Where it started
In the early 1980s, the Timex factory in Dundee built the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, the computer that got a generation of bairns (kids) making their own games at home. Some of the people who worked there went on to make games themselves. DMA Design, the studio behind Lemmings and the first Grand Theft Auto, started in Dundee in the late 1980s. In 1997, Abertay Uni launched the world’s first degree in computer games. A small city on the Tay helped build an industry now worth billions, and made gaming cool and accessible the world over.
Who will build this museum?
HELM’s Youth Collective (HYC), is a group of young people aged 14 to 25 who want to see that story told. HYC is HELM’s guiding force. They shape new projects, have a say in how HELM is run, and help make it the best it can be for them and for the young people who come after them.
They chose to build a gaming museum and cafe inside HELM’s own home, The Sea Captain’s House. It’s an old captain’s house, so the project is a voyage of its own: collecting treasure from the past to build something new.
They chose the idea, and they will lead the design, the research, the collecting and the events. HELM’s staff back them with youth workers, a building and access to experts, but the direction is theirs.
Faces are covered to protect identities.
What is the HELM Youth Collective?
Based at HELM Training, a youth charity in Dundee, HYC is the guiding force of this 40 year old organisation. HYC are a group of young people helping HELM be the best it can be for them and for future generations. They shape new projects, have a say in how HELM is run, and decide what happens next. They get to be creative on their own terms and steer their way to new destinations. (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥
What happens next
From February 2027, the young people will research Dundee’s gaming history, record oral histories with industry veterans, and build models of the future museum, working alongside artists and industry experts. It all leads to a public exhibition in June 2027, where they’ll show Dundee what they’ve found and ask what you want from your gaming museum.
Every young person on the project is paid the Real Living Wage.
About HELM
For over 40 years, HELM has supported young people aged 14 to 25 in Dundee who face barriers to education and work. Those barriers include poverty, care experience, trauma and mental health challenges, things that shape a young person’s chances long before they reach us.
We run a 12 week employability programme, HELM AutoCare, HELM Beauty, Computer Game Development, the HELM Youth Collective, and youth work and volunteering programmes. Young people get one to one support, real work placements, wellbeing support and SQA qualifications, and they leave with confidence and a plan.
So far this year, over 140 young people have achieved 323 qualifications, and over 40 have moved on to college, jobs or apprenticeships. Two young people now have paid work at HELM AutoCare. (°ロ°) !
With thanks to
Match funding from Creative Scotland through the National Lottery.
