Specsavers Aberdeen closed its doors for an evening last week to host a special event for those experiencing homelessness. The event aimed to provide essential services, support, and a warm environment for individuals often overlooked during the festive season.
Dedicated staff members volunteered their time, ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere addressing specific eye and ear health needs, as well as overall well-being.
Services such as barbering, vaccinations, and food were provided on the night by several organisations that came together for the occasion.
Adam Fairley, retail director at Specsavers Aberdeen, says: ‘The team love being able to put this time aside to care for those that often miss out.
‘Every day, we improve people’s quality of life by helping them achieve better sight and hearing. Unfortunately, for the thousands of people that are experiencing homelessness in the UK, it can be incredibly difficult to get access to this care and it is very much a key tenet of our founding vision – to make expert care accessible to everyone, regardless of the circumstances they might find themselves in.
‘I would like to pass on my thanks to the people that came to help from organisations across the city – it is a delight to see what we can do when we work together.’
The event maintained an informal setting, allowing volunteers to engage in conversations, share food and drink, and provide signposting to relevant services. Attendees also had the opportunity to have a pair of glasses created on the night, tailored to their needs.
Specsavers founder, Dame Mary Perkins, recently advocated for greater access to vision care for the homeless community at parliamentary level. The store started this initiative in 2018, inspiring similar programs within the Specsavers group that were set up across the UK this month.
Specsavers Aberdeen extended gratitude to the following businesses for their support:
· Ruth at Aberdeen Cyrenians for organising for appointments for individuals.
· Kira from NHS Grampian Aberdeen City Vaccination Hub.
· Gavin from Windsor Barbering, located within Pink Lily Boutique.
· Fraser from the Sandwich Larder for donating 30 sandwiches.
· Primark Union Street for donating 20 sets of winter hats and gloves.