The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded The Focus Centre, formerly the adult day centre, children’s centre and the club, a substantial grant to begin its transformation into a wellbeing hub for Swanage in Dorset.
The grant of nearly £300,000 was confirmed in June 2025 and work has already started to refurbish the buildings as well as appoint two new members of staff to help run the centre.
CEO of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, Ali Tuckey
“It’s really good news”
The Chapel Lane site, just off the High Street, used to be owned by Dorset Council but now the keys have been handed over to the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust to bring back more health and wellbeing services to the town.
CEO of the Swanage and Purbeck Development Trust, Ali Tuckey said:
“It’s really good news, but it’s just part of the jigsaw puzzle. It’s about a third of what we need to make the centre self sustainable for the long term, so we still need to continue to fundraise. However, it’s given us the breathing space to start some of the capital refurbishment.
“The whole project is across three buildings and the money will be spread over three years. The aim is to make all the spaces work together including the gardens.
Work on the Welcome Centre has been completed
New hot desking facilities for visiting professionals
Wide range of services
The Focus Centre site is now offering a wide range of services, including wrap-around childcare, day services for adults, drug and alcohol support, child speech and language therapy, depression support, health visitor clinic and exercise classes, but is looking to expand what it offers.
One example by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a drop-in clinic for those with life limiting illnesses, which has just started at The Focus Centre from 10 am to 2 pm on the first Tuesday of every month.
It provides a place where people can come without the need to wait for an appointment, and ask questions about their diagnosis and the services available.
The Changing Places toilet has nearly been completed by local company Ulwell Builders
A team from Dementia Friendly Purbeck have a tour of the premises to see how they may be able to use the facilities in future
“Exists to meet the needs of local residents”
Ali Tuckey added:
“Our approach is not top down, it is exactly the opposite! We need to articulate what the local needs are and then work to get the services provided here at the Focus Centre.
“The centre is genuinely owned by the community and exists to meet the needs of local residents.
“We are interested in speaking to anyone who could support what we are doing, whether it’s money from private donations or from businesses offering building materials or staff time.
“Recently we were very grateful for the donation of money from the Swanage and Purbeck Rotary to pay for a hearing loop to help people hear. It’s things like that which all help!”
Work has already been completed to create a welcome lounge and an office space for visiting professionals.
A changing places toilet which is fully accessible for those with reduced mobility has nearly been finished, and a new community cafe space is one of the next projects to tackle.
Volunteers required to help with exterior painting…
…and gardening!
Further information
- More about the Focus Centre and how to get in touch
