Excitement and anticipation filled the air last night at the meeting in Peterhead

The Corps and The Shield Project stated their commitment to each other by resigning a covenant they first signed almost 3 years ago. Working together, the corps and the Shield Project are at the heart of the community in Peterhead, where they have formed a bond that many people benefit from.

The Shield Project helps people at risk of losing their tenancy by offering support with addiction, budgeting and other issues. It works across Aberdeenshire Council – the largest local authority area in Scotland – and project workers support men and women in a number of small, isolated communities.

Service users can also access a drop-in service at the local Salvation Army church on Windmil Street, where Majors Brawell and Irene Williams are working to tackle isolation and signpost people to other agencies for additional support.

Speaking at the event to recognise the renewal of the covenant, Andrew McCall, regional homelessness manager for The Salvation Army’s, said: “We’re delighted to be able to renew the partnership between our church in Peterhead and our fantastic Shield Project.

“The Salvation Army’s work in Peterhead and the surrounding communities is designed to transform our service users’ live for the better. I’m looking forward to seeing more and more fruits of this partnership.”

Major Fiona Sayer, Manager The Shield Project, set the theme for the evening, 'Seeing the Person not the Label'. The Shield Project helps people with many complex problems, however the energy and commitment from members of the Corps has proved a real success in helping people sustain their recovery and feel part of a community with care for each other as the main aim.

Major Fiona Partland, North Scotland's Divisional Director for Evangelism invited soldiers from Peterhead Corps, led by CO Major Bram Williams to sign the covenant. Representing Homelessness Services, was Mr Andrew McCall Regional Manager for Scotland. Friends and soldiers from neighbouring Fraserburgh Corps also attended the evening.