Four Pillars faces an uncertain future after its premises were threatened with closure.
A charity which supports the north-east’s LGBT+ community has launched an urgent appeal after its premises were threatened with closure.
Four Pillars operates from its hub in Aberdeen Market, offering support and advice to over 100 people every month.
However, the market is now facing closure after operators The Market Village went into administration last week. The move comes after Aberdeen City Council approved plans to replace the market with offices and small retail space, meaning it is unlikely to be bought by a new owner.
Following the announcement, Four Pillars trustees held an emergency meeting in which they decided to seek new premises immediately. The charity is now appealing for emergency donations to help with the costs of a move.
Deejay Bullock, Four Pillars community relations manager, said: “As Covid-19 wreaks havoc across the globe, we have tried to adapt our services, as a local charity, to help those in need through the crisis and have been looking forward at the kind of support individuals will need in the future.
“As if things weren’t bad enough, we were informed on Friday that The Market Village has gone into administration. Aberdeen Market is our home, where over 100 people a month access our services. Over the past 14 months Four Pillars have put over £5,000 into the hub, making it look and feel comfortable, secure and safe for our clientele. We now need to find a new home and urgently”.
Rachael Beedie, the charity’s vice chair, added: “Whilst the board will be seeking funding to assist, we need community support to make this move happen. If we find a new premises, we will need to make it work for our community. This could mean adding fixtures and fittings to ensuring the building, wherever it is, is accessible and safe for everyone. That will take money, money as a small charity we do not have”.
Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can do so on the Four Pillars website or via the charity’s Virgin Giving page.
