Pulteneytown People’s Project (known locally as the PPP or the Pulteney Centre) was founded by the local community in 2003 to create opportunities that improve life chances, wellbeing, and economic growth in the area. Guided by the principle “by the community, for the community”, PPP is now one of the Highlands’ largest social enterprises.

Since the opening of the Pulteney Centre in 2012, the charity has become a thriving community hub offering employability support, welfare rights and benefit advice, housing assistance, childcare, and a welcoming community café. We also host a range of social and recreational groups. All profits are reinvested into services that benefit the community directly.

Registered as a Scottish charity and limited company, PPP is governed by its memorandum and articles of association. We operate as a social enterprise — meaning every purchase, booking, or visit supports our wider community.

We’re proud to deliver high-quality services with the ongoing support of local residents, businesses, and partner agencies.

Community Activities

• Men’s Shed A relaxed space to chat, play pool or dominoes, and enjoy a cuppa.
• Knit and Natter a relaxed space with refreshments provided to knit and have a natter
• Art Class bring your own materials and get creative.
• Pensioners Lunch Club A closed group offering a home-cooked meal, entertainment, and outings.
• Music Sessions with our musician Andy Harper open to all skill levels.

Volunteering

• At the PPP we are “by the community for the community” and the contribution our Volunteers make is fundamental to the success of the PPP.
• Volunteers make a unique contribution to our customers, service users and visitors. Our volunteering opportunities can involve supporting the Childcare department, Lunch Club, DIY, Cooking etc. the opportunities are endless – enquire now.

Community Café and Food Share

• Our Community Café is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (9am–5pm) for self-service drinks and hot soup.
• Hot homemade meals are available Tuesdays (4–6pm) and Thursdays (12:30–2pm) — eat in or takeaway, with donations welcome.
• Our Food Share programme, supported by CFINE, Lidl, Coop, Foodiverse, and Tesco, redistributes surplus food to reduce waste and support the local cost of living.

Childcare Services

PPP’s Childcare Department has operated since 2003 and is recognised for its high-quality, flexible childcare. Services include nursery, playgroup, breakfast club, after-school club, and holiday activities. Our facilities provide a safe, stimulating environment that encourages children’s social, physical, and emotional development.

Room and Event Hire

The Pulteney Centre offers a variety of rooms and offices for meetings, training, events, long-term office hire and community gatherings. Spaces are available by the hour or day, with catering and equipment available to help you create the perfect setting.

Employability, Welfare and Support Services

PPP offers a wide range of support to help individuals build confidence, financial stability, and independence, including:
• Welfare Rights and Benefit Support – guidance on entitlements, claims and appeals.
• Employability Coaching – setting personal or professional goals, job application support, and interview preparation.
• Computer Access and CV Writing – practical help to enhance digital and work-ready skills.
• General Advice and Coaching – one-to-one sessions to build confidence and self-reliance.
• Our Homelink Housing Support Service, one of our earliest initiatives, has operated for over 20 years. It helps individuals develop independent living skills, maintain tenancies, and engage confidently in the community. This service is referral-based via Social Work or Criminal Justice.