Aberdeen Children's Society

VSA's Aberdeen Children's Society, which is part of VSA Children & Family Services, helps to build better lives for children and their families in our local community.

Social Work Support for families in Crisis

Many low income and one-parent families find it increasingly difficult to cope. One child in three in Scotland now lives in poverty and recent research shows that Aberdeen, generally regarded as a wealthy city, has its share of real poverty creating all sorts of difficulties within a family.

Each year our social work team offers families professional advice and ongoing help aimed at overcoming these difficulties. more...

Supporting Families going through distress or separation

Family breakdown can be one of the most distressing experiences for any child and one which can have long-term affects if help is not available. Our Children's and Family Counsellors provide a caring, confidential support service to hundreds of families each year and our Family Contact Centre is a neutral place where parents who no longer live with their children can come to spend time with them. more...

Counselling advice for young people

VSA's contribution to the growth of counselling services in Aberdeen continues and we are currently taking a lead role in the shaping and promotion of a city-wide strategy for the development of counselling services for children and young people.

Our Counsellor for Looked After Children provides a confidential counselling service to children who are 'looked after' in children's homes or foster care in the city, while our successful Student Counselling Service supports students at St Machar Academy. more...

Supporting children with additional support needs

We have a number of groups and services for children with disabilities who often miss out on the fun, freedom and social development that other children enjoy.

Our Development Officer helps to ensure children with special needs are supported to join in a range of mainstream activities according to their interests. more...

Christmas Children's Appeal

Every year we hold a special appeal to make sure that around 2,000 children in special need in the community receive a gift at Christmastime. more...

Every day, Aberdeen Children's Society helps children like:

Sophie, who is a quiet little girl with Cerebral Palsy. The Saturday Fun Club gives her the chance to enjoy a range of fun activities and play with children her own age.

Thomas, whose world was shattered when his parent's marriage broke down. While his parents are caught up with their own turbulent emotions our Children's Counsellor can take the time to listen to Thomas, helping him to deal with his distress.

Hannah, who with the help of Aberdeen Children's Society now has breakfast on the table and a warm jacket to go to school in, although her family are struggling to make ends meet following a redundancy.

Also see the following associated projects: