Article by Roy Kittrell

For 2016, the PESGB are partnering with the Aberdeen Cyrenians, a charity that focuses on homelessness but also provides a variety of social services to the local area.

Originally started in 1968 as a soup kitchen, the organisation has grown dramatically from a student-led organisation to a fully independent charity at their Summer Road headquarters in the heart of Aberdeen’s City Centre. Visitors are greeted in the main entryway by an inviting area with sofas and tea and coffee making facilities, and food is served by volunteers in the kitchen. Also available are computers with basic internet facilities, as well as showers and washing machines in other parts of the building. Two shelters are available locally for those, who, for various reasons have had trouble maintaining a tenancy, and are given the support to address the issues in their life that lead to their homelessness.

Over the 45+ years since starting, the Cyrenians became more aware of the complexities of the issues surrounding homelessness, that it wasn’t always just basic food that was needed, specialised services such as emergency short term accommodation for the young, or medium term accommodation for both young and old. The Cyrenians opened the UK’s ever first wet hostel for those dealing with alcohol dependancy who need to come off the effects of drinking gradually over time or risk going into shock. It is estimated that 50,000 homeless people or people at risk of homelessness have been supported by the charity over the last 48 years since starting.

Volunteers for the charity can fulfil a wide variety of roles. At the induction meetings; you are given a questionnaire where you can choose from a wide variety of skills or practices that you think you can contribute; from translation if you know a second language, to DIY, managing donations or simply volunteering to help cook or serve food in the soup kitchen. Some volunteers have even organised music and singing classes that have been met with great enthusiasm.

The multiple fundraising events that the Aberdeen Cyrenians run include sleep outs, putting together a team for the popular Baker Hughes 10k run, and many companies in the city hold their own fundraising activities to help raise funds; or have donated vital office equipment to the cause.

The services the Cyrenians provide to the local community cannot be understated; and one visit to their centre will show you what a difference they have made in the lives of countless disadvantaged people here in Aberdeen.

Look out for our photo competition run in conjunction with GEOExPro in aid of the Aberdeen Cyrenians