Club
Shed Talk 22 | Dundee United v Livingston
11th April 2026
Dundee United Community Trust is set to introduce a new Meeting Centre in Dundee, building on its existing Football Memories programme to provide more regular, structured support for people living with dementia and their carers.
The current Football Memories sessions, held monthly, have already shown the value of creating both a relaxed and more importantly; a familiar environment.
Dundee United Community Trust Chairman David Dorward said, "They meet once a month here, and it makes such a difference to people and their carers to get that opportunity. The people at the forefront of the operation are absolute stars; they’re all volunteers, but they give up their time, and it genuinely improves people’s lives.”
The new Meeting Centre will expand on this by offering support several days a week, creating greater consistency and routine.
Graham Galloway of Meeting Centres Scotland explained, "At a very basic level, it’s a social club. It’s somewhere where people come together, share company, learn from one another and get the support they need after what can be a devastating diagnosis. The social element is absolutely key; it’s peer support, but in a structured way that really works.”
Simple Idea with Real Impact
The focus of the Meeting Centre is not complex; it is about connection, understanding, and reducing isolation.
Dorward highlighted the benefit for carers: “Carers were telling us, this gives them the chance to speak to others in the same position, and that level of support and understanding really is invaluable. It helps them continue caring for longer, knowing they’re not alone.”
There are clear benefits for those living with dementia too: “It helps people get out of the house, meet others and be sociable. It’s not about sitting in isolation; it’s about creating opportunities to engage and feel part of something.”
Proven Model, Local Delivery
The Meeting Centre model has already been successfully introduced across Scotland, with around 47 centres open or in development since 2019.
Galloway continued: “We’ve seen just how effective this model is as it’s grown across the country. Bringing that same level of support into communities like Dundee, and building on what’s already happening at the club, is incredibly important.”
The long-term plan is to have meeting centres embedded in communities across Dundee at local level, with Tannadice intended as a flagship venue.
Summer Launch
The project is expected to launch in early summer and will be largely volunteer-led, continuing the community-driven approach already in place.
Dorward concluded, “It will complement what we already do and give us a much broader offer. Ultimately, it’s about giving people, both those living with dementia and those caring for them, better support, more often, and in a setting where they feel comfortable.”
With a clear focus on people, connection and community, the new Meeting Centre represents a significant step forward in support provision across Dundee.
CLICK HERE to find out further information about Meeting Centres.
