ACVO News Feb 24th 2021

ACVO NEWS

NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR

CARE DAY 2021 the world’s largest celebration of the rights of children and young people with care experience (p10)

U DECIDE Participatory Budgeting in the 'Tillywoodsea' locality (p 14)

CRISIS IN THE AEGEAN What can we in Aberdeen do to help? (p 20)

FEB 24 | 2021

PLUS ALL THE LATEST FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR AND BEYOND

acvo.org.uk

Cover picture taken at Marischal College on feb 19th 2021

by Jo Muir instagram.com/jo_muir_artist

ACVO News 3 Feb 24 2021

CONTENTS

12 International Women's Day 2021 - events from RGU and the University of Aberdeen

18 Adam Parry - 'A Stranger Leaves' - debut novel from Aberdeen author

20 Crisis in the Aegean: Opinion piece from Dale Kitching of Aberdeen Must Act

4 ACVO Updates Find out what's been going on with our team here at ACVO 6 News from you and other networks 24 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 26 Funding Opportunities, updates and news from and for the 3rd sector 28 Health and social care updates Updates from ACVO and our health and social care partner organisations

14 U DECIDE Participatory Budgeting Watch the films from the Tillywoodsea Locality Zone 3 Participatory Budgeting applicants.

Not on the mailing list to receive ACVO News Direct to your inbox every fortnight? Sign up here.

30 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond 33 Consultations, Reports & Surveys Read the latest reports and make a difference by contributing to surveys that shape and inform the third sector

Scottish Charity No: SC036845

ACVO UPDATES

ACVO News 4 Feb 24 2021

ACVO Updates The latest from our team.

'If Not Now, When?'

ACVO Response to the Scottish Government's Social Renewal Advisory Report

L

ate January saw the publication of ‘If not now, when?, a report from the Social Renewal Advisory Board. The board was established in June 2020 by the Scottish Government to consider Scotland’s social renewal in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The report as a whole is call to action and sets out the suggested steps we, as a country, need to follow to ensure that we don’t just ‘build back better’ but “see a genuinely renewed Scotland, one that proactively addresses the structural inequalities that have been in place for decades”.

The document details 20 ‘calls to action’ which work towards creating sustainable, resilient and vibrant communities including; a commitment to a minimum income guarantee for all as a long-term aim; the development of an approach to anti-poverty work, including personal debt, that is designed around the needs of the individual; a focus on building more resilient, fairer, healthier and stronger communities and places; a further shifting of the balance of power so individuals and communities have more control over decisions that affect their lives; the setting of a target to end digital exclusion in the next parliamentary term as well as other recommendations which will help to ensure “public and community services, organisations and businesses

come together to respond with a spirit of collaboration, resilience, creativity and compassion”.

As with the TSI Network Manifesto before it, ‘If not now, when?’ acknowledges the significant role played in response to the pandemic from the third sector. The exceptional collective response from the voluntary sector has been recognised within the report with praise for the “countless stories of people going above and beyond” to help feed families, deliver medicines, alleviate isolation, to save lives and to protect communities".

The covid crisis not only shone a light on the importance of the work of the third sector but also on structural inequalities, poverty and disadvantage and the disproportionate impact the pandemic had on different people and communities.

Through conducting in-depth research across Scotland with a focus on a wide demographic of people, the report builds picture of the current situation, concluding that the responsive action taken by organisations and individuals should serve as a blueprint for what can be achieved to better serve the people of Scotland going forward and that steps should be taken to ensure this receives the support it needs to realise it.

With a focus on supporting and facilitating communities to make the

choices that benefit them directly, and to build upon what worked well during the pandemic, ACVO, Aberdeen’s TSI (Third Sector Interface) welcomes the report and join the Social Renewal Advisory Board in the push toward a fairer and more equal society. We remain committed to Aberdeen’s third sector and to working in partnership to ensure that underrepresented voices can be heard and that barriers of exclusion are removed.

The report looks towards Scotland’s future with genuine ambition and hope. If acted upon, the 20 calls to action will help us realise Scotland as a place where “individuals and families, public and community services, organisations and businesses can work together with a spirit of collaboration, resilience, creativity and compassion” and ensure that the interests of all our citizens are considered, essential services of support and inclusion are delivered appropriately and that the rights of all are protected.

Read ‘If not now, when?’, the report from the Social Renewal Advisory Board here.

News 5 ACVO Feb 24 2021

ACVO UPDATES

The ACVO Governance Update with Sandy Mathers

ACVO Development Officer Sandy Mathers writes regularly for ACVO News on Governance matters.

If you have a topic related to Governance you’d like Sandy to cover in ACVO News, please get in touch!

VOSCR Deadline News

Update to Disclosure Legislation

During the Covid period the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) gave an extra nine months grace period for charities to lodge their accounts. This grace period extended a charity’s annual return deadline by an additional 9 months when their deadline date fell between 01 March 2020 and 31 March 2021.

This extension will not be continued and charities with an accounting period end date of the 1st April 2021 or later should plan on submitting accounts within the normal nine months period.

The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 has received royal assent and will be commenced later this year. A handy guide to the changes can be found here No date has been set for commencement. As soon as this appears we will update you. Among the changes; PVG Scheme membership will be mandatory for certain Regulated Roles, Scheme membership will be for five years and then be renewable.

Remote AGMs and Meetings

Committee Skills

Most (though not all ) Third Sector organisations are now using remote software of various kinds for Board meetings and AGMs. The big two are Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Both have pros and cons. There are also many other options. Please let us know your experiences. What’s your favourite?

What’s the easiest to use?

OSCRs updated guidance on remote meetings for charities can be found here Many organisations are thinking of updating their constitutions to proactively allow remote meetings as an option. If you are considering this, please contact Sandy by email at sandy.mathers@acvo.org.uk

Essentially a committee has one job. To make decisions. To make it even easier, there are only three decisions a committee can make; Yes, we will do something; No, we won’t do something, or; We need to find out more before we can say Yes or No. Helping us to arrive at these decisions is what it says in our constitution. Every decision we make should essentially be furthering the purposes directly or indirectly.

Decisions can be made by committees but they need people to act on them. Unless your organisation has paid staff, chances are you’ll be carrying out decisions among yourselves. If you want to know more about this or to source training for your committee members, contact Sandy direct on sandy.mathers@acvo.org.uk.

See you in the issue. Anything you’d like me to cover let me know.

Cheers, Sandy

Life Changes Trust New Year, New Ambition Award funding for Care Experienced Young People The fund is to support a personal development ambition and is provided from the Life Changes Trust, match funded by Aberdeen City Council and managed by ACVO in collaboration with Aberdeen’s Champion’s Board.

Young people can apply if they answer yes to the following questions: I live in Aberdeen City; I am aged 1218 years old; I have at least three months of care experience (the care experience can be current or in the past); I have a Support Worker who can help me plan the funding.

Opportunities are now open for individual grants of up to £1500 for Young People Aged 12-18 years old who have at least three months of care experience.

By 'care experience' we refer to young people who have experience of the following: Looked after at Home, Foster Care, Residential Care, Secure Care, and Looked After through Kinship Care.

We are particularly looking for applications from those Looked After at Home or in Kinship Care.

The funding aims to enable applicants to fulfil an ambition that may require funding or to support the young person’s development opportunities.

The fund is open for applications from 22nd February until 19th March 2021. More details about the fund and how to apply can be found here.

ACVO News 6 Feb 24 2021

NEWS

News from you and other networks

The Promise Partnership Up to £50k investments creating capacity in the ‘care system’ to #KeepThePromise Corra Foundation

The Promise was published in February 2020, demanding change across the ‘care system’ in Scotland.

