The Fairer Aberdeen Fund marked 10 years of supporting organisations to tackle poverty and deprivation across the city in a showcase event on Friday 21 February.
Those attending the showcase event were able to hear from projects which have benefited from funding on how they have supported individuals and communities, and watch a selection of short films on the work that they have been carrying out.
Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of finance and resources committee, who is also chair of the Fairer Aberdeen Board, said: “There is so much positive work being done by the Fairer Aberdeen Funded organisations across Aberdeen to support people and families.
From left, Graham Kinghorn, CEO of Mental Health Aberdeen; Cameron McCready, CEO of Homestart Aberdeen and Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of Finance and Resources Committee
“Our Fairer Aberdeen funded partners are dealing are helping people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis 10 years on from the start of the fund, highlighting that poverty remains a huge issue in our city.”
Over the last year, 38 initiatives were delivered across the city by 26 voluntary and third sector organisations, that have supported over 50,000 people to access support for employability, financial inclusion, family support, youth work, mental health, learning and volunteering.
The keynote speaker for the event was Ruth Boyle, policy and campaign manager at The Poverty Alliance, and featured talks from Cameron McCready, CEO of Homestart Aberdeen and Graeme Kinghorn, CEO of Mental Health Aberdeen, who highlighted their work tackling social isolation and improving mental health across the city.
Councillor Alex McLellan with Ruth Boyle, Policy and Campaigns Manager at The Poverty Alliance
Cameron McCready, CEO of Homestart Aberdeen said: "Poverty in Aberdeen affects families in many ways, from financial insecurity to social isolation. With the support of FAF, we’ve been able to provide early intervention services that strengthen family wellbeing and build stronger, more connected communities."
Graham Kinghorn, CEO of Mental Health Aberdeen said: "The Fairer Aberdeen Fund is vital in tackling poverty and inequality, supporting essential services from mental health to financial advice and employability. Continued investment is crucial to strengthening communities and improving lives."
Organisations supported by the Fund have included Station House Media Unit (SHMU), Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) and Pathways.
The Fairer Aberdeen Fund is allocated by Aberdeen City Council and is dispersed by the Fairer Aberdeen Board to third sector organisations, charities and voluntary groups.