Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

One year ago, three congregations in North Aberdeen took a bold step of faith together. Members from Aberdeen North Parish Church, Sheddocksley Baptist, and Northfield United Free joined hands to launch an Early Intervention Project—a school-based mentoring initiative that’s already transforming young lives and strengthening community bonds.

Last month, the churches gathered to celebrate the project’s first anniversary with a service led by Jo McIllwane, Church Relationships Lead for Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) in Scotland.

Speaking at the service, Jo shared her enthusiasm for the partnership and explained how TLG’s Early Intervention programme works, “It’s a school-based coaching or mentoring program, where we partner with a local church—or a group of churches—and gather a team of volunteers, led by a coordinator, to support one child for an hour each week over a year.”

That simple, consistent hour each week is proving powerful. The mentoring not only supports children but also encourages families, uplifts school staff, and builds bridges between churches and the wider community.

Jo added, “There’s a real ripple effect, coaches often get to know the teaching staff as well, bringing encouragement and hope throughout the school. It’s a way for churches to step in and make a practical difference where sadness and loneliness might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Among the volunteers is Annette Grieve, who admits she was nervous at first. “I wondered if I would connect with the child, but from the very beginning, there was a connection. Spending time together, doing crafts, sharing our lives—it’s been a joy for me. I’d encourage anyone with a heart for children to get involved.”

Her experience reflects the joy shared by many volunteers who have discovered how one small act of consistency can make a lasting difference.

From the outset, collaboration has been the heartbeat of the project. Kirsty Argile, Ministry Associate at Sheddocksley Baptist Church, reflected on how the partnership came to life, “We already had an established relationship, meeting regularly to pray. When the opportunity came through TLG mentoring to engage more deeply with the community, it felt like a natural fit. Three churches together can achieve so much more than one alone.”

Fiona Lister, Minister at Aberdeen North Parish Church, agreed, emphasising the joy of teamwork, “It’s been wonderful to strengthen bonds across congregations. The project doesn’t require a huge commitment from each individual, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. It’s a chance to create friendships and serve the community together.”

Andy Ellison, Minister at Northfield United Free Church and Chaplain at Northfield Academy, spoke of the bigger vision, “North Aberdeen has so many needs. As small congregations, we can feel overwhelmed, but by working together, we can support each other and make a real impact—showing our unity as a community of faith.”

As the Early Intervention Project celebrates its first anniversary, the churches of Aberdeen North are looking ahead with renewed hope. What began as a small act of faith has become a vibrant ministry of compassion—proof that when God’s people work together, communities are strengthened, and lives are changed.

Together, they’re demonstrating the love of Christ in action—one hour, one child, and one conversation at a time.