The Promise Partnership - an investment of £4m from The Scottish Government, administered by Corra Foundation - will help organisations #KeepThePromise, bring about this change and ensure children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected.

Funding of up to £50,000 will be available to help organisations create capacity, adapt approaches and work towards cultural shifts and collaboration across the ‘care system’.

These changes must reflect what is important to care experienced children, young people and families.

The Promise Partnership is looking to support organisations that have committed to #KeepThePromise and are focused on bringing about change.

Applications can be received from local authorities and across the public sector as well as the third and private sectors.

What can be funded?

This investment is about infrastructure change, which can include rethinking your services, but it is not a fund for ongoing or new service delivery.

The Promise Partnership investment is flexible, but funds should enable organisations to drive forward or implement system change plans in-line with The Promise.

How to apply

Visit corra.scot for more information including criteria or email promisepartnership@corra.scot.

Closing date for the open call route is 1st March 2021.

News 7 ACVO Feb 24 2021

NEWS

Grampian Autistic Society ACVO Updates Sensory Gifts are a Winner!

The to latest from our Thanks the generosity of team. local people, all the children and young people who attend Grampian Autistic Society’s (GAS) Playscheme recently received their Christmas gifts as a result of the charity’s Christmas Gift Appeal.

Each year, the charity holds a Christmas party for everyone in the Playscheme but due to COVID-19 they were unable to have this annual gathering so a fundraising appeal for Christmas Gifts was launched instead.

“Buying a toy or gift for a child or young person on the autism spectrum can be difficult so this year, due to the ever-changing world we are living in no school, no clubs and no favourite activities - we chose to purchase Sensory Toys. These toys can be surprisingly effective at calming and soothing which is extremely helpful

when routine as we know it has all but disappeared.” said Pearl Begbie, GAS Service Manager.

Puffer balls, Waterfall Tubes, Chewy Necklaces and Bubble Blower Frogs were among the gifts that were given to children and young people, all of whom were absolutely delighted with their Christmas Gifts – even if they were a few weeks late!

Grampian Autistic Society provides support for those with Autism throughout Grampian – if you or someone you know needs support please call on 01224 277900 or email admin@gramipanautisticsociety.co.uk

Dunelm is helping deliver kindness to Aberdeen communities with their ‘Delivering Kindness’ campaign and they need your help.

Following on from the success of their ‘Delivering Joy’ Christmas programme, where they delivered shoeboxes with gifts and essentials to primary schools and care homes throughout the city, the staff at Dunelm Aberdeen wanted to find ways to continue to support vulnerable or lonely people during the lockdown.

The campaign is split in two phases with the second due to commence when the store reopens.

Within phase one, the campaign addresses 3 key areas; Bring a Blanket, Feed a family and Cards for kindness.

Carly Stott, GAS Playscheme Supervisor explained, “All the toys that have been gifted help the children and young people to relax, focus and keep calm, which in turn helps them to develop social learning skills, keeping their brains stimulated and their coordination enhanced.

None of this would have been possible without the wonderful generosity of the Grampian public and we just can’t thank them enough.”

Aaron (above) and Jayden (L) with their gifts from Grampian Autistic Society.

Dunelm Delivers Kindness to Aberdeen Marc Johnson, Deputy Store Manager and Community Champion at Dunelm Aberdeen said: “With bring a blanket, we have partnered with local charities Aberdeen Cyrenians and Street Friends Aberdeen. We are asking our community members when they do their essential shop to purchase either a blanket/throw/quilt or pillow and drop off at our store to donate. Alternatively they can place a click and collect order on www.dunelm.com where we would collect on their behalf and donate the item.

"We are also running the ‘Feed a Family’ initiative where we will have a trolley set up at our click and collect collection point where again when

customers collect any orders they have to they can donate food items which we will be donating to food banks in the city.”

Cards for Kindness sees members of their Facebook community page encourage their children to write letters or draw pictures which Marc says will be sent to residents in partnered care homes.

“We have a printable copy on our community Facebook page to download. Our members then send it to us as a photo which we download and print for so we can deliver them.

It’s a really nice way for people to connect and to make people in our communities feel less isolated” Find out more at the Dunelm Aberdeen Community Support page

NEWS

ACVO News 8 Feb 24 2021

Mindfulness New Facebook Monday’s now Support Group from taking place each The Salvation Army month on Zoom

The Salvation Army drug and alcohol support service at the Aberdeen Citadel has launched a new online community support group.

Started by Ronnie Boyle, Drug and Alcohol Support Worker at the organisation, the new group is a response to the social distancing restrictions put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ronnie said “Since the coronavirus hit, my support model has had to change many times and required me to reassess the best way to keep it going.

Before the first lockdown, I ran the ‘Manna Café’ every Friday where volunteers and people I supported could gain valuable work experience.

This has since stopped and been closed for a year now. We had a walking group too but with the recent changes to regulations this also had to stop.

“I had to come up with something different so decided to start a Facebook page called 'Support at Hand'. Since many people already use Facebook I thought it would be a great way to connect with the community and would mean people could get support without having to wait for a phone call or direct contact.

"The aim is to reach clients I already work with but also new people looking for help or advice.

“I also offer a free support service for individuals with gambling problems.

Lockdown has had a significant impact on people’s lives and employment with many turning to gambling, drugs or alcohol to cope with the ongoing stress” Find out more at the Support at Hand Facebook group or contact Ronnie on 0751 0136 235 or email ronnie.boyle@salvationarmy.org.uk

Training Event: Brexit - Implications forHuman homeless EEA nationals Rights lawyers, Justright This training is aimed at frontline

Scotland and Shelter Scotland’s Migrant Destitution Project are pleased to offer free training on the implications of Brexit for homeless EEA nationals.

The aim of this training is to provide participants with an overview of the relevant changes to immigration law and homelessness law with a view to helping you better advise and support your clients.

advice and support staff working with homeless EEA nationals across the 3rd sector.

This will be a zoom event and takes place Thursday 4th March 2021, 2 - 4pm.

If you would like to attend this event, please register by emailing trainingscotland@shelter.org.uk by no later than 4pm on 25th February 2021.

It’s never been more important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing, and with a little practice, calmness and peacefulness can be within the grasp of us all.

Following the success of Mindfulness Mondays at the Health Village in Aberdeen, the Varapunya Meditation Centre are delighted to announce that the sessions are now available on Zoom.

The focus of Mindfulness Monday will be to help people learn mindfulness techniques to help cope with some of challenges that have been caused by the Corona Virus, including isolation, stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness Monday will take place on the last Monday of each month at 12.30pm.

You do not need to have experience of Mindfulness to join in, the sessions are open to everyone and are free of charge.

“The Zoom guided mindfulness meditations help settle my busy mind and I leave the session feeling calm, with a clearer sense of purpose and focus. It helps me feel connected to others and reminds me that this time will pass, a real boost to my emotional resilience.”

For further information please email meditationatvmc@gmail.com or visit the website at varapunyabuddhistsociety.org/news/ You can also find out further information by following Varapunya Mediation Centre on Facebook.

News 9 ACVO Feb 24 2021

A

s a new YouGov survey reveals over half of parents of under 5s are struggling to cope Home-Start Aberdeen has launched a ‘Healthy Minds’ campaign in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable families with young children living in Aberdeen.

The charity, which provides crucial help for struggling young families, has been responding to the growing need for emotional support. Throughout the pandemic and series of widespread lockdowns it has witnessed the growing challenges and isolation for many parents with young children and the impact this is having on families’ wellbeing.

