Inspiring Futures

Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) was established in 2014 to provide support and opportunity to change lives for the better.

It works with people of all ages and backgrounds to maximise the potential of our communities and to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Using the power of football and the passion for AFC, the Trust has a unique approach which fosters engagement and enthusiasm among participants. From its work in schools to the provision of football coaching, camps and festivals, management of football leagues and community initiatives including dementia friendly active ageing programmes, the Trust enriches lives across the North-east of Scotland.

It provides a supported pathway for young people through its work in its partner primary schools, City and Shire academies, youth ambassador programme, volunteering opportunities and employability projects amongst other community offerings. AFCCT currently works in 10 academies and 17 primary schools supporting some of the most vulnerable and disengaged young people to help close the poverty-related attainment gap.

AFCCT began working in schools delivering before and after school activity - Breakfast Clubs and Footy Teas. The impact was huge and it was quickly identified by young people, families, school and Trust staff that using AFCCT was a great vehicle for improving learning and delivering key health and wellbeing messages.

AFCCT’s focus on mental health through the MINDSET programme is a direct response to the needs of the community in the last few years. Listening and adapting to community needs continues to strengthen its school relationships.

Across schools, year on year, there is improved attendance, reduced lateness, improved wellbeing and improved engagement.

CFINE (Community Food Initiatives North East) is a charity and social enterprise which provides access to a range of support services for families and individuals experiencing financial hardship.

Based in the North-east of Scotland, CFINE improves health and well-being and the environment, tackles poverty and builds resilience for and with disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, families and communities. It is also the FareShare Regional Centre for Grampian, Highlands & Islands, redistributing in-date surplus goods from the food industry to charities and organisations.

In the past 12 months, CFINE has supported around 27,000 individuals with access to emergency food and additional support services which work towards tackling the underlying causes of poverty.

This has included welfare, financial and budgeting support via its in-house SAFE Team (Support Advice Finance Education); cooking on a budget through its community training kitchen; skills development and employability support including work experience and volunteering opportunities involving 281 volunteers; redistribution of 2.1million meals in 2021 via FareShare; health and wellbeing support including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); and engagement and support of those within the criminal justice system.

CFINE identifies and develops the strengths of its beneficiaries/volunteers, individually and collectively, and builds on these. It recognises the importance and experience within the communities from which the volunteers come, largely disadvantaged, vulnerable geographical or interest communities. It establishes relationships with local community groups, centres, churches and schools to work together to provide coherent, effective support for each individual because without the support of its volunteers CFINE would cease to operate.

A pre-release course focuses on the fundamental areas of support required in preparation for release from prison including financial inclusion, housing support, health and wellbeing, employability, preparing for liberation and adjusting to life outside. Sessions are held nearing release, and evidence shows that this has reduced the likelihood of reoffending.