Aberdeen Cyrenians are one of our new Delivery Partners. They help people to access different types of support. Here, they tell us all about what they do and how they do it.
How did Aberdeen Cyrenians begin?
Aberdeen Cyrenians was started in the 1960s by students from Aberdeen University. They collected leftover food from their halls and started a soup kitchen. The next year, they opened a night shelter so people sleeping on the streets had a safe place to go. Since then, we have become known as a safe place for support. Our door is always open. We offer hope and assurance. People can come to us for practical and emotional support. They can build firm foundations towards a better life.
Can you tell us a bit about the kinds of support you offer?
Sure! We are here to help during tough times. We walk with people on their journey and offer support to clear the way. Everyone needs different things. So we build our support around what each person needs. We create supportive relationships, like having a friend or family member you can go to for help. Someone might need food or help to find a warm and safe place to stay. Or, they might want help with budgeting or support with anxiety. Sometimes, people need a quiet space for a cup of tea and a chat.
“We are here for anyone, no matter what stage they are at.”
Our support looks different for each person, but it could include:
- Helping people to set goals. We help people figure out what they want to achieve and how to do it. We do this in 1-to-1 support sessions.
- Group sessions. You can meet other people and do new activities in a safe and supportive space.
- Being there for people. We can go to appointments with people. We can reduce stress by acting on someone’s behalf (with their permission). And we can assist with growing new skills. We can help people to find the tools and resources they need or the activities they want to try.
“Remember – there is no shame in asking for help. We are here to support you.”
What do you think is important to people when they access support?
People want to be understood, feel safe and to have their own power. When people access support, it is really important that they feel comfortable and accepted. Everyone has their own journey. We build our support around what matters to them.
Our role is to help people see and develop their own inner strengths, so they can reach their goals. Sometimes, we need to deal with urgent things first, like finding somewhere to live, being safe, having food and not being alone. When these needs are met, it gives people the space to decide what they want for the future. It means they do not struggle alone and that they have the power to make changes.
Aberdeen Cyrenians helps people in lots of different ways including:
Support and Emergency Essentials
We offer safe and welcoming support for anyone who needs help.
Housing and Homelessness
We help people to get and keep housing that is safe, stable and functional. We make sure that if homelessness does happen, it is rare, brief and does not happen again.
Violence and Abuse
We help people who are experiencing, or have experienced, abuse, violence or hate crime. We help people to feel safe. We support people to recover and to feel stronger.
Alcohol and substance related harm, mental health and wellbeing
We offer support for people who have been harmed by alcohol and substance use. We also support their mental health and wellbeing. And we help people to get past challenges and feel less alone.
Digital and Financial Support
We help people with their digital skills. And we help people to understand money issues. This means people can get skills and wellbeing for everyday life.
Independent Living
We help people to be more independent. And we make sure people have choices about their personal support.
Find out more at www.weareac.org