It has now launched a ‘Healthy Minds’ campaign with the aim to raise awareness and funds so they can help more parents in need of help to deal with challenges they face.

Since the start of the pandemic the charity expanded one of its projects, a weekly group called Rising Stars, which focuses on encouraging social interaction, learning and development for children and their parents.

In response to the requested needs from parents the charity started operating a further evening group – Evening Stars – directly for parents.

Meeting online it provides them with a safe place to share experiences, concerns, anxieties and get support and reassurance from experienced volunteers and other parents.

Over the next three months the charity plans to shine a light on mental health, sharing supportive resources, hosting online events and encouraging people to donate or get involved in fundraising activities linked to maintaining a healthy mind.

Funds raised will help the charity to continue and expand its Evening Stars project which is providing vital help to tackle mental health, anxiety, and isolation for parents.

NEWS

Family support charity launches ‘healthy minds’ campaign

Becca Lilley and her son Alfie

“Parental wellbeing is paramount in order to support our children.

Coronavirus has hit these families particularly hard, putting their mental health under immense strain. It’s now more important than ever that we can provide vital emotional support to parents to avoid burnout and breakdown.” said Eleanor McEwan, general manager.

Research published at the end of last year in connection with The Duchess of Cambridge’s 5 Big Questions highlighted that parental loneliness has dramatically increased during the pandemic from 38% before to 63%, as parents have been cut off from friends and family.

The increase in loneliness for parents is more apparent in the most deprived areas. Compounding this, it seems there has been a rise in the proportion of parents who feel uncomfortable seeking help for how they are feeling from 18% before the pandemic to 34% during it.

One mum who attends the HomeStart Evening Stars group said: “Honestly, at the start [of the lockdown] I was so depressed. I was stuck at home, not working, dealing with the terrible twos – it was a complete nightmare.

This group has been my lifeline.”

Another mum in Aberdeen, Becca Lilley, who lives with her 3 year-old son said: “The lockdowns and isolation from friends, family and getting out and about for our usual routines has been really hard on my mental health. It’s been horrible and terribly hard at times, but Home-Start has really been a lifeline to Alfie and I during this time.

No-one should be ashamed to ask for help.”

The charity will announce events and share activities on its website and social media channels over the coming weeks as well as having launched a JustGiving campaign appeal for donations. For more information visit homestartaberden.org.uk

NEWS

ACVO News 10 Feb 24 2021

#CareDay21 in Aberdeen

Aberdeen contributed to the national series of events in celebration of Care Day by illuminating Marischal College last Friday (19th February 2021.)

Care Day, the world’s largest celebration of the rights of children and young people with care experience, was first celebrated in Scotland in 2015 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill 2014.

Passed by the Scottish parliament with unanimous support, the Bill introduced provisions to strengthen and better support young people and marks one of the most significant legislative changes for the Care Experienced community in recent history.

Due to the different and varied ways we are all working at the moment, Aberdeen City Council were unable to offer an event similar to the one they ran in February 2020, where they hosted a full day of events in Westburn which was attended by over 100 CEYP, carers and colleagues.

The primary focus at this time was on highlighting the publication of the promise.

Have a look at thepromise.scot/keep-the-promise for a reminder of the journey of the last 12 months!

Jo Muir

Appointment of Members to North East Scotland College Regional Board North East Scotland College (NESCol) is inviting applications to join their Regional Board to help shape plans for the delivery of College education in the North East of Scotland.

NESCol is integral to realising the economic ambitions of our region, anchored in the City and Aberdeenshire with a commitment to shaping the workforce of the future.

The College is proud of its long history in serving our traditional industries and excited by the opportunities presented by new and emerging sectors.

The Regional Board is responsible for

overseeing the business of the College, determining its strategic direction and fostering a safe environment for learners.

Board Members come from all walks of life and from across the Region, contributing their expertise, skills and knowledge together with a broad range of vocational and industry experience.

The Regional Board provides the critical foundation for the next phase of the College’s development in response to the longer term impacts of the current pandemic.

Board Members have a vital part to play in enhancing the experience and

outcomes of their students as well as driving significant social and economic contributions to the communities and employers the College serves throughout the North East.

The post is voluntary and nonremunerated, however relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

The application form and further information on the role and the benefits of being a Board Member is available at nescol.ac.uk/board-appointment For further information or an informal conversation about the role and application process, contact Pauline May, Secretary to the Board: p.may@nescol.ac.uk / 01224 612025.

News 11 ACVO Feb 24 2021

NEWS

Free Counselling Low Emission Zone Support Fund Service from The University of Aberdeen The University of Aberdeen is offering a new free counselling service provided by the person-centred service based at ‘The Bounds’ counselling and research centre.

People can self refer to the service by making email contact or can be referred through a GP or other professional. The centre will then make contact to arrange an assessment appointment and to provide more information about the service.

Sessions will last for 50 minutes and take place at the same time each week.

For the time being they will be conducted over Microsoft Teams with the hope of providing face-to-face counselling on campus in April or May, once restrictions have been lifted.

The aim is to provide a freely available counselling service which enhances the wellbeing of the community and promotes belief in human potential.

Email thebounds@abdn.ac.uk for more info or visit The Bounds website

Energy Saving Trust is offering households, within a 20km radius of low emission zones, up to £3,000 towards the safe disposal of noncompliant vehicles.

The Scottish Government is introducing low emission zones (LEZs) across Aberdeen as well as in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee between February and May 2022.

Low emission zones set minimum emission standards on roads within specific areas, allowing penalty-free access to only the cleanest vehicles to improve air quality.

Vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards will face a penalty if they enter a Low Emission Zone.

Generally, petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel cars registered before September 2015 will not be allowed to enter a Low Emission Zone area.

Funding has been made available to help low-income families meet these

requirements via the LEZ Support Fund.

Households in receipt of particular means-tested benefits can claim up to £3,000 through the funding scheme.

This includes £2,000 which can be used to dispose of an older car. The money can be used to help replace it with an LEZ-compliant car or be invested in an alternative mode of transport.

Additionally, up to two £500 ‘Travel Better’ vouchers can be claimed for use towards sustainable travel options e.g. to buy a bike or e-bike and/or to purchase a bus or train season ticket.

To be eligible, applicants must live within a 20km radius of the planned LEZs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

For more information on the LEZ Support Fund and to check your eligibility, call 0808 808 2282 or visit the Energy Saving Trust website

Citizen's Advice Scotland launch Money Map Citizen’s Advice Scotland have launched a new tool to help people navigate money issues during this uncertain time.

The Money Map is a free, easy to use service that is designed to help people find sources of online support to enable them to: maximise their money – for example, accessing benefits and grants; reduce their bills and meet the costs of daily living.

People can access this anonymous tool, which is delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, on the Money Map website.

ACVO News 12 Feb 24 2021

NEWS

March 8, 2021 International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to: celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities

What's the theme for International Women's Day? The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'.

A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change.

So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.

Robert Gordon University International Women's Day Events

Monday 8th March 6-7pm

Wednesday 10th March 6-7pm

Women in Leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world: In conversation with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

The pathologisation of women and girls who disclose abuse: In conversation with Dr Jessica Taylor.

The University is delighted to celebrate international Women’s Day 2021 with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who will talk about her extraordinary sporting career, her role in the House of Lords, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women and those with disabilities.

