Family support charity Home-Start Aberdeen has moved to a new home in the heart of the city as demand continues to grow for its unique blend of emotional and practical advice.
The new headquarters building at 1A Alford Place was officially opened by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam on Thursday, September 3 2015.
Over 70 supporters, representatives from partner organisations and volunteers joined staff members and trustees to celebrate the opening of the new facilities. The evening incorporated three short plays by actress Naomi Breeze of Breeze Productions, which provided a powerful insight into Home-Start Aberdeen’s work. The charity’s successful Recipe for Life project, which encourages food budgeting and preparation skills, was also showcased via a series of cookery demonstrations.
The Alford Place move is significant for Home-Start Aberdeen, which is now one of Scotland’s largest Home-Start schemes. After starting life in a church hall, the charity spent the last 13 years working from a flat in a residential area of Mastrick, which it had long outgrown. The Home-Start Aberdeen team now trains and co-ordinates over 95 volunteers, who provide 27,500 hours support for up to 170 local families and 270 children each year.
“These new facilities really are a huge step forward for Home-Start Aberdeen,” said Georgette Cobban, scheme manager, Home-Start Aberdeen. “The increased space enables us to do so much more - from hosting additional workshops and training for our volunteers to providing our families with private meeting space to discuss confidential and sensitive matters. There is also scope to sub-let certain rooms to other organisations in return for a modest donation, which will help to fund our ongoing work.”
Opening the premises, Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said: “Home-Start is at the frontline helping some of our city’s most vulnerable families and I know that this new facility will help them a great deal as they serve the community. The passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers is clear to see and I know that will continue in their new home.”
As part of the proceedings, Home-Start Aberdeen was presented with a city commemorative plaque.