Reflecting on 2022: Another Year of Increased Demand in Services

As we say goodbye to another year, which seems to have flown by, I wanted to take some time to reflect on 2022.

Chris Bennett-Taylor, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Cyrenians

The last few years have been extremely challenging for us, but the beginning of 2022 seemed to offer a glimmer of hope as we started to ease out further from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, for some of the most vulnerable people in our community the pandemic is still having an effect, with new variants emerging and the residual impact on our economy and job markets.

To add to that, a growing cost-of-living crisis has now taken centre stage in so many lives and put unbearable pressure on people. We have seen demand in our services continue to soar, with a 600% increase in referrals to our Direct Access Service.

More and more people are seeking our support; many of them for the first time. The cost-of-living crisis has shown that anyone can be affected by soaring energy prices, and an unstable economy.

Sadly, the cost of living is leaving many choosing between heating and eating, with some unable to do either and we have seen a 451% increase in fuel poverty support needs.

Dave’s story of how rising energy bills affected him is one we are increasingly hearing.

As an organisation we focus our efforts on meeting the immediate practical and emotional needs of our service users. This includes adapting our services to respond to changing needs and the external environment, that is why we joined forces with Fuel Bank Foundation. We continue to support service users with energy bills and applying for fuel bank vouchers.

Sadly, for many people who do not feel safe at home, financial instability is a contributing factor, amongst many, in making the decision to leave an abusive situation.

Calls to EVAA, our Ending Violence and Abuse Aberdeen, service continue to rise, and we have supported 147 survivors and families, with 78% reporting that they feel more confident about their safety.

Our recently published annual report highlights that there has been an 82% increase in demand for essentials like food, clothing, and toiletries. We have distributed 80,325 meals, and during the period of October – December we have issued twice the amount of food parcels as this time last year.

Although there have been times when we have had nearly empty shelves, particularly in our food store, whenever we have called for donations, the North-east community has heard and supported us.  We are extremely grateful for the support of the many community groups that support us year in year out.  Simply put, we wouldn’t exist without you.

Despite the current financial climate affecting everyone, we continue to be overwhelmed by the huge generosity and support from the North-east community.

This year, we have received the equivalent of £44,885 worth of donations of food, toiletries, clothing, other essential items as well as monetary donations from individuals, business, and community groups.

We cannot thank the public and our community and corporate partners enough, supporting some of the most vulnerable people potentially facing crisis really is a community effort.

Christmas for many is magical, filled with excitement and joy, but for some people it can be a lonely and isolating time.  Many of the people we support have fractured family relationships and the festive period presents a particularly challenging time for them. Over the festive period, we will continue to support those who need us the most with food and essentials and Christmas dinners will also be provided from our DAS service.

For anyone who needs support we are here, please get in touch with us on 0300 303 0903.

Lang may your lum reek is a lovely traditional Scots Hogmanay greeting meaning long life and prosperity. But the literal translation is “long may your chimney smoke”, a saying that has never been more appropriate for everyone.

From all at Aberdeen Cyrenians, thank you for your continued support and we wish you and your families a peaceful and happy Christmas and here’s to a, hopefully, more economically stable 2023.