Our Origins
Cultivating Compassion and Wellness in the heart of Dundee’s since 1997
Nilupul Foundation’s Wellness Dundee Project, has a rich history rooted in Dundee, Scotland.
Nilupul was founded by Ven Karma Jiga 15 years ago to help the disadvantaged and those in need.
the Foundation’s buildings have always been used for peaceful purposes.
A Potted History
Legacy
We continue a rich history of spiritual and humanitarian work in Dundee. Our timeline captures significant milestones and highlights of the evolution of various groups and concepts over time, culminating in the establishment of Wellness Dundee in 2025.
common Purpose
It summarises how our purposes are interwoven and have evolved, culminating in Wellness Dundee with its continuation of wellness and humanitarian efforts. In that same spirit, we sponsor and deliver our services for the poor and needy.
Passion
This is what drives us and is the reason for the founding for all the centres Karma Jiga has established.
Rebirth
Looking back there’s one thing we understand, and that is, we are just getting started.
It took Nilupul Foundation five years to establish the Headroom project and publish our research into the positive effects of mindfulness on those in poverty.
Since then, we have weathered many highs and lows, but always with a focus on quality and great service. Then came the shutdown and the need for a survival plan.
It’s taken three years for the plan to unfold, here we now are with the birth of Wellness Dundee and a renewed commitment to help where help is needed. Please enjoy.
Fit for Purpose
After 5 years of challenges, Wellness Dundee has finally come to life.
From run-down building, to fully restored and transformed into a lively centre for Wellness, health and community.
Hard work and determination has turned something forgotten and unusable into something valuable and inspiring.
THINK BIG – start small
The vision that has marked Nilupul Foundation’s growth
over more than a quarter of a century
is still alive and well.
We’re not just going to rest on our laurels,
we’re going to invest in your community.
We are committed to providing opportunities and skills training – for the less fortunate, the retired & disadvantaged.
Well, how are we going to do that, you might ask?
Feeding Minds, Furnishing Lives
We’ll do it through our sustainable, practical and creative community-driven projects and programmes, programmes that improve wellbeing.
To fund these, we will reinvest the money you give us back into the community.
Imagine helping fund projects like our planned indoor urban farm, an extension of our allotment project and food for thought community mindfulness programme. Or perhaps a workshop and training facility that transforms discarded pallets into furniture etc. as forms of employment and mental health support.
We are shaping a future of creativity and collaboration with you and your community in mind, always.
Our Team!
Ven. Karma Jiga
MSc, ABSM
CEO
Karma Jiga is the founder of Nilupul Foundation. He is a highly trained and experienced mindfulness and Buddhist meditation teacher, with 44 years experience in the field.
He is an experienced project innovator, manager, engineer , award-winning musician & composer and published researcher, author and poet.
“Together, we have been able to provide consistent quality for our clients and extend the boundaries of our services to meet their needs. It is so rewarding!”
Maggie Powell
CENTRE DIRECTOR
Maggie directs the day to running of the Nilupul centre and the activities of the volunteers and interns. SHe also teaches mindfulness and practices and teaches therapies.
Our Volunteers and interns really appreciate Maggie’s support and help. She is greatly loved by all!
“Helping those who need it is a passion of mine and being a member of a community which not only does this, but does so in a creative way is really inspiring.”
Eleanor Pandya
Policy Advisor
Eleanor is an Economics and Politics graduate, our Marketing specialist & our senior Intern and young director mentor. All have benefited greatly from her help and guidance .
” I found my internship and young director experience at Nilupul rewarding and used it as the basis for an employment pathway that has led to a career in international banking and the oil industry.
It is rewarding to be able to give something back, especially to those treading the same potential employment pathway.”
Robert Bichan MSc
IT Manager – Volunteer Mentor
Robbie manages the technical, background IT supervisor and Senior Volunteer adviser.
A former Buddhist Monk, he has been associated with and contributed to Karma Jiga’s projects for 19 years.
Robert is a therapist. tai chi teacher, film maker, performance artist, community project designer and implementer. he is the longest serving volunteer.
His skills and unique talents are greatly appreciated by all, as is his unusual sense of humour.
Marie Christelle
Young Director
Our 2025 Young director, originally from the Democratic republic of Congo, is a third-year bachelor’s business management student.
she has expressed a “passion for making a difference” and a willingness to “contribute to the foundation’s impactful mission”.
Her knowledge and experience beyond the west are a mentoring asset that will benefit the foundations interns and expand their horizons.
Callum Elks
Cafe supervisor
Callum has a background in hospitality , music and events management.
He is the most recent member of the team and his skills and teching ability will be greatly appreciated by staff and volunteers alike.
We look forward to his collaboration with robbie in the development of the the arts side of things at wellness dundee.
Audrey Crowe
Financial Manager
Audrey Is vastly experienced in financial management with experience in both the private and third sectors.
She is delighted to help us serve the community and manages everything financial. She keeps us right!
Our objectives
Wellness Education:
To provide mindfulness-based educational programs to as many as possible annually, enhancing their mental and emotional wellbeing through workshops, courses, and seminars.
Community Outreach:
To establish partnerships with local organizations
(such as schools, community centres, or healthcare facilities) , expanding the reach of wellness services to disadvantaged populations in Dundee and throughout Scotland.
Volunteer Engagement:
To recruit, train, and maintain a team of active volunteers ,
supporting the foundation’s various programs and initiatives
while fostering a sense of community involvement.
Collaborative, Sustainable funding
To implement a sustainable funding model that increases self-generated income,
reducing reliance on external funding sources
while maintaining the foundation’s commitment to affordable and accessible services.
Our New Strategy
Community Broadcasting
through
Community Connect(CommConn)
Our new online strategy involves offering courses through a broadcasting Hub to help the housebound –
CommConn will help make your donations go even further in providing help for those who need it.
How you can help us make a difference
We do whatever it takes for people with wellbeing difficulties, but we can’t do it without you.
There are so many ways you can get stuck in and help change the future of Wellbeing care.
Help Raise
Life changing funds
Whatever your favourite thing to do , from Olympic swimming, running, walking, baking or knitting, doing what you love could raise vital funds for those with mental health and wellbeing care.
Speak up
We need you to advocate, to raise your voice for the best possible holistic care for those living with mental health and wellbeing issues in the U.K.
The more advocates the better!
Give your time
Whether its minutes or months, hours and days , as a volunteer you can help us make peoples lives better.
We help people get through Life’s difficulties.
Your donations make it happen.
Get in touch!
We’d love to hear from you!
We’re right here, in the heart of Dundee city, just a five minute walk from the bus station or train station and we’re even less from all the main city bus routes. We’re in the city centre, close to the Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres.
Whether its for food and a blether, or wellbeing classes and courses, or maybe even a relaxing healing therapy, all at affordable prices, we’re here for you, we hear you and we’re waiting for you.
Our place is your place – so why not visit today!
Drop in!
27 REFORM ST, DUNDEE DD1 1SG
Drop us a line!
hello@wellnessdundee.co.uk
Give us a buzz!
01382 872020
