Our Story

 

Since our launch in 2019, AberNecessities has supported over 12,000 children, distributing hundreds of thousands of items to families and children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

AberNecessities provides disadvantaged families with the essential and basic necessities that no child should go without. From maternity bundles for mother and baby to nappies, formula milk, clothing, toys and equipment for children aged 0-18 years, AberNecessities recognises the importance of meeting the basic needs of a child in order to give them the best start possible.

We operate on a referral basis, accepting applications from our network of brilliant professionals across the health, social care and education systems.  We know the professionals are best placed to meet the needs and provide the emotional support to the families we support, while we provide the physical items. Our referral system allows us to distribute items fairly and efficiently to families who need them most. 

Currently, 21.8% of children living in Aberdeen are living in poverty; the need for AberNecessities has never been greater.

Read what we have been up to recently here

 
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Our Impact

Since launching in 2019 AberNecessities had seen a month-on-month rise in the number of families unable to provide the basic essentials. The devastating effects of Covid-19 led to a massive 900% increase in applications and in the wake of the pandemic, we saw an immediate and sustained surge from many families with pre-existing vulnerabilities as well as from those experiencing loss of employment and financial insecurity for the first time.

Thanks to the incredible amount of support and donations from brands, corporates, and our community, we have been able to help over 10,000 babies, children and young adults living in poverty across the North-East of Scotland.

 

Here’s a few of the recent messages we’ve received…

  • Text Message #1

    “I had been working as a full-time dental nurse when I was pregnant and when I went off on maternity leave, I had full intentions of going back to work. After having my daughter, I realised we couldn’t afford the cost of childcare and so I couldn’t go back to my job.

    My partner is a farmer and during the pandemic his hours were cut, and we were really struggling to provide our family but, especially our daughter with basic items. It was then my Family Nurse told me about AberNecessities, and we received so many things in such a short period of time from clothes, nappies, formula milk and toiletries.

    It was such a relief. I really don’t know where I would be, and I really don’t want to think about the situation I would be in without the support of AberNecessities.”

  • Tracey Thorn - NHS Family Nurse

    “In my job as a Family Nurse I come across some families that are struggling.  

    The relief I feel as a healthcare professional since working with AberNecessities has been immense and to see the relief on the faces of the families I’m working with when they receive what they need is truly overwhelming.  

    Knowing that when I see a family in crisis that I can simply send an email to the team at AberNecessities which will be dealt with in a matter or hours or a day at the most is just incredible”

  • Text Message #2

    “Thank you doesn’t seem enough; you have genuinely saved our children’s Christmas. My little boy cried with happiness when I made up his bed with new duvet, pillow and bedding. His reaction was so touching.

    Thank you for everything, every single thing was just perfect – from the bedding and toiletries to the clothing and toys – it was all just so thoughtful. Also, my two daughters are older and understand that we have been struggling with the loss of our jobs.

    Their words yesterday were “They are just amazing!”. Sending love and gratitude from all of us – to all of you. Thank you.”

  • Louise Singer - Deputy Head Teacher - Tullos Primary School

    “Our school is situated in one of the most deprived areas within the city and we already have a large number of families from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of our families were already living in poverty or are experiencing poverty as a result of the pandemic.

    AberNecessities have been instrumental in helping to set up and support our food bank initiative and whenever we have requested more specific items, AberNecessities have always been there to support us by providing what our families need.

    AberNecessities have also helped support families with particular needs by providing the items requested and have even gone above and beyond our expectations and gone that extra mile to help these families. “

  • Peter Henry - Social Worker

    "Abernecessities is an invaluable charity offering support to our most vulnerable children and their families at times of greatest need.

    As a social worker, we regularly make referrals to the charity and we can always turn to them for support with ensuring families have their most basic needs met.”