VSA

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ABERDEEN YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

TODAY Aberdeen is a city of contrasts, with an affluent image concealing some of the poorest areas in Scotland . Although, as a city, the average unemployment rate is relatively low:

• In some areas of Aberdeen , nearly half of the children live in families with no economically active adults.

• 21% of the city’s population live in designated ‘Regeneration areas’.

• 48% of the city’s one-parent families live in ‘Regeneration areas’.

• 50% of the city’s children dependent on Income Support live in ‘Regeneration areas’.

• Aberdeen ’s population has above average levels of older people and one-parent families, the two groups within which most long-term poverty is found.

This sombre reality is largely hidden by the city’s reputation as the ‘Oil Capital of Europe’.

Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) is a local charity that has been caring for the community since 1870. Today our work is just as relevant as it was 133 years ago, offering financial and material aid to families facing extreme hardship in the city. Our team deals with 2,000 cases each year, with over £80,000 being channelled to provide financial assistance to over 1,000 individuals and families.

We provide basic necessities: a pair of shoes or a winter coat for a young child; a replacement cooker for an older person when their current one is beyond repair; help with winter fuel bills for the most vulnerable; some essential household furnishings for a person with special needs setting up their first flat.

As a local charity, demands are as great as ever. Each year we must raise £170,000 from voluntary donations in order to continue providing support to hundreds of families facing extreme poverty.

However, last year saw a deficit in VSA’s funds of over £70,000 and we are relying on the support of the local communityeven more this year to help these vital services to continue.

Every little helps. If you think you could help in any way, by making a donation, by organising a fundraiser with your friends, or just by telling people about the work that Voluntary Service Aberdeen does in the local community, then please do get in touch and make a difference in Aberdeen today.

Voluntary Service Aberdeen ,

38 Castle Street ,

Aberdeen AB11 5YU.

Telephone: (01224) 212021.

Web: www.vsa.org.uk