Voluntary Service Aberdeen

Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) Since the charity was first established in 1870, Aberdeen Association of Social Services (more commonly known as VSA) has helped thousands of the most vulnerable people and their families living in communities across the North East of Scotland. The charity now led by Dr. Kenneth Simpson, BA BSc MPA (Hon) DBA CMgr FCMI FIoD FRSA, today provides vital support and services to people of all ages across four core areas: Children and Families, Adult and Community, Education and Learning, and Carers Support. VSA support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing through a range of residential and outreach support services. VSA employs over 500 staff and has a turnover of over £15 million.[1] Formed in 1870, VSA is one of the oldest social care charities in Scotland. The charity is made up of the merger of seven local charities over the previous century.[2]

Voluntary Service Aberdeen
Former VSA shop near to Aberdeen, Scotland taken in 2010.
AbbreviationVSA
Formation10 March 1870 (1870-03-10)
Legal statusCharity
PurposeSocial care services
Headquarters38 Castle Street
Location
LeaderDr. Kenneth Simpson
Staff
700+
Websitewww.vsa.org.uk
Formerly called
  • Aberdeen Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (1870–1947)
  • Aberdeen Association of Social Service (1947–1979)

Social Care Services

VSA runs a number of projects that provide services across the UK.

Linn Moor school is a nationally renowned school for children with special needs, specialising in using the TEACCH methodology for caring for children with autism.[3] The charity provide school-based counselling to support young people’s mental wellbeing, and provide a range of services that support children with complex and additional support needs. Linn Moor School which is run by the charity is a nationally renowned school for children with special needs.

They provide support to adults and older people, some further challenged by dementia, poor mental health or learning disability. The charity also support people on their journey to recovery from addiction. Across these services, provide care homes, housing with support, outreach, day care, carers support and activity centres...[4][5]

History

VSA was formed on 10 March 1870 as Aberdeen Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor.[6] In 1899 the charity moved its offices to 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen where it remains today.

The charity changed its name to Aberdeen Association of Social Service in 1947, and this remains its legal title. The charity traded as Voluntary Service Aberdeen from 1979 until 2006 when the title VSA was adopted. During its history the charity has been involved in the formation of several other organisations, including Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau, Aberdeen Children's Welfare Council, the Charities Aid Scheme, Easter Anguston Farm Training Scheme, Aberdeen Volunteer Bureau, and the Aberdeen Carers Centre.

References
  1. "Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)". 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
  2. "VSA Website - About Us". 2007. Archived from the original on 23 July 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
  3. "Scottish Council of Independent Schools". 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
  4. "Aberdeen City Council". 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
  5. "Scottish Executive". 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
  6. "History of VSA". 2007. Archived from the original on 2 July 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.


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