Home-Start Aberdeen has received a significant boost to continue its work supporting families across the city, thanks to new funding from Aberdeen City Council’s Fairer Aberdeen Fund and the Common Good Fund.
The grants, totalling over £100,000, include £60,687 from the Fairer Aberdeen Fund and £43,000 from the Common Good Fund.
This support will help the charity respond to a growing number of families in need of practical and emotional support and continue delivering its long-standing volunteer-led home visiting service. This funding comes at a critical time, as the charity continues to see a sharp rise in demand for its services.
“This local funding helps ensure that Home-Start Aberdeen remains open, active and ready to support families across the city,” said Cameron McCready, chief executive of Home-Start Aberdeen.
“We are incredibly grateful to Aberdeen City Council and the Fairer Aberdeen Fund board for recognising the impact of our work and increasing their support for our mission to help parents build confidence and resilience during difficult times.”
Cameron McCready, chief executive Home-Start Aberdeen
The charity has seen a marked rise in referrals as families face mounting pressures from cost-of-living increases, social isolation, and health-related challenges. Home-Start Aberdeen matches trained volunteers with families to provide practical and emotional support in the home, working primarily with those who have at least one child under five.
The news comes amidst reports of funding cuts impacting similar Home-Start schemes in Aberdeenshire and Dundee. While Home-Start Aberdeen acknowledges the difficulties facing neighbouring areas, it wishes to reassure families and referrers that its services remain unaffected.
“We want to reassure our community that Home-Start Aberdeen is not affected by the recent funding challenges experienced by other schemes,” added Cameron. “We are a stand-alone organisation, and thanks to our valued funders, we remain open, active, and fully committed to helping families throughout Aberdeen City.”
The charity is continuing to welcome referrals and is actively seeking to reach more families in need. Home-Start Aberdeen also operates a popular city-centre charity shop on George Street, which remains open and thriving, with plans for expansion in the near future. The shop provides an important source of income to help sustain services while offering affordable goods to the community.
For over 30 years, Home-Start Aberdeen has provided practical and emotional support to families with young children. Through the dedication of its trained volunteers and staff, the charity helps prevent family crisis and breakdown, offering tailored, accessible, and non-judgemental support where it is needed most.
To find out more, make a referral for support or apply to volunteer, visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.