In 2022 we successfully applied to the fund which enabled us to offer free entry to adult activities at the centre for 6 months, provide free tea/coffee/snacks at these events, and to provide a hot meal. We had not anticipated quite how much staff time would be required to run the project and hope to be able to fund some of the staff input to support the café. Clearly there is high demand in the area and there has been clear support for the project, which we expect will continue to grow as increased word of mouth and promotion take effect. We know that sustaining and developing this project throughout the winter is important to local people and people from further across Aberdeen who have travelled to attend the free cafe and access support, many of whom are working and still struggling to provide financially as well as manage to socialise and feel included.