Dr Jessica Taylor will give a talk on her latest work and current writing which explores the way women and girls are framed as mentally ill when they disclose rape, abuse or exploitation. Jessica will discuss real examples of women and girls who have been diagnosed, medicated and treated instead of being supported and validated when they have been subjected to male violence.

Find out more

Find out more

News 13 ACVO Feb 24 2021

NEWS

International Women's Day Event Series The University of Aberdeen is hosting an events programme for International Women’s Day which runs from Monday 8th – Saturday 13th March 2021.

The events including 'Flex Forever: Flexible working beyond a crisis' with Anna Whitehouse 'Mother Pukka’, ‘A Comedy Evening with Janey Godley’ and a storytelling session with local storyteller, Pauline Cordiner, are all available to book now.

The celebrations reflect the wider ethos of gender equality and commitment to equality held by the university: “Gender equality sits at the core of the University of Aberdeen community. We are committed to ensuring there is a diverse, inclusive and empowering work and study atmosphere for all staff and students.

"We are proud to have our ongoing commitment to gender equality demonstrated by being one of the few University’s to hold an Athena SWAN award in all departments. We have ambitious yet achievable plans in all areas of the University, to ensure we continue to advance gender equality and tackle barriers to women’s careers" To find out more information about Athena SWAN at the University of Aberdeen please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/athenaswan

Anna Whitehouse

Janey Godley

Find out more about the full programme of events here

Pauline Cordiner

ACVO News 14 Feb 24 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE

Voting is underway for the allocation of the funds offered to community groups within the Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton areas of Aberdeen. The steering group behind the administration of the U DECIDE participatory budgeting fund, comprising of £10,000 from Fairer Aberdeen and £3,000 from Police Scotland, have invited applications from groups and organisations from the area.

T

U DECIDE Participatory Budgeting

he aim of the fund is to facilitate projects which focus on promoting and encouraging mental health and wellbeing, provide much needed services for young people in the area or contribute towards safety in the community.

As has been the case with many things over the past 12 months, the scheme has had to reinvent itself this time round to respond to the social interaction limitations currently in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead of meeting within a physical space and inviting members of the community to hear talks and vote in person, the process has moved online with applicants asked to produce a two minute video to inform the community of the aims of their projects and how they can make a real difference to the lives of people within the locality 3 region of Aberdeen.

Printfield Community Project :WE PLAY Funding will provide weekly play sessions for 1-2 year olds to encourage development, improve social skills, build emotional confidence and stress the importance of physical activity to their wellbeing. We will also provide parents with the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health.

Children will benefit from being in a positive and stimulating environment. Parents will benefit from a free service that will allow them to have some headspace to improve their wellbeing.

Little Learners Given the Scottish Government Guidance for Childcare provides who are reopening during the current COVID-19 pandemic we are being instructed to ensure that our children play outdoors every day regardless of the weather. The reason for this is due to the reduced risk of spread of infection outdoors. To be able to offer outdoor experiences to their nursery group children we need to be able to provide the right clothing for the young children to go out in all weathers and keep dry by purchasing all weather rainwear. The garden at the Lads Club is very open and exposed and the children to people walking by, we would therefore like to purchase screening which would provide privacy and some protection from the weather.

News 15 ACVO Feb 24 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE

“We actually started this process before the current restrictions came in to place and met four or five times before the Covid-19 pandemic to discuss how we would organise the distribution of the fund” said Jane Fullerton from the U DECIDE steering group.

“It was always our intention to hold an event within the community last June but as we watched the situation unfold, it quickly became apparent that this was not going to be possible.

At previous participatory budget events, applicants are allowed the opportunity to speak about their projects or organisations for two minutes, informing the public of the details of their ideas, how these meet the funding criteria and how they will benefit the community.

“We decided that we would invite applicants to produce a two minute video which people could watch online.

This would allow us to retain the familiar format but host the process in socially distanced way. We have also produced an online survey which people can use to cast their votes” The projects address a wide range of

support needs within the Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton communities and applicants can ask for a maximum of £2,000 from the fund to support their work.

"I’m really impressed with what people have produced”, said Jane, “it may have been viewed as quite a daunting process for some at first but the groups have shown that they have the capacity to produce fantastic work which showcase their project ideas and the valuable contributions they make to their communities. I’m hoping too that through engaging with this that it has been a good learning process for them.”

This has also been the case for the U DECIDE steering group themselves who have faced frequent challenges to overcome problems presented and questions raised with bringing the process online.

"It has been such a learning curve for us a group having to turn everything digital. Conducting the majority of our communication via email, meeting over Zoom, setting up a YouTube channel, transferring and uploading video files, making our online voting survey and everything else we have had to learn to bring this process together has been a lot of work but has been very

rewarding. Although the council Localities Team has been there to offer advice or support when needed this has been very much a community effort. We were keen to do this for ourselves; members of the community working with other members of the community to facilitate and distribute a fund which benefits us all.

“We feel that the knowledge we have gained through the process could help other groups in a similar position and we intend to collect feedback from all involved when the process ends with the aim of collating this and making it available to others.

ALC After School Club Given the Scottish Government Guidance for Childcare provides who are reopening during the current COVID-19 pandemic we are being instructed to ensure that our children play outdoors every day regardless of the weather. To be able to offer outdoor experiences to our children we need to be able to provide the right resources and this includes the right clothing. The children arrive from school wearing their own jackets and if we take the children out in the rain/snow etc. they need to be able to ensure they are warm and dry and still have a warm jacket to wear home and the following day for school. We would like to buy regatta pack away sets for the children so that they can select from the various size selection needed to stay dry and they will also be easy to wash and store.

Strong Mama Moves We would like to finish putting together a platform that will have resources for people to use to support their physical and mental health. This will be done through 1) A mindset and goalsetting course to help aid replacing low mood with positive reinforcement and finding a goal to work towards which improves self-confidence and self-esteem. We would also introduce a flexible food and exercise plan. This will provide additional resources to support wellbeing like useful links, playlists etc.

We would like to hold a monthly meet up to either go through resources or Q & A sessions to help people in the community understand how to look after their health & fitness in a way that support physical and mental wellbeing.

ACVO News 16 Feb 24 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE "We are a group of volunteers with an interest in our communities and the people living within them and there are many more like us in other areas of Aberdeen who may benefit from learning from our process and how we overcame the challenges we faced”.

Voting opened at midnight on Sunday 21st Feb and closes this Friday, Feb 26th.

There are 12 applications for the fund and those who vote are asked to select 3 they would like to see funded.

To be eligible to vote you must live in a community within the locality 3 region of Aberdeen (Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton), the voting survey will ask for your postcode to confirm.

"This really is a people’s choice. A slogan which has been at the heart of everything we have done over the past year is ‘communities doing it for themselves’, we are so pleased to see how everything has come together and look forward to seeing how the successful projects help to improve our communities in the next step of the process”, added Jane.

y have your sa

v o te

now

Access the U Decide Participatory Budget Tillywoodsea Voting Paper here to make your choice.

You must live in the area of Locality 3 (Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton) and be aged 10 or more to be eligible to vote.

1 vote per person.

Well being workshops With prior experience as a primary teacher and Head Teacher, the tutor has a good level of insight as to some of the challenges children and families can face. A qualified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique –also known as tapping) Practitioner and mindfulness teacher, the tutor will share a variety of different techniques with the groups throughout the course. This will include a range of breathing, mindfulness and EFT exercises as well as guided meditation sessions for parents to try themselves as well as with their children. In addition to this the tutor will use PowerPoint presentations and illustrations to help explain how some of the techniques work as well as the science and research behind these.

