Impact Hub Inverness worked with Dunbeath and District Centre (DDC) to help them progress with their plans to build a replacement centre. Firstly, DDC received free business support through the Just Enterprise contract to assess the needs of the community. Following on from the Community Needs Analysis, Impact Hub Inverness was then commissioned to develop a feasibility study and business plan.

Here's what Chairperson, Margaret Sutherland, had to say about working with Impact Hub Inverness!

Please describe the work Impact Hub Inverness has done with your organisation
"Impact Hub as part of the Scottish Government funding Just Enterprise initiative undertook and delivered a Community Needs Analysis based on a brief given by Dunbeath & District Centre.  The report dated June 2021 comprehensively assessed current services available within the South East of Caithness and future needs.  The quality and content of the Needs Analysis gave the management team at Dunbeath & District Centre the information required to commission a Feasibility Study and Business Plan totake forward their plan to build a replacement Centre, repurpose the old building and explore further the erection of community housing.

Impact Hub were commissioned to deliver a comprehensive Business Plan, the first step being an online and offline Community Survey.

In September 2021 Impact Hub delivered a high quality, relevant plan to develop a new build health and wellbeing hub in Dunbeath - this hub would serve the South East of Caithness.  Along with the new build the plan included ideas to repurpose the old building into holiday accommodation for individuals and families with special needs and further explore erection of housing.

The Business Plan is the’ bedrock’ for a step by step managed process to acquire land, seek funding and build a replacement Centre as phase one of the project. Repurpose the old building as phase two, and erect community/social houses as phase three."

How has this work helped your organisation and benefited the community you support?
"Having a Business Plan tailored to the needs of the South East of Caithness is part of the overall strategy to move Dunbeath & District Centre forward and grow as a charity.   Having a plan in place to address increased need for services gives the community hope and confidence in the future.  Covid has ‘rocked our world’ adding pressure to already stretched ‘safety net’ services, Dunbeath & District Centre is recognised as an ‘anchor’ organisation in the Highlands and acts as an ‘emergency centre’ during times of crisis.  The premises presently occupied were too small to meet demand prior to Covid, as we learn to live with the disease a ‘fit for purpose’ premises are required sooner rather than later."

How did you find the quality of work and client interaction whilst working with Impact Hub Inverness?
"Impact Hub staff are professional, efficient and supportive. Prepared to listen to the client, use their past experience to guide and inform the client and produce relevant plans for the individual community they were commissioned to look at."

Describe working with Impact Hub Inverness in 3 words!
"A real pleasure."

Is there anything else you would like to add?
"Through a due diligence process Impact Hub were selected as the most experienced and best equipped organisation to take forward our plans.  The integrity of the staff shone through in all communications."