The Advice, Information & Support Drop In service, which is provided five days per week, has faced an uncertain future due to recent funding cuts.

“Since reducing the provision of our Drop In service we have been fortunate enough to secure some additional funding,” said Aberdeen Cyrenians’ depute chief executive Scott Baxter.

“This will allow us to build the service back up to its previous levels, and give us some breathing space while we continue looking to secure more sustainable long-term funding.

“Bringing this service back would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, businesses and small trusts across the north-east.”

The Drop In service provides one-to-one advice, information and support to around 30 people per day. The service is open to anyone who is homeless, at risk of homelessness or affected by poverty or hardship in any way.

Trained support workers are able to provide advice on a variety of issues including housing applications, benefit claims, and support with formal appeals. They also provide practical support including clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries and food parcels, as well as facilitating access to the Street Alternatives meal service for those who are sleeping rough or who do not have access to cooking facilities.

Aberdeen Cyrenians has seen a threefold increase in the number of people accessing the project in the last 18 months.

“It is our intention to be back to our previous levels of service by September and to keep the fundraising effort going,” said Scott.

“This is in preparation for the increase in demand we expect to see over the winter months.”

@Abdn_Cyrenians