Aberdeen City Mission amalgamated with Bethany Christian Trust in October 2008.

A history of care for the homeless in Aberdeen

In 1886 Professor Matthew Hay, founder of Foresterhill Hospital, established the Sheret Court Mission. Provoked by the dire poverty he witnessed on the streets of Aberdeen, he began an organisation that through the sustained commitment of volunteers, provided help and hope to people in crisis. In 1985 the Sheret Court Mission changed its name to Aberdeen City Mission. Then in October 2008 Aberdeen City Mission merged with Bethany Christian Trust. All told, the volunteers, supporters and staff of this organisation have been serving the poor, homeless, vulnerable and destitute of Aberdeen for 122 years.

Services in Aberdeen

In November 1930 the Aberdeen Press & Journal announced that courtesy of Sheret Court Mission : “hot satisfying meals will be served each Sunday in the Mission Hall to all those who, suffering from adversity, enter its hospitable portals, the average number so far catered for being between 250 and 300. On Saturdays and Mondays, tea is provided in the same free and hearty fashion.” Many years have passed since then but the basic human need for shelter, food and support continues. Over time the work has expanded to include a Community Care Shop ‘Ferst Port of Call’ and Drop-ins we call ‘The Lighthouse’. In 2008 the demand for services in the city was so great that we launched a new initiative to help people resettle in their communities called Passing The Baton. Today, hundreds of Bethany volunteers in Aberdeen, like Professor Hay over 120 years ago, are keeping the vision alive by continuing to express Christian love in action to homeless and vulnerable people.

Dates times and places

Quay Toastie Club, Drop in for Men and Women
Citadel Coffee Bar, Castle Gate. Fridays 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Community Care Shop, First Port of Call
Tillydrone Shopping Centre. Mon, Wed and Fridays. 10am - 3pm

The Haven, Drop –in for men and women
Gerrard St. Baptist Church. Mondays, 5.30pm - 7pm

Community Resettlement Project, Passing The Baton
Community based, all day every day

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