For #VolunteersWeek, we feature some of the projects and the valuable work of Castle Douglas Development Forum.
Stepping Stones Community Larder
Stepping Stones Community Larder and Foodbank has been operating as a foodbank for over three years and more recently, as a community larder open to all, for almost a year now.
They have an amazing steady group of 17 regular volunteers and a few seasonal volunteers. The volunteers start from school-aged young people to people in their 70s, so they have a wide variety of experience to rely on.
Occasionally, people are referred from support services and require a more one-to-one approach, but because the volunteers are from a range of supportive backgrounds themselves, they all work together to provide a safe and productive environment.
Stepping Stones is looking forward to celebrating their first year anniversary, of the larder at the end of July 2024 – before then, the volunteers are being treated to a lovely lunch in a local restaurant who are also very supportive of our mission, as our way of celebrating Volunteers Week Scotland 2024 and giving thanks to each and every one of them who give up their time so willingly to help others.
Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre
Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre is the designated tourist information point for Castle Douglas. Situated in the heart of the town, at Market Hill.
Volunteering at the Heart of Galloway means an environment bustling with life, and being people orientated. There are around five dedicated volunteers and a few staff who keep the tourist information center brimming with local knowledge.
It is the perfect stop for local information and a spot of shopping, volunteers help stock the shelves full of local artisan crafters and producer creations, leaflets of information all about the Town’s great area’s site seeing, history and things to do.
Castle Douglas Development Forum acquired Heart of Galloway in 2018 after Visit Scotland, the countries national tourism agency, announced its closure after a national restructuring.
Stewartry Community Garden
Situated next to Unicorn Strength Gym on the rugby club grounds just outside Castle Douglas, on a piece of ground that is part of the old Dumfries – Stranraer railway line, you’ll find the booming with life, Stewartry Community Garden.
The garden hosts some fantastic volunteers, like the high school rural skills group, rainbows, beavers and so on. It’s run by a very dedicated trustee Anne Halliday and a fantastic gardener, Naomi Wight.
The volunteers have an unwavering commitment to nurturing the plants, maintaining the grounds, and fostering a sense of community – which has helped the garden truly blossomed into a vibrant, thriving space for everyone to enjoy.
Together the community make the garden a flourishing haven of growth and togetherness.
The Town Charity Shop
Located on 188 King St, the Town Charity Shop (main picture) is one the main provider of funds for the CDDF to distribute to various projects and events.
At the heart of the shop is good customer service and the community, achieved with a fantastic team of volunteers. They ensure the shop stays alive and friendly though a team effort. The volunteers are all exceptional people who support the manager and the shop.
The shop receives many wonderful donations. When opening a box or a bag who knows what treasure awaits. The shop is overwhelmed by the generosity of local people and the support received and most importantly, the fantastic efforts of the volunteers.
Castle Douglas Development Forum
Castle Douglas Development Forum is a Scottish Incorporated Charitable Trust and the Castle Douglas Anchor and Resilience Organisation. We believe in improving the sustainability of the town and surrounds health, wealth and wellbeing so that everyone can thrive, grow, and innovate. We support community events and other voluntary groups and charities in our town.
Our volunteers help to run the community-owned Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre, the Castle Douglas Town Charity Shop, and the Stepping Stones Community Larder and food bank.
Our projects provide citizens with opportunities to enhance the environment, cultivate self-confidence, develop skills, and connect with others. We have successfully secured inward investment to build a Playpark for All and a Changing Places toilet in Lochside park.
We are now investing in an ambitious project to convert the old outdoor activity centre in Lochside park into an exemplar, sustainably constructed, Crannog: a place for everyone to gather, learn and thrive.