What's your favourite film?

For Annie, a film that always makes her cry is It’s a Wonderful Life. She once saw it with a group of staff and friends from Aberdeen Foyer, and after they watched it, she had to take a moment outside to compose herself. It had reminded her of so many of the challenges in her life - and of just how far she had come.

When we first met Annie she was really struggling with many aspects of her life. Issues with managing debt, mental health challenges, an abusive partner and a multitude of childhood and adult traumas meant she felt lost and lonely, and she didn’t know where to turn. So she turned to alcohol - bit by bit, then every day.

Often, people in Annie’s situation have at least some contact with community support like social workers, but Annie had found it hard to keep appointments and so could not build any supportive relationships.

Thankfully, someone told Annie about Aberdeen Foyer, promising that we could help, and she found the courage to come and see us.

At that first meeting, we took Annie into a quiet room, shared a hot drink and listened to her speak about her situation. She was fascinating to get to know - and since that day we’ve had many really interesting conversations.

We worked with Annie to make sure the basics were covered - that she had heaters, warm clothes and food. But our work goes well beyond the basics.

When we got to know Annie, we discovered just how caring and kind she is - and how much she enjoys supporting others. She’s a natural caregiver, and spending time looking after people nourishes her. She started working in our allotment and kitchen. She loves picking the veg and sharing them around town, and in the kitchen she really enjoys feeding other folk. Working in our spaces did more than fill her days - it gave her a sense of self-worth, for perhaps the first time in her life. By helping others she was finally able to accept that she, too, needed help and support.

Annie is now in a much better place - she’s holding down a volunteering role that she loves, which gives her life purpose and meaning. And she is now the person telling others who need help: the Foyer will help you. She’s using her enormous heart and making a difference for others every day

Will you help the next Annie who walks through our door change their life too?