Fit Like Benches Funding is required to purchase 6 community benches to be placed within areas where there are a large number of flats. During lockdown, people in flats have been impacted more than those with gardens by not having easy access to outdoor space for mental wellbeing. This bid proposes putting 2 benches sitting perpendicular to each other (to ensure social distancing) in 3 locations in Tillydrone where there is no outdoor seating in grassy areas. To agree the areas, a poll will be put on Tilly Community FB and ask the community to decide. There will be 5 proposed areas to vote on and the 3 areas with the most votes would get the benches. Anyone whether they have a garden or not, can plan to spend time comfortably in the open air, with a packed lunch or a flask, or just have a catch up with a friend in a socially distant way.

Storehouse Foodbank Hub

This is a charity committed to helping people in the community by providing food and clothing to those in need and befriending the lonely. They wish to see the food bank they already run in this area turned into a physical building that will support hundreds of families through food parcels, clothing donations, befriending services, free debt help and eventually, a community pantry, creating a Foodbank Hub in the Tillydrone area through which all of the foodbanks they run could be supported. This means that not only will the hub help 100-150 households within this area but it will also support 500 or so more people outside of it. Right now, our foodbanks are close to capacity but this venture allows us the space and resources to grow.

Earth and Worms Provide funding to enable the community of Tillydrone to grow food locally. They wish to do this in a robust polytunnel, which will grant them the space to allow for mixed ability access of all ages to enjoy. They need to improve the muddy entrance to the site to allow for safe access for wheelchairs, prams and buggies, and to facilitate the entrance of vehicles dropping off supplies for the project.

They also wish to set up a gardening service that offers free advice for growing indoors and within private gardens, focusing particularly on people who are suffering with loneliness, or those with adverse mental health issues. Funding will be used to purchase Polytunnel, gravel, garden tools and seeds.

Connecting through Photography The Connecting through photography project would focus on people who for various reasons struggle to go outside. The aim of the project is to support their mental health by bringing the beauty and harmony of the outside world to them.

Both art and nature can support people’s mental health. They would publish and share the photos using Connecting through photography via their social media channels. Erskine Logan Photography are well established social media channels with thousands of followers. Their photos have been shared by the local and national press, using their established channels would help in reaching many people and promoting the project.

ACE Voices Funding will provide resources for running a Zoom intergenerational community choir for families/people of all ages who live and work in Tillydrone, Woodside and Seaton areas. They will build on the success of running a wide range of community activities across the 3 years since 2006. They would meet online on a weekly basis, each session lasting 1.5 hours, and the group would be led by Ace Voices Leadership Team. Getting involved in singing will be an excellent therapy for individuals and families during the lockdown period and beyond. The Activities would include guest performers and other confidence building opportunities. This Project will prepare the ground for a longer terms project.

Visual Expressions The art class is a great way to improve mental/health issues, such as concentration, social interaction and is a good opportunity to integrate the people with mental illness or physical illness with community. The tutor will be able to adapt the class to various levels of children’s’ art abilities. There are many examples of Polish families who might have a child or children with disabilities who would like to attend to the classes. As a Polish community we know very little about the local traditions, customs but at the same time they want to share the best of the Polish culture with the local communities. The teacher, who will providing the classes, is an expert who is qualified in arts in Poland but also at the local universities and colleges.

Help is all around

Mental health is a wide spread illness amongst young and older people alike. Single parents, with more than one child is a common factor too, these people along with school kids are suffering during this pandemic. Being home more results in extra expense for gas/electric, food, often missing out on topping up phone credit which is needed in case of illness to phone a doctor or call family who live elsewhere. When children missed out on the summer playscheme during lockdown, we gave out food parcels, offered a listening ear, sent activities for the children but they don’t have anything to help now. We wish to help ease the added expense of extra gas/electric/top up for phone/food in families by providing food and top up vouchers. Funding would help us provide food parcels to anyone who needs them. We are all volunteers willing to give their time and dedication to ensuring nobody is left struggling whether financially, mentally or physically.

ACVO News 18 Feb 24 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE

Community news feature

A Stranger Leaves a debut novel from Aberdeen based author, Adam Parry

A Stranger Leaves by Adam Parry which is described as ‘an unflinching portrait of mental illness, addiction and mundanity of everyday life’ takes inspiration from Adam’s lived experience in Aberdeen leading up to 2016, and channels these in to the story of the novel’s protagonist, Ash.

"T

he main character isn’t exactly me but I took inspiration from my own experiences with borderline personality disorder and other issues which shaped how this character is portrayed” said Adam. “It’s written in the third person so the voice in the story is not my own and the book is a work of fiction so not everything you are reading are things that happened to me exactly.

“I had gone out one night a few years ago, I had stopped drinking for a long time at that point, and had a bit of an adventure so decided to write about that and it stemmed from there.

It was initially going to be a short story but received a lot of encouragement from other people to keep going. I started to really get in to it and write more chapters.

“Because I suffer from borderline personality disorder it took me a long time from start to finish, however once I got going I really enjoyed the process.

The second part of it seemed to write itself. My dad was unfortunately ill at the time so I wrote a bit about him and about a psychiatrist that helped me.

The more I wrote the more I realised that one of the central themes of the book was mental health.

“When I finished writing A Stranger Leaves, I sent it around a few publishing houses and was delighted when Pegasus Publishers picked it up. It’s really strange reading it in book form instead of on A4 paper!

"My life has always had little adventures and these gave me the plotline to carry the story forward. My life was interesting at the time so I used aspects of my experiences to tell the story of Ash.” Adam is grateful for the support he has received over the years which helped him in publishing the book and has offered encouragement in pursuing his talents for writing.

“I did a mentalisation-based therapy course at Cornhill and in that time managed to finish the book which I felt really positive about. I’ve received support from a few charities over the years, I didn’t know Marie from

"I've always felt that this is the book I should have written"

News 19 ACVO Feb 24 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE

Aberdeen Cyrenians at the start of the process but she has really helped me along the way.

“Although we have been working together remotely due to lockdown restrictions she has offered support and encouragement through regular phone calls and helped me to maintain my motivation.

Marie Munro, Support Practitioner at Aberdeen Cyrenians said “It has been great to support Adam and see him through his journey in getting his story published. I, and everyone at Aberdeen Cyrenians, are very proud of what Adam has managed to overcome and achieve and the staff are all enjoying reading his book.”

Although lockdown restrictions have meant that Adam wasn’t able to Adam Parry, author of A Stranger Leaves promote his book as extensively as he had hoped it has allowed him to start work on his next project.

“I’m in the process of writing a sequel at the moment, the publishing If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Adam's book, company has said I can offer two more email andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk books for publication which is great. using the subject 'A Stranger Leaves'.

It’s still in the early stages of The winner will be chosen at random, look out for the development at the moment but I have announcement in the next edition of ACVO News. an idea of the direction I want to take it in. I love writing and when I’m not doing it I feel really miserable.

'An honest and thought-provoking window into the life of one man. Set in urban north “I used to go down to the library Scotland, this gritty and atmospheric tale every week to sit and write so have explores the dark corners of Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. really missed that during lockdown.

Ash is a lost soul, navigating both his personal Writing in a different place helps me a demons and the city he loves to hate.

As he wanders from pub to pub, bus stop to lot sometimes, I used to go there and bus stop, he encounters a series of unusual scribble away at my notebook. I’ve characters, forging and destroying new and old friendships. been writing since I was young and Can Ash salvage his relationship with his father, sister, and daughter, whilst overcoming just never gave up really. the struggles of his past?

