Funding Boost For Drugs Project

Two community projects in Dundee have received £475,000 funding so they can move to bigger premises. Dundee Drug and Aids Project (DDAP) has been given £300,000 towards its move to the Old Baptist Church in Rattray Street. The Futurebuilders Scotland fund has also awarded £175,000 to Bharatiya Ashram, which helps black and ethnic minority groups in the city. Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said both projects would benefit.

DDAP has outgrown its current premises in Bell Street. Its new home in a renovated church will be renamed the Cairn Centre, providing health and employment advice.

The project recently won a £1.2m five-year contract for its services.

Bharatiya Ashram will use its funding to move out of three separate buildings and into new premises in the city’s St Mary’s Place. The group plans to expand its current services and create a one-stop centre for Dundonians from all ethnic backgrounds. Work will begin on the new centre later this month and is expected to be completed by next April.

Mr Chisholm said: “I am delighted to be able to announce funding for these key projects. The Scottish Executive is committed to supporting groups which help communities to live and work together and support vulnerable people. The Cairn Centre will help the Dundee Drug and Aids Project with its work to help vulnerable people in the city and provide them with valuable support and advice.

“The new funding will help Bharatiya Ashram’s long-term development by establishing the multi-ethnic centre and ensuring the organisation continues to provide facilities for the benefit of all of Dundee’s communities.”

DDAP director Mike Burns said the new centre would be the first of its kind in Dundee and would offer “much-needed employment rehabilitation services” to its clients.

Jyoti Hazra, of Bharatiya Ashram, said: “We are grateful to Communities Scotland for this substantial award which will go a long way to ensuring that this worthwhile project gets up and running as soon as possible.”

The Futurebuilders Scotland is a programme with an £18m fund managed by Communities Scotland.