Little Doves Limited is situated at the foot of Scrabo Hill in the centre of the West Winds estate at the rear of the Community Centre.  The group has been in existence since 1973 when it was managed by Eastern Health & Social Services Board.  In 1991 a group of parents in the area set up a steering committee and took over the running of the group which was then known as West Winds Community Playgroup.

Long term commitment and dedication from staff, committee and residents of the area has led to the group being recognized as a first class quality provision in childcare.

Due to the type of area (West Winds is rated an area of high deprivation), funders have been favourable with applications and thanks to continued funding from Europe, through the Childhood Fund since 1997, the local Ards Local Strategy Partnership, DHSS&PS, The New Opportunities Fund and various others, and with support from other voluntary/community and statutory agencies the group has, in recent years developed in numerous ways:-
 
By having their own purpose built modular building for the playgroup children
Opening an after schools club, known as ‘The Swallows’ which is provided daily in the Community Centre for primary aged children. A holiday club and breakfast club are additional amenities which run parallel with the other facilities provided. 
Become a Company Limited by Guarantee – non-profit making with charitable status, with a very experienced and competent Board of Directors
Entered in ‘Pride of Place’ as a good practice model by Ards Borough Council
Have received excellent inspections from Social Services and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
Developing links with other social economy enterprises through the Advance Ards Programme

Partaking in two North/South projects funded by Co-Operation Ireland.

1. The NetWorks programme for social economy groups which will help us to develop a strategy and business plan for the future and exchange information with similar groups North and South of the Border.

2. The Building Blocks programme where we have been twinned with a playgroup/out of schools facility in Carrickmacross and together with two other groups are working on gathering ideas to publish a childrens book of songs and rhymes.

Received funding to develop the outside play area in the vicinity of the Community Centre.

The group continues to have strong links with parents through the fundraising committee which works hard all years to raise money for equipment and to subsidise outings. Many parents partake of training through the local college and Ards Development Bureau and

Members of staff, Board and Parents committee are involved in many of the projects which take place in the West Winds area, eg West Winds Residents Association, West Winds Development Association, Creating Common Ground, Newtownards Community Forum, Ards Development Bureau & Community Network, and at all times strive to encourage and develop the children, families and residents of the West Winds.

The ethos of Little Doves Limited remains the same as when we began over 15 years ago.  That is to be involved in the strategic planning and implementation of projects that will enhance the lives and meet the needs of families in the community.

For further information on th is project feel free to contact:
Margaret Cameron or Rosemary Wade on 028-91821380
or email mcameron28@hotmail.co.uk