A family podiatry business has teamed up with an Aberdeen charity to help homeless and vulnerable people in the city.
The Shand Practice will offer regular free footcare sessions at the Aberdeen Cyrenians base on Summer Street, starting later this month.
It is hoped the initiative will help those unable to arrange care at a GP surgery or hospital and, in part, get them back on their feet.
The organisation is also looking for donations of old shoes, trainers and boots which will be cleaned and sanitised then handed out to those in need.
Scott Shand, who owns the podiatry firm opened by his grandfather in 1938, said: “I’ve been inspired by a similar private practice initiative successfully launched in Worcester in 2013 called Forgotten Feet.
“However, this is the first time we have been involved in a project like this in the north of Scotland and we’re hoping it will make a difference to those most in need.”
Mr Shand’s business will provide the free clinic every six weeks with the first to be held from 12-2pm on Saturday, October 20.
It is planned to run until at least March 2019.
Three members of staff from The Shand Practice have signed up to help, while a further five from elsewhere in the city are also on the rota.
Mr Shand added: “There’s a support framework in place at Cyrenians and that’s an important factor as people affected by homelessness engaging with the charity know the people involved and are comfortable with the location.
“We’re bringing foot healthcare directly to them, in a familiar setting.”
Chloe Bartlett, volunteer co-ordinator at Aberdeen Cyrenians, said: “We’re delighted The Shand Practice stepped forward to offer podiatry care and handle the collection of much-needed footwear.
“In addition, we appreciate the support of other local podiatrists also giving up their time.
“It can be difficult for some people affected by homelessness to arrange hospital care, so bringing support to us at our Street Alternatives service means the people we work with are comfortable in this environment.”
Footwear for the cause can be dropped off at The Shand Practice’s workshop at Altens Mini Units off Souter Head Road between 9am and 4pm on October 27 and November 10.
