Aberdeen Foyer has been able to support and assist 350 of the north-east’s most vulnerable through the pandemic.
The charity set up an urgent initiative to provide support and assistance to those most at risk during Covid -19.
First Contact has been designed as an emergency service to provide support to those most affected by lockdown in recognition it was rapidly compounding the complex needs of the most vulnerable.
The Foyer was awarded 12 weeks of backing through The Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund and was also fortunate to receive generous donations from several local businesses across the north-east, totalling over £100,000.
This has enabled the charity to address the urgent basic and wellbeing needs of around 350 young people and adults, providing support such as food, fuel top-ups, housing, financial assistance and counselling.
There has also been aid to secure employment and ensure people are digitally connected while in lockdown.
Leona McDermid, chief executive of Aberdeen Foyer, said: “We are so very grateful to all of the local businesses who have donated to our First Contact initiative.
“Providing meaningful, dedicated support to those who need it most is one of the Foyer’s underlying principles, and simply put, we could not do any of this great work without the funding we receive from the Government, trusts and private sector donations.
“The impact of Covid-19 is already far-reaching and will continue to affect the most vulnerable. It’s vital we continue to support as many people as we can.”
In the hopes of helping the north-east’s most vulnerable further, the charity is inviting people to donate by visiting www.aberdeenfoyer.com.
Aberdeen Central MSP, Kevin Stewart, said: “Aberdeen Foyer do fantastic work in the city and their efforts have been absolutely critical through what has been one of the most challenging times in our history.
“Right back at the beginning of lockdown, the Scottish Government committed £350 million to support groups like Aberdeen Foyer so I’m very happy to see just what a difference this funding has made.
“I am sure that they will continue to keep up the good work.”