the city network of community centre’s.
Ensured the centre had an open door policy to minorities, those oppressed, facing
challenges, poverty and stresses with the principle of being an inclusive centre for all.
Created a new strategic plan.
Lead the campaign, and part hosted a Civic reception for all community centre’s, along with
the Lord Provost and Lord Dean of Guild.
We cemented our position as Aberdeen’s busiest, most vibrant, and forward thinking centre.

PLANNING AHEAD
Strategy day January 2025
At the start of the year our staff and a few members of the management committee had a full day of
planning ahead for the short, medium, and long term with a specific focus on identifying our
strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
With a significant period of change ahead we felt it was the ideal time to focus the teams energy and
minds to ensure the strategic plan that would follow from this session, had input from the entire
team. The strategic plan is an evolving document that is paramount to our success during what is an
exciting phase in our history.
WEAKNESSES
1 Significant times and resources spent on researching funding sources and our reliance on
gaining external funding.
2 Operational requirements adds significant pressure onto staff time.
3 Lack of storage space, which can deter some potential letting business.
4 High operating costs due to the magnitude of our programme, size of our building, and mount
of vulnerable people we support.
5 Ageing management committee.
6 Some of our volunteers are short term and lack the necessary skill-set.
7 Staff issues.
8 Social media- no dedicated staff member, repetitive posts, no team member was specifically
trained in marketing.
9 Maintenance costs, time pressures, security, including cleaning needs.
10 Maintaining facilities takes time, resources, and replacement costs.
11 Café pressures.
12 Office open door policy.
13 Parking pressures, poor signage, lack of disabled bay, and poor parking.
14 Staff taking responsibility to manage their to do lists efficiently, updating, and prioritising.
15 Team upskilling- finding the time to access training.
16 Staff team size.
17 Working in isolation.
18 Public transport pressures.
19 Reliance on the city council for repairs as the landlord.
20 A lack of confidence and experience to do public speaking/networking by much of the team.
21 Reliance on volunteers, them being committed, and regularly attendees.
22 Attending events at the weekend adding further pressures onto staff.
29

PLANNING AHEAD
Strategy day January 2025 SWOT analysis
In addition to the weaknesses identified, there are many strengths within the organisation, team,
and our partners. These strengths are what’s made Inchgarth Aberdeen’s leading community
centre for the last 30 years, and what will see our centre grow and develop significantly in the next
year through our exciting new extension
STRENGTHS.
1 The quality of our team, staff, committee, group leaders.
2 Size of our programme, the largest in the city.
3 Variety of our programme.
4 Competitive café prices.
5 Our opening times, 9.30am-9.30/10pm
6 Volunteers, their dedication and positivity.
7 Good relationship with the public.
8 Good relationship with hundreds of agencies and professionals.
9 Support from the community.
10 Vast range of facilities of multiple use.
11 Playpark.
12 Extension and expansion.
13 Access to the minibus without the responsibility of owning/costs.
14 Reputation in the community and city wide.
15 Knowledge base of the team.
16 Social media reach.
17 Large committee.
18 Diversity of the team.
19 Out-reach projects within sheltered housing complexes.
20 Quality of many of our volunteers.
21 The Queens award for voluntary service- the highest in the UK.
22 Press and media presence.
23 Always forward thinking.
24 Our influence within the political, civic, business, and third sector.
25 Diversity of age range of our users and their needs.
26 Value for money, and the level of free services.
27 How we support the less wealthy and vulnerable.
28 Impact the centre has on people’s lives.
29 Accessibility.
30 Impact on the community and city.
31 The level of support we give to other local and city wide organisations.
32 How we celebrate volunteers and their achievements.
33 Financial strength to cope with a loss of income in the short to medium term.
reallygreatsite
30

