On Monday 3 August NorthBridge welcomed First Minister John Swinney, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins, and Jack Middleton MSP for Aberdeen Central to its city centre hub, to hear directly about the project’s role in supporting people and families affected by economic transition.
Based at 1 Huntly Street, Aberdeen, NorthBridge provides a welcoming, free-to-access co-working and transition support hub for people facing redundancy, career change or uncertainty. The project brings partners together in one practical space, helping individuals access advice, build confidence, maintain routine, explore new opportunities and connect with services that can support their next steps.
During the visit, NorthBridge shared early insight from its first twelve weeks of operation, including what the project is seeing through its front door from people actively seeking support.
The briefing made clear that this is not primarily a skills problem: many of those engaging with NorthBridge are experienced, highly skilled and motivated workers, including people from leadership, engineering, technical and specialist energy backgrounds. The emerging challenge is one of transition, systems and timing with people moving quickly from stability into uncertainty, financial strain, loss of confidence and isolation.
Donna Hutchison, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Cyrenians, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the First Minister and the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy to NorthBridge and to show them first-hand what practical, joined-up support can look like for people facing uncertainty in their working lives.
NorthBridge was created because economic transition is not an abstract policy issue; it is personal. When work changes suddenly, people can lose more than an income; they can lose confidence, structure, identity and direction. Our role is to make sure they are not left to navigate that alone.
No single organisation or sector can solve this challenge alone. NorthBridge brings together the strengths of the private, public and third sectors so people can access support, opportunity and connection through one welcoming front door.
Today’s visit was an important opportunity to highlight the leadership, partnership and practical action already happening in Aberdeen, and to underline why continued investment in people, skills and community resilience must be central to Scotland’s energy transition.”
First Minister John Swinney said:
“I recognise the challenges facing workers and communities in the North East and commend the work of Aberdeen Cyrenians in providing much-needed support.
Alongside Scottish Government initiatives, the work of charities like Aberdeen Cyrenians is hugely important in helping people facing uncertainty in their careers.
My government is focussed on doing all we can to support a just transition for Scotland’s valued oil and gas sector – with investment of more than £120 million in the North East, including support for re-skilling and job creation.”
Jack Middleton MSP, Aberdeen Central said:
“It’s important that the Scottish Government recognises the scale of the impact of North Sea job losses on Aberdeen so I was happy to welcome the First Minister to hear first-hand from the brilliant staff at NorthBridge, an Aberdeen Cyrenians service, set up to support those in the oil and gas industry facing redundancy.
The impact of these job losses on poverty, homelessness and mental health in the city is stark – Aberdeen workers cannot be treated as expendable.”
NorthBridge is designed to complement, not duplicate, existing services. The hub brings together practical employability action with wellbeing, skills, enterprise and connection, recognising that people rarely present with a single issue. Someone seeking work may also need help rebuilding confidence, navigating recruitment systems, exploring new sectors, accessing training or maintaining connection and routine while they decide what comes next.
The project has been developed by Aberdeen Cyrenians with support from partners across business, community and public services. It was awarded funding through the SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund to support the development of an accessible city centre hub focused on connection, purpose and practical support for workers facing redundancy and change.
Local businesses, training providers, employers and community partners are being encouraged to get involved by offering workshops, advice sessions, training opportunities, pathways into employment, mentoring, in-kind support or signposting to the hub. NorthBridge is particularly keen to work with partners who can help turn skilled experience into realistic new opportunities across Aberdeen and the wider North-East.
NorthBridge is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.00pm at 1 Huntly Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1TJ. Drop-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed.