Inspiring Hope. Creating Change
At The Pioneers Project CIC, we are dedicated to transforming communities and inspiring hope through meaningful change. Operating out of Bull Point Barracks in Plymouth, our mission is to serve children, young people, and families across Plymouth. We believe in the power of community to reduce isolation and foster strong, lasting relationships.
Through partnerships with organisations like LiveWest, Community Builders, and Barnardo’s, we ensure our programs are impactful and responsive to the needs of the community.
Commitment to Barne Barton: We are committed to addressing health and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Barne Barton, where accessible, low-cost health and wellbeing facilities are critical. By engaging directly with the community, we provide solutions to meet genuine local needs, ensuring sustainability for years to come.
Our Core Values:
- Professionalism: Role models and mentors within the community.
- Inclusivity: Celebrating diversity and tailoring services to individual needs.
- Respect: Building trust with the people and partners we serve.
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards.
- Honesty: Transparency in all our endeavors.
- Pride: Taking pride in our impact and community connections.
Join us on our journey to inspire hope and create lasting change. Together, we can make a difference.
“A genuine, caring service which is tailored to meet the needs of the child.
Very professional in their approach and managing the needs of more complex children”
OUR WORK @ The Pioneers Project CIC
Revitalising Bull Point Barracks: A Community Transformation
Welcome to The Pioneers Project CIC, where history meets the future. Our ambitious project to restore Bull Point Barracks is more than just a renovation; it’s a transformative journey for the Barne Barton community and beyond.
A Historic Landmark with a New Purpose
Bull Point Barracks, a Grade II listed site, stands as a testament to Plymouth’s rich military heritage. Originally constructed in 1856-7, this historic site has witnessed the evolution of military strategy and innovation. Today, we are breathing new life into these storied walls, transforming them into a vibrant community hub.
Building a Community Hub
Our vision for Bull Point Barracks is to create a space that serves as a cornerstone for community engagement and development. This hub will provide much-needed facilities and services, addressing social, economic, and health disparities in the area. By preserving its historical significance while adapting to modern needs, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and pride among local residents.
Engaging and Empowering the Community
The restoration of Bull Point Barracks is a collaborative effort, bringing together local stakeholders, volunteers, and community members. Our goal is to create a space where people can connect, learn, and grow. Through inclusive programming and events, we aim to inspire hope, create opportunities, and empower individuals to shape their future.
Join us on this exciting journey as we transform Bull Point Barracks into a beacon of hope and opportunity for Barne Barton and Plymouth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Café and Support Services
This vibrant hub, supported by major retailers like Coop, Aldi, M&S, Tesco, and Lidl, serves as a central meeting place for the community. It not only offers affordable meals but also acts as a venue where professionals can provide essential support services to locals. The café’s role in reducing food waste and providing for those in need is a crucial part of its mission.
The Compassion Café is a welcoming and supportive space designed for individuals who are grieving and in need of a community to connect with. It provides a comforting environment where people can come together to share their experiences, find solace, and access additional support services. The café aims to reduce isolation among bereaved individuals by fostering connections and offering a sense of belonging. Through compassionate conversation and understanding, the café helps attendees navigate their grief journey, promoting healing and emotional wellbeing.
Allotments and Forest School
The rejuvenated allotments offer a lively outdoor space where community members can engage in gardening. This initiative promotes sustainability and provides a therapeutic outlet for participants, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the environment.
By incorporating trauma-informed practices, the forest school provides a therapeutic learning experience in nature. It allows participants, especially children, to explore and learn in a safe and nurturing environment, which can be incredibly beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being.
Men’s Group
This initiative transforms a disused railway platform into a thriving community growing space. It offers men a place to connect, collaborate, and support each other, promoting well-being, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Food Larder
Located in Barne Barton, the food larder plays a significant role in combating food poverty by redistributing surplus food. This not only helps reduce food waste but also ensures that those in need have access to nutritious food options.
These projects collectively create a supportive environment that empowers individuals and strengthens community ties. By offering spaces for connection, learning, and support, they help to build a more resilient and cohesive community. The focus on inclusivity and accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from these initiatives.
Case Studies – The Pioneers Project CIC
The Pioneers Project CIC has enjoyed many successful outcomes to its work. Here are some examples…
T - local resident
Meet T, a local resident who has found solace and safety at our community café. For T, the café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s a sanctuary where he feels secure and valued.
T describes the café as the only place where he truly feels safe. Each week, he looks forward to spending a few hours in this welcoming environment, surrounded by friendly faces and supportive professionals. The café provides him with a sense of belonging that he struggles to find elsewhere.
S - dedicated volunteer
Meet S, a dedicated volunteer who has discovered the therapeutic benefits of working at our community allotments. For S, this experience has proven to be more effective than traditional anger management techniques.
Volunteering at the community allotments has provided S with a constructive outlet for emotions. The physical work and connection with nature offer a calming effect, helping to channel energy positively and reduce stress.
“I like coming to the group because I enjoy it and it can be an escape from the stressful thing called home.
It’s been a positive thing for me to participate in and I think gives us something productive to do that can help me get a job in the future”
“The Pioneers Project has given my son the confidence to get back out into social settings, to try new skills, and reintroduce old skills.
It is very much person centred and the support workers take time to build up a rapport and relationship with the young person.”
The Pioneers Project Journey
Empowering the Barne Barton Community
Our journey began in 1999 when Lisa Dawson moved to Barne Barton as a missionary, inspired by a deep commitment to support young people. In 2017, our directors came together to form a youth work organisation dedicated to addressing the unique needs of the community’s youth. This initiative has since blossomed into a comprehensive youth and community organisation, successfully acquiring valuable community assets.
We embrace challenges and opportunities with courage, recognising the importance of community—a crucial element often missing in today’s society. Our mission is to create inclusive spaces where individuals feel they belong, understanding that this foundational step can be transformative.
Having faced adversity in our own childhoods, we are committed to being emotionally stable role models, fostering brighter futures for those we support. Our land management journey started with community allotments, which have become a sustainable success. When the opportunity to revitalise Bull Point Barracks arose, we accepted the challenge with determination and resilience.
As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of those in Barne Barton by providing accessible opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging.
Give us a follow
To keep up to date with all our work, please follow us on our social media channels.
How to get in touch with The Pioneers Project
Send us a message using our contact form
About Us
The Pioneers Project CIC was born in communities in Plymouth where people face disadvantage, and it has grown to serve children, young people and families who need support across Plymouth and into South East Cornwall and the South Hams in the UK.