PLANNING AHEAD
Strategy day January 2025
THREATS
1 Large groups who have hire lots of space, deciding to leave- eg Create.
2 Funding drying up from external sources.
3 Competing for lets with other centre’s, church’s, sport Aberdeen, hotels and
private businesses.
4 A lack of capacity.
5 Delay in the extension.
6 Unforeseen national event- such as another pandemic.
7 Lone working.
8 Staff retention/ sickness.
9 Reputational threat due to external attacks.
10 Cyber attacks.
11 ACC funding withdrawal.
12 ACC attempts to withdraw our lease.
13 The reduction of membership.
14 Reduction of tutors shifting centre users to other classes they operate elsewhere.
15 Weather impacting the programme and a loss of income.
16 Reduction of footfall impacting income.
17 Our values and behaviours not being adhered to.
18 Long term illness of key staff.
31

PLANNING AHEAD
OPPORTUNITIES
1 Extension additional capacity provides new classes and extra income.
2 Re-connect with RGU if they settle dispute with the community.
3 Build upon positive relations with other centre’s.
4 Enhance our advertising reach and upskill the team.
5 Existing groups to grow.
6 Enhance our relationship with business (CSR)
7 Maximise the capacity within our storage.
8 Improved café menu, opportunity to increase prices and remain value for money.
9 Section 75 developers obligations. Significant capital funds coming online.
10 Attending more events city wide to increase awareness of our organisation.
11 Deliver more of our own large events to attract more members and income generation.
12 Plan an annual big fundraiser.
13 Further increase our capacity by building a further extension.
14 Provide additional outdoor facilities, such as an outdoor gym.
15 Source funding to create outdoor tennis courts and an Astro-turf pitch.
16 Re-imagine our existing space to diversify services.
17 Create our own library and maximise IT facilities.
18 The creation of a stand alone charity for our social care services, elderly projects and
children’s services.
19 The creation of online booking services.
32

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
SPOT-LIGHT ON OUR FUNDERS
THE NATIONAL LOTTERY - THANK YOU.
Inchgarth is hugely grateful for the support that the National Lottery has given our
centre and community, where Inchgarth has benefitted from £50,000 for the last 5
th
years, with the final £50,000 (6 year) spanning the 2025 calendar year. This support
has allowed our centre to cover 2 staff posts and reinvest our self generated income
into providing services, activities, and facilities.
During this financial year we intend on seeking further support from the Lottery to
further enhance our services, and especially as we move into the exciting new phase
when our extension opens in June 2026.
The above visit to the pantomime for 100
adults with ASN was possible due to the
support from the lottery.
33

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
THANK YOU TO THE
FOLLOWING FUNDERS
Inchgarth’s team works tirelessly to generate the necessary income required to operate such a
busy centre, where our model is one of self sustainability. We do however rely on the goodwill of
individual donors, businesses, and the funding obtained from trusts in order to provide the
essential support and services for those most vulnerable in our community and our city.
We are deeply grateful for all of the funders listed below for their support and belief in our
organisation.
ABZ WORKS.
ACVO mental health and wellbeing fund.
The Scottish government.
NHS Health Improvement Fund.
The Morningfield Association.
The Mrs Caroline Jane Spence Trust.
The NHS Grampian Charity.
The Trade Widows Trust.
TAQA.
Canadian Natural Resources (CNR)
Specialist valve services (SVS)
Ledingham Chalmers.
G Crombie Trust.
CNOOC.
Elizabeth Wilson Trust.
Arnold Clarke Fund.
Age Scotland.
Impact Funders.
Foundation Scotland.
Suez.
Petroleum Women’s Club Of Scotland.
June Gordon Trust.
34

INCHGARTH COMMUNITY CENTRE
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Inchgarth never stands still, it’s what make our centre so unique, forward thinking and
continuously improving to meet the ever changing needs of our community. We feel it’s important
to have a vision, to aspire, and to think big.
THE NEXT 24 MONTHS
£4.5 million extension completed summer 2026.
£15,000 outdoor canopy as part of the outdoor cafe.
£50,000 additional parking space.
£5,000 garden investment.
£10,000 exterior building.
£50,000 new equipment.
£10,000 exterior light display.
£25,000 new library.
£75,000 new conservatory meeting room.
THE NEXT 5 YEARS 2025-2030
£200,000 Astro sports pitch
£100,000 phase 6 playpark
£20,000 soft play space
£75,000 outdoor gym
£150,000 outdoor pods
35

