Aberdeen’s biggest-ever community support event – Empower Aberdeen – brought together 60 charities, public bodies, and local organisations at the Music Hall last week, connecting residents with free, face-to-face help on energy bills, housing, health, employment, and more.
The event was officially opened by Scarf’s founder, Jean Morrison, who launched the charity 40 years ago. Jean reflected on Scarf’s journey from its beginnings in 1985 to becoming a key part of Scotland’s energy advice network.
Empower Aberdeen attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with many arriving prepared with lists of the organisations they wanted to connect with, a clear sign of how much the event was needed.
High-profile guests included local MPs Kirsty Blackman and Stephen Flynn, alongside councillors, community leaders, and representatives from across the third sector.
Held as part of Challenge Poverty Week, Empower Aberdeen aimed to break down barriers between services and make the full range of local support visible and accessible to everyone in the city.
From left, David Sims, Contracts & Commercial Manager at Scarf; Kirsty Blackman, SNP MP; Jean Morrison, Founder of Scarf and Chair of AREG; and Scott O’Neill, Marketing Manager at Scarf.
“Empower Aberdeen was a great opportunity to promote organisations that are there to support the people of Aberdeen and show that there is support out there, especially for those who may be struggling financially, on low income and may not know what is available to them,” said Bryan Sinclair from Cairns Counselling
Dave Sims at Scarf said: “There are so many incredible organisations working across Aberdeen, but too often the support they offer sits behind invisible walls. Empower Aberdeen was about breaking those down. Creating a space where residents could access the full package of advice, guidance, and practical help available to them. The response from both organisations and the public has been phenomenal.”
Empower Aberdeen was organised by Scarf and made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors: Robertson, AtkinsRéalis, CHAP, Currie & Brown, Goodson Associates, KIER, Wallace Whittle, hub North Scotland, and Morrison Construction. Their commitment to collaboration and community made this event, and its impact across the city, possible.
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee to deliver a range of energy-saving services to householders, communities and businesses across Scotland.
To find out more, visit www.scarf.org.uk