Aberdeen charity VSA has taken the next step in creating a new mental health facility in the city centre.
The facility, called Abergeldie House, will support 20 people residentially and an additional 40 people in their own homes through a mental wellbeing outreach service.
This newest milestone for the charity has taken a year to come to fruition, but the group has raised more than £2.4million of their £3.2million target.
Director of external relations, Jennifer Mitchell said: “Each person’s journey is unique and this centre will be excellently placed to help those who need it on their road to recovery.
“We are thrilled to be taking this first step and I think this is a recognition of all the hard work we have done to get here.
“With this new centre, we can only improve people’s lives for the better, so this is a significant day for mental health in the city and for the wider north-east.”
It is hoped that the amenity will be completed in late 2020 to coincide with the charity’s 150th birthday.
Ms Mitchell added: “We hope the new centre will serve as the foundation of this charity for the next 150 years.”
Founded in 1870, the charity has tried to support the north-east’s most vulnerable people throughout their lives.
Lord Provost Barney Crockett, who also serves as the president of VSA, said: “This is a fulfilling day for myself to see all the hard work over the past year come together and a great day for the city.
“This facility is going to give back to the community, who in turn have given so much to help this charity.
The charity, which has a highly regarded recovery model, aims to provide a personal experience which caters to individuals’ needs at the new Holburn Street location.
Chairwoman of the board of trustees, Maggie Wilson, said: “Abergeldie House will lead the way in mental health and we hope the city will follow.
“We have many projects coming up in the future that will help raise the additional funds we need, such as a trek up Kilimanjaro as part of our Changing Lives Campaign.”
