Members of Aberdeen City Council's Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee visited local charity Instant Neighbour to learn more about the vital support it provides to individuals and families across Aberdeen facing financial hardship.
The visit gave committee members the opportunity to hear directly from staff and volunteers about the challenges experienced by people on low incomes and to gain a greater understanding of the organisation's work supporting some of the city's most vulnerable residents.
Convener of the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee, Councillor Jessica Mennie, said: "It was extremely valuable for committee members to visit Instant Neighbour and see first-hand the difference the charity makes to people across Aberdeen.
"Hearing directly from staff and volunteers about the challenges facing local communities helps inform the work of the committee and strengthens our understanding of how the Council and partner organisations can continue working together to tackle poverty and inequality."
Vice-Convener, Councillor Kairin van Sweeden, said: "Visits like this are an important way for committee members to better understand the pressures facing people in our communities and the practical support available to them.
"Instant neighbour and their partners provide practical support that helps individuals and families through difficult times while also creating opportunities for people to develop skills, gain experience and build confidence. It was really useful to hear directly from the team about the difference their work makes every day."
Committee members were welcomed by Chief Executive Sophy Green, who provided an overview of Instant Neighbour's services and the impact they have on local communities. Established more than 40 years ago, the charity provides practical support to people experiencing poverty and financial hardship, including help to establish and maintain a home, advice for income maximisation, employability opportunities and access to affordable reused household goods.
Instant Neighbour also works closely with Aberdeen City Council and other partners to help people move beyond immediate crisis and towards greater financial stability.
Sophy Green said: “We were delighted to welcome members of the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee and to have the opportunity to show them not only what Instant Neighbour does, but why our work continues to be so necessary.
“No single organisation can tackle poverty on its own. Our relationship with Aberdeen City Council and other partners is therefore hugely important, and visits like this give us a valuable opportunity to share what we are seeing on the ground, what is working well and where barriers remain.”
The organisation also operates a food bank providing emergency food parcels for people in crisis and runs its annual Giving Tree Appeal, which distributes new toys to children who may otherwise go without a gift at Christmas.
As part of the visit, members toured the charity's premises on St Machar Drive, meeting volunteers and learning more about the day-to-day operation of its services.
Members also took part in a discussion with staff and volunteers and explored ways in which the Council can continue supporting organisations that provide essential services to communities.
The visit formed part of the committee's ongoing programme of engagement with organisations working to reduce poverty and improve outcomes for residents across Aberdeen.