M&S Stoneywood

Mamacita Foundation is a Scottish registered charity based in Aberdeen, working to improve lives through the prevention and relief of poverty, the advancement of education and health, and the provision of recreational and wellbeing activities that help people thrive. We also support migrants, refugees, and disadvantaged individuals and families to integrate confidently into their host community. Our work includes practical guidance on employability, housing, and navigating life in the UK, alongside cultural orientation, social connection, family support, and a reliable food bank service for those experiencing hardship. At the heart of what we do is community. With the support and involvement of local people in Aberdeen, we run regular Pop-In Sessions twice a week alongside our food bank, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can connect, access support, and build meaningful relationships. These sessions encourage cultural understanding, social cohesion, and mutual support. We believe strong communities are built together, and that nobody should feel alone

2018 marks Aberdeen Cyrenians 50th year, meeting the needs of people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or affected by homelessness. What started off as a simple soup kitchen now provides a range of support services to over 1,500 people each year. While providing advice, support and information to address root causes and help people to sustain more permanent accommodation, we also ensure that their basic needs are met. We do this in a number of ways which includes providing food parcels and our Street Alternatives service which provides hot meals four times a week. Both of these services rely on donations from individiuals and organisations for fresh and long-life produce. Almost all of the food we have is donated and we simply could not provide the services without support from the local community.

I coordinate the collection and redistribution of surplus stock to sheltered housing residents, ensuring that good-quality food and essential items reach elderly and disabled individuals who benefit most from reduced living costs. By alleviating the financial pressure associated with everyday groceries, this initiative helps residents retain more of their income, directly enhancing their quality of life and overall wellbeing. Beyond the practical support, the programme has played a meaningful role in strengthening community cohesion within housing complexes. Regular redistribution efforts have supported resident-led activities such as coffee mornings, enabling groups to come together, socialise, and collectively raise funds for outings and shared experiences. Donations have also contributed to the improvement of communal outdoor spaces, with residents using supplied plants and materials to beautify their environment. As a result, the initiative has fostered a strong sense of community spirit, pride, and mutual support among residents.