Meet the exciting people behind our member businesses.
Name: Allan Paterson
Company: Fountainhall Church
Job title: Volunteer and Organiser of the Lively Minds Group
Give us the elevator pitch for your business.
Fountainhall Church focuses on connecting with the community. We seek to increase understanding of living in a faith-based community through our interactions. One initiative, ‘Lively Minds’, explores contemporary topics and issues affecting life today through the contributions of invited presenters, with time for raising questions.
Who are your customers?
Our Customers - more accurately described as anyone encountering members of our congregation in formal or informal settings in our church buildings and beyond.
This is not only for those seeking spiritual nourishment but anyone (member or not) who comes to our buildings to experience the activities and events taking place. Many companies and groups in the West End of Aberdeen use our facilities on a regular basis. Youth groups, exercise classes, support groups, our drop-in volunteer-run Café and events create welcoming spaces in our venues. In addition, parents of young children attending our nursery and Cognito Café give the Cross a busy and ‘happening’ atmosphere.
What is the biggest challenge and opportunity your organisation is facing right now?
Ageing and declining membership and volunteers make continuing activities more challenging to maintain.
Also the lack of knowledge and understanding of Christianity and what it means to be part of a faith community has led to a misperception of living in faith. There is an urgent need to engage with younger people as we perceive many live in a spiritual vacuum. This challenge can become an opportunity in itself as the church community can provide a safe space for the younger people to interact with others and explore their perceptions of faith.
Another opportunity comes from the committed members that Fountainhall Church possess and the wide range of skills and capacities they have to support the community. Fountainhall Church has always looked outwards to help satisfy the needs of the community, assisting in whatever way with both physical and spiritual needs.
What is your word of advice for fellow Chamber members?
Get involved. Share your experience and make use of the support that’s offered. Make connections with members, contribute and gain from pooled experience.
What is best thing about being a Chamber member?
Sharing experiences with forward-looking people, learning from each other, and connecting with the community on our doorsteps.