“Like other forms of expression and art, sometimes when you write and it doesn’t turn out as you hoped it would "An unflinching portrait of you get a bit disheartened and you mental illness, addiction, and think to yourself you’re never going to the mundanity of everyday life" write again, so it’s good to have encouragement and a support network to see the worth and value in what you are doing.

“If anyone else was starting out and wished to write a book I would advise that they write what they know. I’m really pleased with my own book, it’s out there now and I hope other people enjoy it”.

A Stranger Leaves by Adam Parry is out now.

The book is available to purchase directly from Pegasus Publishers, Waterstones, WH Smith, Amazon and Book Depository

Win a copy of A Stranger Leaves!

NEWS FEATURE

ACVO News 20 Feb 24 2021

News feature from Aberdeen Must Act

Kara Tepe camp Lesvos, a tented camp to replace the notorious Moria camp which burned down in September 2020 leaving 12,000 people homeless

Crisis in the Aegean: What can we in Aberdeen do to help?

"As the local branch of Europe Must Act, we are one of 50+ cities across Europe campaigning for the relocation of refugees and asylum seekers from Greece’s Aegean Island refugee camps and migration policies which respect human rights" writes Dale Kitching of Aberdeen Must Act

News 21 ACVO Feb 24 2021

O

NEWS FEATURE

ur journey began in late March 2020. I had just returned from teaching English to young people in the Vial refugee camp on the Greek island of Chios where I had witnessed for myself the inhumane living conditions in the camp.

Small children, families and unaccompanied minors are living in appallingly overcrowded and insanitary conditions. It was impossible to believe that we had allowed this to happen in Europe in the 21st century.

My daughter, Isla, had taught in Chios in 2019 - now she was coming to the end of her degree and locked down with us at home. We were spending lockdown in a comfortable house with our family - but what could we do to help those with no home and often no family to shelter them? We resolved to establish the Aberdeen branch of ‘Europe Must Act’, a new campaign founded by grassroots organisations working in the Aegean camps.

Why Greece’s Aegean Islands?

Since 2015 – in large part due to the conflict in Syria – there has been a significant increase in the number of people arriving on Greece’s Aegean Islands to seek sanctuary in Europe.

In 2016, in an effort to address the increased migration flows into Europe, the European Union introduced the ‘EUTurkey Deal’. This policy created ‘hotspot’ camps on 5 islands (Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Kos and Leros) where people had to stay until their asylum process was complete. The camps quickly became overcrowded.

In Spring 2020, when EMA was founded, there were 42,000+ people living in camps with an official capacity of 6,000.

Asylum seekers can live here for months or years waiting to hear whether they have gained refugee status which allows them to leave the island.

In the absence of appropriate dignified accommodation, people are forced to live in containers, tents or selfbuilt shelters. The camps don’t have adequate sanitation or rubbish disposal systems and sufficient access to education, healthcare and other services.

Due to the overcrowding and poor living conditions, there have been outbreaks of disease, fires destroying large parts of the camps and snowfall with temperatures dropping to below 0 degrees.

In 2019, examining the psychological impacts of the humanitarian crisis, MSF termed the situation a ‘mental health emergency’. Camp populations include families, pregnant women, newborn babies, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, elderly people, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, single women, single parents and separated children.

In response to the huge numbers in the camps the Greek government is pursuing a deliberate policy of

"In Spring 2020, when EMA was founded, there were 42,000+ people living in camps with an official capacity of 6,000. Asylum seekers can live here for months or years waiting to hear whether they have gained refugee status"

Vathy Camp, Samos

ACVO News 22 Feb 24 2021

NEWS FEATURE

Frequent flooding occurs in winter. Over 2,300 children live in this new camp on Lesvos. 381 of these children are between 0 and 24 months old

Our Message decongestion through returns to Turkey or moving people to the mainland where many end up living on the streets. Despise population reductions conditions in the camps remain appalling.

We think Europe can do better Although the UK is no longer in the EU we are still in Europe. We also recognise that whilst we were an EU member state, the UK helped formulate the policies which trapped thousands on the islands.

Alongside the other 23 city or local authority EMA chapters in the UK, Aberdeen Must Act is a group of volunteers asking Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to commit to relocating people from the island camps.

We are urging them to lobby the UK Home Office to make this possible.

Can it be done?

YES. Cities in Germany, Spain and France have relocated people from the Aegean Island refugee camps.

In 2020, Highland, Cambridge, South Ayrshire and Inverclyde Councils wrote to the UK Home Office urging action to relocate people from the camps to safety in their Council areas.

We are also asking local MPs and MSPs to show support for the campaign and to apply pressure for relocation in the Scottish and UK Parliaments.

39 cross party MSPs have signed a motion in support of the campaign.

72 MPs have signed a similar Early Day Motion in the UK Parliament.

In August 2020 Aberdeen Youth Council also passed a motion of support.

News 23 ACVO Feb 24 2021 First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has expressed her support in a letter to Priti Patel: “we stand ready to play our part...and urge you to take a humane and welcoming approach to the resettlement of these refugees on the Aegean islands” Stephen Flynn, Aberdeen South MP said: “"We have a moral obligation not to turn our backs on vulnerable refugees and children who look to us for help... That is why I supported the Early Day Motion in Parliament calling on the government to provide safety to refugees left stranded on the Aegean Islands”.

NEWS FEATURE

What can you do to help?

You can help by writing to your MP and councillors simply asking them to support relocation of asylum seekers from the Aegean island camps to Aberdeen and the UK. ’Write to Them’ provides an easy way for you to contact your local representatives at all levels of government, these templates (MP Letter/ Councillor Letter) can be used.

Follow ‘Aberdeen Must Act’ on Facebook to keep up to date.

You could also join our group of volunteers to help support our campaign, sign our petition or read more about our campaign on our website.

We are happy to give presentations to local groups to raise awareness of the situation in the aegean.

Europe Must Act

ACVO News 24 Feb 24 2021

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen

Volunteering: The Golden Thread

Volunteering is often referred to as the golden thread that connects everything that is good about our city together. Volunteers provide immense help in Aberdeen and volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Volunteers have fed back that through volunteering they have:

Made a difference.

Volunteering has a real and valuable positive impact for people, communities and society in general.

Met great people.

Even if this is online and socially distanced just now volunteering helps you meet great people, create new bonds and make new friendships.

Become more involved in their community.

Whether its volunteering with our marvellous community and learning centres, through your Locality Empowerment Group, local Community Council, third sector organisation or community group you will be supporting your community and your help will be greatly appreciated.

Volunteering has also been shown to build bridges and support community cohesion.

Gained confidence.

Volunteering helps you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and a real sense of achievement.

Found it to be healthy.

Research has highlighted many health and wellbeing benefits related to volunteering – both with respect to mental and physical health.

Discovered new skills.

Volunteering helps you learn new skills, gain experience and sometimes even qualifications if you wish.

Taken on a challenge.

Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your skills and discover hidden talents.

Had Fun! Volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it...

To find out more about getting involved in volunteering/view current volunteer opportunities in Aberdeen please or if you are an organisation which would like to register/promote your volunteer roles through ACVO or require any help with volunteering matters please visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk or contact Mike Melvin at Mike.Melvin@acvo.org.uk

News 25 ACVO Feb 24 2021

VOLUNTEERING

Recent opportunity Befriend a Child The latest from our Volunteers team.

Are you a good listener, non-judgemental and empathetic with an ability to relate to traumatic life experiences that some of the children/young people referred to us may have faced?

