Help us to offer a sense of belonging this spring
We are committed to our mission of ending homelessness in Scotland, one person at a time.
This Spring, we asked Wande if he would share his own story, in his own words, to reflect the specific ways in which Bethany’s support transformed his life and helped give him a sense of purpose and belonging.
Donating to our Spring Appeal helps bring more stories like Wande’s to life. Join the mission today. Everyone belongs.
Wande's Story
I first came to Bethany Christian Trust in October 2022. I came for help. I was homeless, with no means of income.
I went down to Bethany’s Toastie Club [in Aberdeen] and they gave me a food voucher and invited me to join the group.
At that time, I was working through the recovery journey from misuse of alcohol, drugs and all of that, and I needed positive influence around me. I needed to feel like I belonged.
The first step was to get away from the trouble. The next step was putting the right people around myself. You can’t do that on your own. One of the benefits of the Toastie Club was that sense of community – everyone belongs there.
It wasn’t just people who were struggling, but people who had their lives together and people who had already recovered. I loved that sense of family.
I recovered from my drug use, but I stayed for the community. I went from being homeless – without friends and family – to finding belonging, being connected to a church, and connected to a family. Now, two-and-a-half years later, I am married and we are expecting a child.
I’m now a volunteer, supporting people who are going through similar experiences to my own. I feel like it is important for me to give back; there are many people in Aberdeen and across the country who are still struggling.
We need your support to help us bring people into that feeling of belonging and connection. Donate to Bethany to help people on that journey of transformation.
Thank you,
Wande
Twenty five pounds
…could help to provide fresh linen, towels and toiletries for a new resident in our services
One hundred and fifty pounds
…could help cover the cost of one person attending the 45 sessions of Bridge to Freedom
Below are just some examples of the life-saving services we provide for people facing homelessness or people vulnerable to the issues surrounding homelessness:
Anne Hope House
Residential community for women who are homeless, offering accommodation with personalised support. The residents operate as a community where everyone plays a part, all working together towards a life of recovery.
Toastie Club
Social lunchtime drop-in for people in Aberdeen – whether they are homeless, have been homeless or are feeling lonely and want a bite to eat, everyone belongs at the Toastie Club.
Bridge to Freedom
Christian recovery programme operated across Scotland which includes both group and one-to-one sessions, supporting people to make positive life changes and journey towards recovery.
Over 30 services, from Dumfries to Aberdeen...
Our services provide high quality, personalised support, giving relief in time of crisis and enabling people to flourish in their local community. We support over 7,000 people a year with over 30 different services across Scoland. Whether someone is at risk of losing their home, in recovery or already out on the streets, Bethany will be there to help.
Find out more about our range of services.