OUR IMPACT
36
THE DIFFERENCE OUR CENTRE MAKES
Each individual will gain something different
from attending our centre and programme,
but the main reoccurring outcomes arise
universally, with the centre improving people
life chances, quality of life, and general
wellbeing.
Improved employment opportunities.
Training to improve people’s skillset.
Support services that enrich lives.
The centre tackles social isolation head on.
Gives people learning opportunities that
improves life chances.
Improved mental health.
All ages have the chance to improve their
physical health.
The centre reduces anti social behaviour.
Inchgarth enhances community spirit and
cohesion.
The centre is diverse, welcoming, open,
tolerant, and inclusive.
Inchgarth has people from all walks of life
and nationalities.
We promote and enhance good citizenship.
We break down social barriers to
participation.
The centre promotes inter-age work.
Inchgarth is used by new-borns and those in
their late 90’s.
People’s confidence increases.
Local people are empowered by having
management control of the association and
centre.
The centre brings people together, allows
friendships to be formed, and makes our
community a stronger place to live, work,
learn, socialise, and visit.
We provide advice, support, and
opportunities for many other organisations.

Reviews & feedback
ONLINE REVIEWS
Sam Németh
5 stars
Great facilities
Denize Ford
5 stars
Here for granddaughter's birthday party yesterday. The
staff were really nice and very helpful. Very good facilities
Nicolas Mourelle
5 stars
Lots of activities for all ages. Volunteers are great people.
Hilary Gordon
5 stars
Great dancing group for adults with support needs.
Kelechi Stella Ashaolu
5 stars
Lots of activities, good for your wellbeing
Neil Drysdale
5 stars
Wonderful community Centre! Well run and friendly
welcome every time.
Stu Pot
5 stars
Friendly staff with lots of great clubs and groups for all
ages. Very busy but with a relaxed atmosphere. The café
is great with surprisingly good food at very reasonable
prices...well worth a visit.
CENTRE USERS
Inchgarth provided me with the
opportunity to gain new skills,
experience, and as a result of the
chef training gained, I am in full
time employment as a chef in a city
hotel. I‘m grateful for the support
I’ve been given.
Dylan MeLaugh.
I love giving my time to help the
centre, and it’s given me the
chance to meet new people and
enjoy activities for myself.
Josh Watson.
The centre makes a lasting
difference in the lives of so many
people, and of all ages. It’s great to
be part of it all, and I can see first
hand just how important Inchgarth
is for our city.
Jo Duthie.
I love my pensioners club as it
gives me a space to make new
friends.
Laurence
The Friday club is the best, I love
the bouncy castle and free
icecream.
Youth club member.
37

inchgarth community centre
financial information
MAIN AREAS OF INCOME GENERATION:
Letting of the halls and rooms.
Annual grant of just over £22k from Aberdeen City Council.
Peggy’s café.
Funding bids, which are ring-fenced for services.
Donations.
Membership.
Income from facilities such as the music room, sensory room or gym.
Class fees, which mostly cover tutor wages. We regularly subsidise sessions.
Fundraising, shows, concerts, and events.
Bank interest from savings account.
WHAT WE SPEND OUR MONEY ON:
Services.
Licences, insurances, warranties.
Our programme of 150 sessions within Inchgarth.
Our programme of outreach in several community facilities.
Maintenance and repairs of the building.
Staffing.
Tutor costs.
Donations to good causes within the community & charitable associations.
Peggy’s café.
Equipment & maintenance of equipment.
Various maintenance contracts such as the gym, café, playpark.
Ring-fenced funded projects.
Advertising
Supplies and stationary.
Training.
Cleaning of the building.
Subsidising vital services.
Events and shows.
Other centre operations.
38

39
reallygreatsite

JUNE
2032
+123-456-7890
www.reallygreatsite.com
40
025
Strictly Confidential, For Recipient Only

41

Inchgarth community centre
Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2025
Notes 2025 2024
£ £
Current assets
Bank/buiulding society balances 601,575 522,760
Cash in hand 6,526 9,569
608,101 532,329
42

43

44

To view our full programme of 170 sessions of activity
scan the QR code or visit the website at
www.inchgarth.org
Why not visit us at the centre and pick up a hard copy
45

46

47