Youth organisation says move would help boost employment and volunteering opportunities for young people – and link regeneration of the city

A Dundee charity which helps thousands of people across the city is still hopeful of moving in to a “dream” new home despite delays.

Yusuf Youth Initiative (YYI), which runs flagship outreach programme Taught by Muhammad (TBM), is currently in talks to buy Wedderburn House in the West End.

The organisation, which currently supports an estimated 5,000 of the most vulnerable people in Dundee, is seeking to buy the NHS Tayside property via a community asset transfer for £50,000.

The health board has delayed making a decision but has confirmed one will be taken by January 31 2020.

The initial offer had been made in April 2018.

YYI CEO Faisal Hussein said he believes the move would be a significant step in tackling high poverty rates in the city.

He said: “For me, this building will be one of the most exciting things to happen in Dundee in a long time.

“The potential for YYI in supporting regeneration across Dundee will be phenomenal.

“The building will be the headquarters for our work across the city, ranging from youth work, community adult provision, men’s shed, and employment support for young people in schools.

“It would also boost employment and volunteering opportunities for young people and help tackle poverty.

“The list is endless and we are excited to be a part of this change.”

YYI currently employs 31 full and part time staff alongside an army of volunteers.

Its various programmes include TBM, best known for its foodbank and monthly support cafés, as well as youth clubs, workshops, and refugee support.

The building would host a number of events, classes, workshops, budget cooking courses, and also house youthled businesses and a nursery.

Mr Hussein added the building would link the regeneration of the waterfront to the regeneration elsewhere in the city.

He said: “Dundee would not just be known for the V&A and the waterfront, but because each regeneration ward in Dundee will be thriving and active contributors to the city.

“This building is a like dream come true.”

YYI has already raised the £50,000 needed to buy the property, and is hoping to raise £200,000 to renovate it.

Faisal Hussein, CEO of Yusuf Youth Initiative, says the potential unlocked by the new building would be “phenomenal”. Picture: Dougie Nicolson.