From COVID Lifeline to School Holiday Boost

Published

1st October 2020

A ray of science sunshine for some of Dundee’s most deserving children during lockdown will extend into school holiday periods thanks to NHS Tayside Health Fund and National Lottery funding.

Having launched a Home Learning Digital Programme in response to nationwide school closures earlier this year, Dundee Science Centre went on to create ‘Science @ Home’ kits. The boxes, packed with the same practical, hands-on activities as the online programme, aimed to bridge the gap for those without digital resources such as broadband or devices.  

Families will be able to access a box via the FORT system which puts Dundee families in need with a range of service providers, through referrals from GPs, social workers, teachers and others.  As a newly appointed service provider, Dundee Science Centre will offer 300 kits during the imminent October break (w/c 5 October 2020) and, subject to fundraising, subsequent holiday periods.

The kits contain everything required for a variety of experiments and activities from making slime, a volcano and racing rockets to creating your very own pumping heart and embarking on an autumnal scavenger hunt!

The project has developed thanks to £10K funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, £8K from NHS Tayside’s Community Innovation Fund and £1K from Nine Incorporated Trades.

Richard McIntosh, spokesperson for the NHS Community Innovation Fund said, “We are delighted to be able to support this innovative initiative for children across Dundee. As the October holidays approach, it is important that children continue to learn. The ‘Science @ Home’ kits will help boost their well-being during this unprecedented time.” 

Lorraine Lemon, Head of Business and Operations, Dundee Science Centre said, “We were blown away by the feedback when we piloted the ‘Science @ Home’ kits. It’s easy to forget that thousands of children across Scotland do not have access to the digital resources many of us take for granted. Similarly, many families don’t have the privilege of extra funds for activities and days out during holiday periods, so these kits will give both children and their families a real boost, a focus and some fun while keeping up some science learning in the process. It’s fantastic that what began as a crisis project has turned into a sustainable model which will add a little joy to the lives of hundreds of local children right here on our doorstep.”

Kate Still, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund added, “In these uncertain times our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups.  I would like to congratulate Dundee Science Centre on their award for an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”

 

For more information, contact Carlene Cura, Development and Fundraising Advisor, Dundee Science Centre - Carlene.cura@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk or 01382 868610.

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