Currently run from their Summer Street premises, Direct Access is the first point of contact for anyone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness or who needs support with essentials like food, clothing and fuel poverty.

Since opening, the service has helped thousands of individuals and families on a regular basis.

During the pandemic, Direct Access continued to provide essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing; advocacy, support and information to secure temporary and permanent homes; poverty support including benefits advice, IT access and skills training; as well as social support.

Direct Access will continue to run from Summer Street but will also be run from their premises in Victoria Road, Torry and from new premises in Woodside.

Scott McDougall, Direct Access service manager, said: “Moving to locality-based delivery is a huge step forward for us.

“We know of people who walk into the city centre from areas such as Woodside and Northfield, so part of the reason for this change is to bring our services to their communities and ensure we are accessible for anyone who needs our help.”

“Direct Access operates as a one-stop-shop, with no wrong door; service users are referred both internally and externally to appropriate services as required with no need to repeat their story - something service users have told the organisation that they find uncomfortable.”

Chris Bennett-Taylor, chief executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, added: “We are pleased to be able to be expanding the footprint of Direct Access which will allow us to help more people in their community.

“We are engaging with key stakeholders and community groups in Woodside and Torry to understand what they see as any gap in service in their community where Aberdeen Cyrenians could support.”

Direct Access Torry is planned to be open from late April with Direct Access Woodside following in May.

The service runs with a mix of staff and volunteers and Aberdeen Cyrenians are always looking for new volunteers to support.