A group of dedicated Aberdeen volunteers are helping tackle food poverty, prevent social isolation and aid environmental causes through a series of community-driven projects.
The Middlefield Community Project, commonly known as The Hub, is focused on bringing people of all ages together at its base in the Henry Rae Community Centre.
The Hub is home to an array of clubs, including adult learning, parent and toddler, Men’s Hub (every Friday, 10am-12pm) and a youth group.
Project co-ordinator Helen Graham said: “The bottom line for me is that this is a caring project.
“It’s not just sitting in an office. You do have get out and speak to people, find out what’s happening in the community and let them feel a part of the community.”
“And it’s about saying ‘How can I help you today?’ Sometimes we might not be able to help, but maybe just a listening ear is enough for somebody.”
Focus on food poverty
The communal hotspot has dedicated recent years to reducing food poverty by donating food packages for all in need.
It’s estimated around 80-90 people benefit from the food bags – developed in partnership with Cfine.
Helen assures “fairshare is for everybody”, often asking anyone coming into the cafe if they want a bag.
She said: “They’re not all at the point where they’re starving. There are maybe other issues going on, so we find we’re actually giving families a little top up.
“Staff can do it too. It’s stuff that would’ve been wasted if it hadn’t been taken in.
“If we’re aware people are struggling, we have no problem. It has impacted on people’s lives.”
Formerly based at Manor Avenue, The Hub moved into a refurbished and expanded Henry Rae Community Centre in 2017. Facilities, such as a cafe and nurseries, were installed.
Helen said: “I always felt this area missed having a cafe. We’re between four areas – Marchburn, Cummings Park, Middlefield and Heathryfold – so being able to get this building together and develop everything has been a great opportunity.”
Promoting green-space strategies is another contribution The Hub is eager to make – and Helen credits “eco-hero” community worker Ron Bird as their environmental mastermind.
Sustainability is key for group
Keen cyclist Ron kickstarted a bike scheme last year for the community.
Parents, volunteers and residents can receive a free bike or have their own repaired through free workshops as part of the project.
It is hoped this will encourage people to be more active.
The community has shown a great response to this so far with a steady number of people taking part.
An application for solar panels has also been submitted to reduce energy consumption. However, Ron isn’t the only eco-warrior in the field.
Everyone does their part, whether it’s the kids taking the recycling through or teaching young people to understand.
Staff within the nurseries are very conscious of the impact they have on the area, and each other, as they work towards sustaining connectivity and positivity.
One worker said: “With the staff, we want to do whatever we can to support them and make their job easier, but we are just developing ourselves and trying to make ourselves a better place.”
Nurseries comprise council-funded and fee-paying spaces in addition to a MeToo service for eligible two-year-olds.
The staff member added: “The bond with the parents is so important because if we don’t have that we’re not going to know our families and get to work with these children.”
To get involved with or find out more about the clubs and groups offered, contact The Hub by telephone: 01224 697000, or by email: mcp@middlefield.org.uk
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