Two Aberdeen-based charities have announced their intention to work together in the future either by collaboration, shared resources or through merger.

Social care charity VSA and homelessness charity Aberdeen Foyer began discussing the possibilities for joining forces very recently, a spokesman for VSA advised. Speaking with civilsociety.co.uk he said that it is early days, but a potential merger is being considered.

VSA, with an income of over £14.5m is more than three times the size of Foyer, with an income of £4.3m. Both rely heavily on government funding. While the charities have different remits, their services do overlap in some areas, both offering training services, for example, and working with the most vulnerable. And they have long brushed shoulders as members of the Aberdeen Council for Voluntary Organisations. The spokesman advised, "There is much enthusiasm for the venture but it does need the board of both organisations to be satisfied it will work in the interests of both the VSA and the Foyer."

Potential outcomes of discussions include the utilisation of Foyer’s design department by VSA, or of VSA’s minibus by Foyer.  

VSA and Foyer’s respective CEOs Kenneth Simpson and Ken Milroy said in a joint statement: “We are considering bringing our two charities closer together. Both VSA and Foyer have excellent track records and our plans will further enhance and strengthen the provision of tailored services to meet the needs of local people.”

Negotiations are expected to take a number of months before a decision is proposed.