We’re delighted to share that Aberdeen Cyrenians has been awarded funding through the SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund
This support will enable us to develop NorthBridge - a new accessible co‑working hub in the centre of Aberdeen designed to provide connection, purpose and practical support for workers facing redundancy and change across the North‑East.
Importantly, NorthBridge is not about duplicating existing support.
Instead, it will create a single, welcoming space where partners can come together, making it easier for people to access the information, conversations and opportunities they need, all in one place.
NorthBridge will offer:
🟣A collaborative co‑working space where individuals can connect
🟣Volunteering and entrepreneurial pathways for people looking to grow, test ideas or contribute their skills
🟣Support to help navigate change
We know that work is often closely linked to how we see ourselves our confidence, our identity, and our place in the community. When work changes unexpectedly, people deserve a space that supports them as a whole person, not just their employment needs.
Actually, We’re grateful to SSEN Transmission for recognising the importance of investing in spaces that promote resilience, connection and shared working across the region, helping to deliver our vision for a Just Transition rooted in people not policy.
Chief Executive Donna Hutchison said:
"I’m delighted to announce that Aberdeen Cyrenians has secured funding from SSEN Transmission’s Community Benefit Fund to launch NorthBridge - a co‑working hub built to deliver connection, purpose and practical support for workers facing redundancy and change across the North‑East.
This investment gives us the capacity to act decisively at a time when individuals and families need meaningful support, not more reports and rhetoric.
The pressures facing our region are escalating fast. The ongoing impact of the Energy Profits Levy, combined with the shock of BrewDog’s collapse and the sudden loss of hundreds of jobs this week, has laid bare what many of us have been witnessing for months: people are being hit hard, and the existing system is not meeting their needs.
When livelihoods disappear overnight, people aren’t just losing income they’re losing identity, stability and direction. And right now, too many are left to navigate that alone.
We need practical, joined‑up solutions.
And we need them now.
That’s exactly what NorthBridge is designed to deliver.
It’s not another layer of duplication it’s a single, accessible space where partners come together so people only need to walk through one door to access information, opportunities and support.
My sincere thanks to SSEN Transmission for backing our vision for a Just Transition especially knowing how competitive these funds are. Their support allows us to move beyond rhetoric and deliver real, tangible help when people need it most. Enormous credit goes to the team who made this possible, with particular thanks to Emma Bellu for her drive, attention to detail throughout the process. I’m incredibly proud of our collective commitment to ensuring the North‑East’s transition is rooted in people, not just policy.
More information to follow very soon!"