Befriend a Child is a local charity that provides 1:1 befriending and mentoring services for school aged children and young people. We recruit caring adults who act as role models for school-aged children who face some kind of disadvantage. They spend time together on a 1:1 basis, talking, sharing and having fun. Could that be you?

If you are reliable and fun-loving, with a positive disposition and you can commit to sparing a few hours each month, you could make a huge difference in a young person’s life. Excellent training and support is provided and all our volunteer roles adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines and restrictions.

For more information/to register your interest please visit www.befriendachild.org.uk/get-involved/befriending/ and/or email volunteer@befriendachild.org.uk

Recent opportunity Volunteer Client Adviser – Ditch Debt With Dignity

The Ditch latest from our team.

Debt with Dignity has a vacancy for a Volunteer Client Adviser. The post holder will provide free, non-

judgmental, discreet, professional, and personal advice and support to people in financial distress.

We are looking to hear from enthusiastic and motivated people who have a positive attitude to support individuals who are privately struggling with their finances, empowering them to put a manageable debt repayment plan in place to enable clarity and a positive, fresh perspective for the future.

Having experience in dealing with finances is helpful but not essential as training will be given. More importantly is a desire to support vulnerable people with an empathetic, non-judgemental and practical approach.Individuals will be subject to a Disclosure Scotland check (there is no cost to volunteers for this), credit check and will need two satisfactory references.

For more details and information on how to apply, please contact: Karen Bain, Volunteer Co-Ordinator at Email: karen.bain@ditchdebtwithdignity.com (Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 26th February 2021).

Recent opportunity Treasurer forour theteam.

Board of Trustees – Absafe The latest from

Absafe is a unique safety education charity dedicated to saving lives and reducing harm by instilling a positive safety culture in our communities and inspiring a passion for safety through education and engagement. We are passionate about the power of educating in a participative and engaging environment, using fun to create lasting change in children’s lives and in the communities in which they live. Absafe provides health, safety and well-being education and risk awareness. Protecting people and places from harm, helping communities thrive by building a strong positive safety culture, and giving individuals the confidence, skills and attitudes to create a safer future.We are looking for a Volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees, so we are able to continue to deliver education to the children and young people of Aberdeen, we would like you to have an interest in Education, health, safety risk management, and also health and wellbeing.We are a small Charity and every member is important, joining Absafe means that you will be making a real difference to the children and young people of Aberdeen.

For further information please contact Jonny Astill, Development Manager at jonny@tlc.org.uk

ACVO News 26 Feb 24 2021

FUNDING

Funding Funding news and highlights from Alison and Kaja

Drugs Services Support

Grassroots Fund & Improvement Fund The numbers of drug-related deaths in Scotland are far too high. These deaths are tragic and avoidable and reducing them is a priority for all of us.

The Scottish Government is now leading a national mission to improve lives, backed by significant additional resources. There remains a lot of hard work ahead, but with extra investment in essential services, the work we do will be more secure and signals a determination to make change and no longer to fail those who need and deserve our help.

Corra is administering two funds on behalf of the Scottish Government which have been designed to provide immediate support for grassroots, community, residential and family organisations in maintaining and improving drugs services.

The fund is open now and closes on Midday Monday 8th March 2021 with decisions announced by 31st March 2021.

"The aim of these funds is to provide grants quickly to support organisations which need funding now to allow them to develop and improve services. We realise that the closing date means you have limited time to apply but to assist with this we have kept the application form as short and simple as possible."

Find out more at corra.scot

Grassroots Fund The grassroots fund is focused on community-based, not for profit organisations which deliver frontline services to support people who use drugs and their families.

The grassroots fund is open to organisations with an annual income of up to £1 million.

One year funding of up to £50,000 can be used for existing or expanded service delivery, general running costs, staffing, equipment, etc.

Improvement Fund The improvement fund will support drug service resources, particularly organisations which deliver services that lead to fast and appropriate access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and collaborative approaches that help people to address the underlying challenges that they face.

The improvement fund is open to public, third and private sector organisations that are incorporated and can operate this funded work on a not for profit basis.

Applications to the improvement fund will need to include a letter of support from their local Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP) Chair or Co-ordinator.

Have you read?

Your time is better spent on increasing your likelihood of success and of success at a higher grant level. Our Funding A-Z is full tips, pointers, prompts, suggestions, challenges for you to use as you go about your work to make your organisation sustainable.

Read it now at acvo.org.uk/funding-a-z

News 27 ACVO Feb 24 2021

FUNDING

Local charities receive funding from Fairer Aberdeen Covid Pandemic Hardship Fund

F

airer Aberdeen is set to award a total of £368,000 to 47 local charities and community organisations to support people across the city impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The aim of the Fairer Aberdeen Coronavirus Pandemic Hardship Fund is to help those at increased risk due to the pandemic, including people living in the most deprived areas, people living in households on low incomes, younger people, disabled people, minority ethnic households and households with children.

The local charities and community organisations will use the funding to provide food, food vouchers, toiletries, household essentials and fuel top-ups to support those in financial hardship, as well as counselling sessions and activities to support mental health and wellbeing and tackle social isolation.

Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council and Chair of the Fairer Aberdeen Board, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to support so many local charities and community organisations in these extremely difficult times through the Fairer Aberdeen Coronavirus Pandemic Fund.

“Aberdeen City Council and partners, including community representatives in Fairer Aberdeen, are committed to tackling poverty and deprivation which is a key objective of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP). By working together to deliver early intervention initiatives and targeted support we can help those in need now and in the future and work towards achieving our goal of Aberdeen being a city where everyone can prosper.”

Ron Bird, Community Worker, Middlefield Community Project said: “The award is an incredible boost to the area at a time of terrific challenge.

We are very grateful to the Fairer Aberdeen Board, with representatives from the local communities, for dedicating their time and energies to

giving this level of support to our community. We will be able to provide a range of support from basic food support to active transport and wellbeing improvements to local amenities."

Fiona Young, Development Worker, Tillydrone Community Flat said: “We are delighted to be awarded a grant from the Fairer Aberdeen Coronavirus Pandemic Hardship Fund, especially given the high volume of applications.

Working during the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the impact of the current situation on families and

2021 Ashden Awards will accelerate UK’s low-carbon transition

Entries for the 2021 Ashden Awards have opened. This year’s award categories include greener communities, energy access, green skills, natural climate solutions, sustainable cooling and more.

Some categories focus on the UK, and others cover work in low- and middleincome countries. Businesses, public bodies and charities can all apply.

The prestigious annual awards highlight outstanding climate innovations, boosting bright ideas that can be scaled up or replicated around the world.

Harriet Lamb, CEO of Ashden, said, “Coronavirus has put the progress of many climate pioneers in danger – but they have responded by digging deep to help their communities at this difficult time. Now more than ever, we must celebrate these innovators and back their work building a cleaner, fairer future for all.”

The Fairer Aberdeen Coronavirus Pandemic Fund is funded by Aberdeen City Council and from the Scottish Government Hardship Fund.

The Fairer Aberdeen Board is made up of representatives from Aberdeen City Council, ACVO, Police Scotland, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, the Civic Forum and residents from the priority areas of Aberdeen.

Read the full list of organisations who received awards as part of the Fairer Aberdeen fund here.

The Ashden Awards boost outstanding climate solutions. For more than 20 years their awards have backed radical ideas delivering lower emissions and a fairer world, with grants and development support on offer to winners and finalists.

Now, in a pivotal year for the future of our planet, they want to hear about your bold and brilliant work.

Award nominations are open now, and close on March 3. Winners will be announced in the autumn. As well as a cash grant of up to £10,000, winning organisations receive development support, networking opportunities, and PR support.

