Welcome Letter

Throughout its 150-year history, VSA has faced a tumult of global challenges that exist outside the charity’s realm of influence – from war and pandemics to international recessions and societal change.

We have faced each and every one of them with the same vision in mind: to ensure the wider VSA family – residents, friends, supporters, families and staff alike – are as safe and secure as can be and that the services they need are provided to ensure they live their best of lives.

Leading the Board of Trustees and working with the executive leadership team of this inspiring charity has been both an honour and a privilege. My three year tenure as Chair came to an end in June 2022, and I am delighted to share with you that fellow trustee, Kevin Shand, was co-opted as Chair by the Board at our June meeting. Kevin’s appointment will be formalised at our AGM which is due to be held in October 2022.

The pandemic has proven that - together with the people who use our services, employees, volunteers, partners and stakeholders - we are strong, flexible and resilient. The Board of Trustees and I, are proud of everything we have achieved for vulnerable children and adults living across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and beyond.

This next year heralds the start of a new era; social care and the delivery of social care is changing. With the implementation of the Scottish Government’s National Care Bill and the way in which it is funded evolving, I believe the time is right to hand over to new leadership to take the organisation forward and ensure VSA continues to do whatever it takes for vulnerable children and adults who so desperately need our help and support.

The past 12 months have been no different and we remain absolutely true to our founding vision: to help those most in need who may not receive the care and support from others in society.

As we emerge out of the dark shadow of Coronavirus, we know there are still significant challenges ahead before this chapter in our history is complete.

However, there are huge positives to look forward to and we have some significant projects ahead that will ensure society’s most vulnerable people who require our help will receive the best care possible to ensure they live their best of lives. Whether the people are residents in our care homes or rely on our services at their own homes spread across the community, we are there to support them. Last year alone we provided 31,200 hours of care and support in people’s own homes.

Across all of our education, children, families, adult and community services we helped change the lives of over 11,700 people.

None of the life-changing work we do, would have been possible without the tireless dedication of our partners, supporters, volunteers, and of course our amazing colleagues across VSA; who together work tirelessly to advocate for and provide the best care, opportunities, environments and experiences people need to live a meaningful, happy and healthy life.

As ever we remain prepared for the challenges ahead and grateful for all the support and hard work of those who helped us navigate the stormy waters that we hope are now firmly behind us.

The work, of course, is never over; there is always a new obstacle to overcome, a new way to work to make life better for the VSA family and new financial challenges in our midst. But we remain resolute and focused. We are here to help people who need our help the most live the best of their lives now and in the future.