Background and History

Pillar Kincardine was founded in 1989 as a result of the success of "Stepping Stones" and Pillar Aberdeen’s provision of social and leisure activities for people within the city (see note below).

• Within Aberdeenshire, little service existed beyond Community Psychiatric Nurses and 'generic' social workers
• It was felt that a service mirroring Pillar Aberdeen’s within a largely rural area with its attendant isolating effects would have similar benefits
• From a modest starting base of 16 hours' project worker time, Pillar rapidly made contact with service users over a considerable geographical area developing embryonic services in the Mearns, Portlethen, Stonehaven and Banchory areas

Pillar Kincardine has now developed to its current position employing 2 part-time project workers, a part-time admin worker and part-time service manager.

• Together with occasional relief workers, and assisted by volunteers, Pillar staff cater for members' varied needs in Kincardine and the Mearns
• Pillar no longer has a direct involvement in the provision of services to Banchory and Deeside

Pillar’s organisational structure has likewise altered over the years to meet changing demands:

• We are now a Charitable Company governed by our own Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Throughout the process of expansion and change Pillar has successfully supported members to become directly involved in the management of the organisation

 Note:  Pillar Aberdeen closed on 29 August 2010 consequent on Aberdeen City Council's withdrawal of funding.