The UK Government’s aim to reach net-zero-carbon by 2050 needs a lot of innovation, support and high-impact climate solutions to realise it. The awards look to highlight projects which are working towards meeting this crucial target.

Find out more about the awards and how to apply here.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

ACVO News 28 Feb 24 2021

Health & Social Care Updates

ACVO Hosts Aberdeen’s Third Sector Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum

ACVO host a regular forum to support and inform the third sector, particularly as we continue to make our way through this current crisis.

So much has changed and continues to do so at such a pace, that it can be difficult to keep up. More changes are to come and things are likely to remain in flux for a while yet.

Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a very common and recurring theme. As this topic is so far reaching and multi-layered and affects so many aspects of our work, ACVO are continuing to host third sector forum meetings on the theme of Mental Health & Wellbeing.

We are inviting our third sector colleagues to our next one on Thursday 11th March 2021 from 10.00 am – 12.00pm, where you can Learn about the latest key developments at ACH&SCP ( Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership) and CPA (Community Planning Aberdeen) Hear from Lauren Mackie , Health Improvement Officer , ( Schools), ACC. Take part in a themed discussion on Children & Young People’s Mental Health This forum will be held over Zoom, book your place here. An agenda will be issued nearer the time.

Meanwhile if you require any further information, then please don’t hesitate to contact Susan Morrison tel; 07814 896676 email: susan.morrison@acvo.org.uk

NHS Grampian Child Healthy Weight Service Questionnaire NHS Grampian are currently developing a new family-based healthy lifestyle service that offers support to help your child get active, eat well and work towards a healthy weight.

A range of topics will be covered including healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change. The programme would run throughout Grampian and they are seeking the views of local families to help shape what the service could look like.

Sandra Brown of NHS Grampian said, "We are currently in the process of redesigning our Child Healthy Weight service in Grampian to begin to meet the National Minimum Standards for CHW intervention.

"At present Grampian is a way from meeting these so there is a great deal of work that need to be done.

"As part of the scoping stage of our work this we have developed a questionnaire to gather the views of service users. The aim is to get as much information on what families would find helpful/how they would want a service to run" The questionnaire can be accessed here and should take around 10 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated anonymously.

News 29 ACVO Feb 24 2021

NHS Inform Website Alternative Formats NHS inform has provided alternative formats to help people with communication differences access COVID-19 information Translations are available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Slovak, Spanish, and Urdu (find out more).

British Sign Language translations are available on NHS inform and on its YouTube channel.

Audio versions and easy read documents are also available.

The Browsealoud tool helps users access information on NHS inform through Text-to-Speech, highlighting and magnifying text, and creating audio files.

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

Aberdeen City School HPV Immunisations

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is offered to every S1 pupil in Scotland, evidence now shows that the HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV-related cancers.

Due to the disruption of schools being shut, the Aberdeen City immunisation team have been unable to deliver HPV vaccinations to S1 and S2 pupils (boys and girls) in the usual way.

A group call will be sent out via the schools to the parents of eligible children in the coming weeks. Please respond ASAP if you wish your child to be vaccinated and a member of the team will then email an appointment to you.

If your child misses their vaccination this year for any reason they will be recalled next year. It is important that despite the COVID-19 outbreak your child is still vaccinated against HPV. Find out more at the NHS Inform website.

Naloxone provision in Grampian Drug-related deaths leave a devastating impact on individuals, families and the wider community.

Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effect of opioids if somebody overdoses.

Scotland was the first country in the world to introduce a national naloxone programme, empowering individuals, families, friends and communities to reverse an opiate overdose.

The Scottish Government funded this £1 million programme, over 5 years from 2011 to 2016 and continue to support the national provision of naloxone embedding naloxone provision in local NHS Health Board areas.

Find out more about Naloxone by

asking at your local pharmacy or by visiting the Hi- Net Grampian website.

It can also be delivered to you through the post in discreet packaging by completing an online application form.

Naloxone is free and is available to anyone who might have or witness an overdose.

No one should lose their life as a result of an overdose, everyone has the right to the best health possible and should be treated with compassion.

Being aware of the available support keeps us all safe and minimise the deaths, injuries and harm that come from using illegal substances or using medicines that have not been prescribed for you.

VACANCIES

Vacancies Latest opportunities from the 3rd sector

As part of the recruitment process, Aberdeen performing arts are hosting an information session on Thursday (25th) at 2pm.

Email recruitment@aberdeenperformingarts.com for details

ACVO News 30 Feb 24 2021

News 31 ACVO Feb 24 2021

VACANCIES

EVENTS

ACVO News 32 Feb 24 2021

Events All that's going on in the 3rd sector

Our events calendar is coming soon!

We can't get together in person at the moment but in the meantime, if you have a Zoom workshop, online conference, socially distanced event or anything else you would like to feature in ACVO News' Events Calendar, contact Andrew Davidson at andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk

News 33 ACVO Feb 24 2021

CONSULTATIONS, REPORTS & SURVEYS

Consultations, Reports & Surveys Consultation Draft of the NHS Grampian Equality Outcomes Report 2021-2025 Deadline: Friday 26th March

NHS Grampian is consulting on their priorities over the next four years in the areas of Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Sex (male or female), Gender reassignment, Age, Pregnancy and maternity, Marriage and civil partnership.

Due to COVID-19, the usual face to face consultation events cannot be held, so they are relying on the internet and social media.

If you have any comments on these draft priorities, please share these with them by Friday 26th March 2021: By email to: nigel.firth@nhs.scot By post to: Equality and Diversity Department Ground Floor Room 4 Foresterhill House Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Foresterhill Site AberdeenAB25 2ZB By voicemail to: 01224 552245.

Download the Consultation Draft (pdf) Have your say in the Age Scotland Big Survey

Age Scotland has recently launched ‘The Big Survey’ which aims to understand what life is like for people over the age of 50 in Scotland.

The feedback gathered from the survey will feed in to Age Scotland’s work in the future "The Big Survey explores all areas of life for people over the age of 50 living in Scotland including health and wellbeing, housing, ageism, representation of older people and the impact of COVID-19.

"We are excited to be working with researchers from Scotinform to produce our first comprehensive survey of what it is like to grow older in Scotland. This is a chance for you to have your say on a wide range of topics. We want to get a more in depth understanding of what life is like for older people in Scotland, the issues and challenges you face, and where change is needed.

In addition to helping Age Scotland with our future work, you also will have the chance to win a £50 cash prize for filling out the survey."

Take the survey here

Survivors Voices : National Consultation on Restorative Justice

Survivors Voices Project Outline: Thriving Survivors will lead on a Restorative Justice National Consultation and will build upon elements of previous research to include the voices of survivors which, at this moment, are not being heard.

We want to hear the voices of survivors to assess the understanding, awareness and demand for Restorative Justice Services in Scotland. This Consultation exercise will specifically seek the views and opinions of survivors of domestic and sexual abuse on Restorative Justice in Scotland. The outcome from delivery of this Consultation will be to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and acted upon, which will also feed directly into the Restorative Justice Action Plan.

The key outputs for the consultation are: >> The opportunity for survivors to have their say on Restorative Justice >> Capture the level of understanding of Restorative Justice within the survivor community in Scotland >> Capture and understand the views on, and demand for, Restorative Justice being made available to survivors The launch date for the consultation will be the 28th February 2021 and it will be live for four weeks. The closing date for all responses will be the 25th March 2021 Find out more at thrivingsurvivors.co.uk.

To find out more about ACVO and what we can do to support your 3rd sector organisation visit acvo.org.uk