Aberdeen Cyrenians was celebrated for its dedication to supporting people affected by homelessness, violence and domestic abuse during the pandemic.

The charity, which has been operating for more than 50 years, virtually picked up the Key Worker (Team) accolade at the Aberdeen’s Champion Awards in September.

When coronavirus struck, Aberdeen Cyrenians faced a crisis as requests for help rose by an astonishing 600%.

To cope with the demand, the dedicated team at Aberdeen Cyrenians created AC2U – an emergency response service designed to support the most vulnerable people in north-east communities – and invited charities Aberdeen Foyer, CFINE and Social Bite to work in partnership. Within days the charities were delivering cooked meals, food parcels, baby supplies, toiletries and sanitary products, as well as clothing, blankets and other small household goods to those in need.

More than 15,000 support parcels have been delivered to homes across the city, and so far have supported over 1,327 people.

Emma Bellu, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Aberdeen Cyrenians said: “Seeing how people and communities have been brought together during this crisis, even when we’re socially distancing, has been wonderful to see and shows as a city, how much we all care for each other. 

It is sad to see so many people needing our help, but being a part of great team, an innovative and caring sector, and knowing that there are so many great organisations and generous individuals providing support, it is a comfort to know that no one needs to be alone or left behind.  The crisis has created so many great initiatives and unsung heroes, it’s amazing what can be achieved together and it’s a big boost for there to be recognition like this.”

She added: “This pandemic has thrown everything at us, and as an organisation we’re all really proud of how we have worked together to step up and do even more.  The gratitude and thank yous that we get from those we support are always shared across the organisation as it’s one of the best parts of the job. 

Knowing that someone has been able to flee from being locked down with a violent partner; or a family in poverty has a place to stay, beds to sleep in, and food to eat; or someone challenged by addiction is supported to cope during the crisis without relapse; being able to make that difference keeps our team motivated and working hard.”