Aberdeen Cyrenians has unveiled a bold new five-year strategy aimed at tackling homelessness and reducing avoidable hospital admissions, responding to deepening health inequalities across Aberdeen.
The strategy was launched at an event hosted by Deloitte last Thursday evening in Aberdeen. The gathering brought together donors, corporate partners, community allies, staff, and volunteers, with communications support provided by Aspect: The Strategic Communication Experts.
Grounded in the voices of those with lived experience, the strategy outlines a practical roadmap for long-term, systemic change. It also reflects input from Aberdeen Cyrenians’ staff, volunteers, and sector partners. Over the next five years, Aberdeen Cyrenians will:
- Intervene earlier to prevent crisis before it escalates
- Integrate services across housing, health, social care, and employability
- Empower communities by co-producing services with those who’ve lived it
- Influence policy through data and lived experience
- Strengthen the organisation to meet future challenges with resilience and purpose
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Donna Hutchison said:
“For over 50 years, Aberdeen Cyrenians has stood alongside people through hardship, change, and recovery. That longevity reflects not only our resilience, but the trust placed in us by this community. This strategy is more than a plan; it’s a shared vision for a city where no one faces crisis alone. We know the challenges: homelessness, poor mental health, addiction, isolation. These are not just personal struggles; they are shaped by the social determinants of health - the everyday conditions that influence whether people can live well.”
She continued:
“When we talk about the social determinants of health, we’re talking about the basics: safe housing, financial security, access to education, decent employment, and support when life gets tough. These aren’t luxuries, they’re the building blocks of a healthy life. When people don’t have them, their health suffers. If you’re living in poverty, if you’ve experienced trauma, if you’re excluded or isolated, your chances of staying well, of thriving, are drastically reduced. That’s the reality for too many people in our city.”
Donna concluded:
“Together, we can make Aberdeen a city where support is accessible, dignity is protected, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive - regardless of background or circumstance.”
The full strategy is available to read and share at: www.weareac.org/strategy