Changes at Dover Big Local

Dover Big Local was founded on £1 million lottery funding granted for resident-led action in Dover to make it an even better place to live work and play. That funding has been spent on grants to local organisations, initiatives such as Co-Innovation that have enabled local businesses to develop, arts events and education, contributions to Destination Dover which has improved Dover’s tourism benefits and direct delivery such as Dover Big Local’s Hub in the Charlton Centre and setting up Dover Pantry with other community partners.

As Dover Big Local reaches the end of its lottery funding it will cease to be a grant-giving organisation with Dover Big Local CIC now finding funding to continue the projects that have developed from, and alongside, the lottery funding. Our hub will continue as well as established groups running from it, and new projects will develop as funding allows. Its a time of considerable change that offers exciting opportunities to work with new and familiar partners. Of course we continue to be resident-led, so please tell us about your ideas and consider becoming a Dover Big Local Partner.

What’s on at the Hub

There is a regular programme of events and groups at our Hub. Some groups re open for anyone to join in and some are for particular groups of residents. Drop into the hub to see which groups you might like to join. We have Big Chef, Little Chef family cookery on Monday afternoons, Job Club and welfare advice as well as weight loss support on Tuesdays and One You Healthy lifestyle advice on Wednesdays, Digital Drop in sessions for help with computer and tablets operation on Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and Friendly Fridays coffee and craft for 12.30 – 2.30pm on Fridays. Other special interests groups are available with many one-off events advertised on our facebook page.

Special events at the Hub

Holiday activities for children take place during most school holidays. Watch this space and facebook for more details.

Help us make a difference – have your say

Dover Big Local is a membership group of “Partners” and anyone living or working in the town, as well as organisations can become a partner.  Our committee is elected from DBL’s Partners at our Annual General Meeting, and these committee members then guide the work of Dover Big Local CIC, whilst listening to what our hub users, partners and event attendees tell us about what they need to see happening in the town.

Volunteers are Vital

If you have a few hours a week or a few hours a day to spare we would love to have you as a volunteer! Our community hub at the Charlton Centre in Dover hosts social and learning sessions most days of the week. People who are willing to help out with tasks from reception to helping with events, admin work or leading activities make a huge difference to what we can offer the town. Maybe you have a skill you would love to share or would like to lead a special interest group – we would love to have your input.


2023 – We’ve been busy!

  •  February half term, including kids discos and family craft events
  • Networking events so Dover Organisations can work together
  • Saturday table sales
  • Big Chef,  Little Chef family cookery sessions
  • Job Club and Welfare advice
  • One You Healthy Living and weight loss sessions
  • Consultation participants for Dover’s new arts centre

2022 Highlights

  • Family fun at Christmas and school holidays
  • Classes, courses and training at the hub
  • Dover Big Local Urban Fete
  • Family play on the Roman Lawn
  • Cookery and healthy eating sessions
  • Online Choir
  • Participation in Destination Dover
  • Members of Together4Dover which works on crisis relief for residents
  • Management support and services for Dover Pantry