Empowering People with Dignity: Aberdeen Foyer’s Experience as a Cash First Trusted Partner

Over the course of the pilot, we have seen how the approach helps individuals feel empowered, supported and able to access wider services alongside immediate financial assistance.

A Straightforward, Respectful Process

Completing the Cash First referral form alongside service users has been a straightforward and well-structured process. The form itself is clearly laid out which helps reduce any confusion or anxiety for the service user during completion. Our team begin by explaining the purpose of the referral - emphasising that it's designed to help access financial support in a dignified and non-judgmental way. This helps build trust and encourages openness.

We take a collaborative approach, ensuring the service user feels fully involved and empowered. We go through each section together, discussing their current financial situation, income, expenses and any immediate needs, using plain language and checking for understanding especially when talking about sensitive topics like debt or benefits. Completing the form together not only streamlines the referral process but also strengthens the relationship between the service user and our service.

Overall, my experience, and that of our team at Aberdeen Foyer, has been that the Cash First referral process is efficient, respectful and user-friendly, and it aligns well with our values of advantaged thinking and trauma-informed practice.

Timely Crisis Support

In my experience, the timeliness of the funding approval process has generally been effective in meeting clients’ immediate needs.

Most referrals being processed within a timeframe that allows clients to access support before their situation worsens, which is particularly important when dealing with urgent issues such as food insecurity, fuel poverty or debt.

While occasional delays occur due to missing documentation, clients are kept informed and supported through alternative resources. Overall, the system is reliable and plays a crucial role in stabilising clients during periods of financial crisis.

Effective Decision-making

Panel meetings within the Cash First process provide a structured and collaborative environment to discuss complex cases in depth, ensuring that funding decisions are fair, consistent and responsive to the service user's needs.

One of the key strengths of the panel meetings is the opportunity they offer to engage directly with partners. This not only improves the quality of decision-making by drawing on a range of professional perspectives but also strengthens relationships across services.

The meetings also promote transparency and accountability, allow real-time clarification of issues and strengthen relationships across services.

Through regular dialogue, we have gained a deeper understanding of the roles and capacities of partner organisations, helping us make more informed referrals and better support service users.

Wrap-around Support

The assessment process is effective in identifying wrap-around support tailored to individual needs. Key strengths include a holistic approach considering financial, emotional, social and practical factors, collaborative input from staff and partner agencies, timely identification of needs and flexibility to adapt support as circumstances change.

Most recipients engage with at least one element of the recommended wrap-around support. Positive engagement is strongest when support is delivered by trusted partners or familiar staff. While some recipients face challenges such as low confidence or chaotic circumstances, there are clear success stories, particularly when multiple services work in tandem.

Reducing Reliance on Foodbanks

Cash First funding had a significant and measurable impact in reducing the need for foodbank support among those we referred. By providing direct financial assistance, individuals were empowered to make their own choices, which helped restore dignity and reduce reliance on emergency food provision. Feedback indicated that the ability to choose their own food improved mental wellbeing and reduced stigma.

The funding also enabled us to link individuals to wider services such as budgeting advice, employability programmes and housing support – further reducing long-term dependency on crisis services.

While foodbanks remain vital, Cash First has proven to be a more empowering and sustainable approach for many people we support.

Stronger Partnerships

The Cash First Network has improved partnership working and cross-sector communication. Weekly panel meetings bring together multiple agencies to discuss referrals, assess risk and agree on appropriate support. This has enhanced our ability to share safeguarding concerns, understand the wider context of a person’s situation and ensure that cash support is delivered safely and effectively.

Through the network, we have gained deeper insight into the range of services and resources available in Aberdeen, enabling more informed referrals and the integration of complementary services into our own support plans.

For example, when working with individuals facing financial hardship, we're now better equipped to connect them with services that address underlying issues such as debt, isolation or substance use rather than focusing solely on immediate financial relief.

Overall, the Cash First model has been a catalyst for deeper cross-sector understanding and has enriched our service delivery by making us more aware of the full spectrum of support available to the people we work with.

Looking Ahead

We hope to see the Cash First approach evolve into a sustainable, city-wide framework that:

• Secures long-term funding to allow continued delivery of cash-based support alongside wrap-around services.

• Expands eligibility to reach a broader range of individuals and families experiencing financial insecurity.

• Strengthens links to personal development and employability, supporting long-term stability.

• Continues to embed lived experience in service design, ensuring that those who have received support help shape future delivery.

• Influences wider policy and practice, demonstrating that cash-first approaches are effective, respectful and empowering.

Final Thoughts

Aberdeen Foyer would like to acknowledge the exceptional coordination and leadership provided by ACVO throughout the Cash First project. Their facilitation of panel meetings, clear communication and consistent oversight has enabled partners to work in a genuinely joined-up way. This coordination has fostered a culture of shared learning and mutual respect, where each organisation's expertise is valued and integrated into the wider support system.

The Cash First pilot has strengthened the infrastructure of support across Aberdeen, demonstrating that cash-first approaches can be delivered safely, ethically and with dignity. It has laid a strong foundation for a more integrated and compassionate support system.

The Foyer is committed to continuing this work and advocating for approaches that promote dignity, choice and opportunity for all.