ACVO NEWS
NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR
JULY 14 | 2021
acvo.org.uk
ACVO News 3 July 14 2021
CONTENTS
8 Volunteer for Grampian Pride 2021 this October
20 'My Recovery on Air' with John Scott Kelman
23 £3.3 million Scot Gov Volunteering Support Fund
4 ACVO Updates 6 News from you and other networks 22 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 26 Health and social care updates Updates from ACVO and our health and social care partner organisations 28 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond
16 Green & Bee - find out more about Aberdeen's Urban Bee Project
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Scottish Charity No: SC036845
ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News 4 July 14 2021
apply online now for your
year’s free ACVO membership and be part of the collective voice of the Third Sector in Aberdeen "We are doing this as a way to say thank you and as an acknowledgement of the difficult year that third sector organisations have had coping with the pandemic. Your work and the impact that you have are what has helped hold people and communities together over the last 16 months. Kindness, joint working, flexibility of delivery and innovation have been hallmarks of the work we have seen from our sector across Aberdeen. We want to continue to share the stories of the work you are doing, and how we can support you to do it."
Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive, ACVO TSI
The membership offer extends to both new and existing members and is is open to all third/voluntary sector organisations based or operating in Aberdeen .
To find out more and apply online visit
acvo.org.uk/membership
News 5 ACVO July 14 2021
ACVO UPDATES
Alison Chandler's Painted Door Project at Bridge Street Wildflower Meadow maintained by emerging artist
W
e were delighted to hear recently that Angie Joss of Green & Bee arranged for the maintenance of the Painted Doors Aberdeen project created by Alison Chandler.
Alison, our colleague and friend, sadly passed earlier in the year. She worked tirelessly for the third sector throughout her life and was hugely valued and respected across the sector and all partner organisations. Her door was created as part of her “Way Through Project” and is situated at Bridge St Wildflower Meadow, a site maintained and utilised by Green & Bee (see page 16 for more details about the organisation). Angela Joss, of Green & Bee, a dear friend of Alison’s said “The Way Through tells the story of Alison's fierce and lovefilled battle against her cancer diagnosis. “Sadly, Alison left us, so suddenly, this Spring. She'd always meant to come back and touch up her vibrant work of art, of which she was so proud. “With the permission of Alison's family, we worked with an emerging young artist to do this instead, in her memory. This Aberdeenshire artist, superbly talented in her own right, and who goes by the name of ‘Marge’, did a fantastic job. “She was accompanied by Shona Dewar, Young Persons Worker from Alcohol & Drugs Action Aberdeen, Alison was a determined champion of young people being given opportunities to flourish and we look forward to working with Marge on a project all of her own very soon.”
NEWS
ACVO News 6 July 14 2021
News from you and other networks
Mike Burns and Chris Bennett-Taylor
Aberdeen Cyrenians an change in leadership
News 7 ACVO July 14 2021
NEWS
Aberdeen Cyrenians have announced the imminent departure of
"The multiple awards won by the
moves takes on the role of CEO of national
"This past year has been an
Mike Burns, as he
mental health charity, Penumbra.
announces
organisation during his tenure. organisation in recent years are a testament to the fantastic work of the team in delivering care and support for those in crisis.
their chief executive,
A
transformative leadership with which he has guided the
T
o ensure stability and continuity for the vital charity, an interim structure
has been put in place from 1st July 2021. Chris Bennett-Taylor, Head of Corporate and Business Services, will assume the role of Interim CEO from that date. Chris will be supported by Ruth Ogilvie, Residential Services Lead, who will move into the role of Head of Services, leading all aspects of social care delivery and professional practice. Lynda Reid-Fowler, Community Services Lead, will move into the role of Services and Operations Lead, supporting all of our projects and service management. Katie Strachan, Corporate Services Team Leader, will move into the role of Support Services Lead, taking on some of Chris’s day to day responsibilities. Rebecca Walker, chair of Aberdeen Cyrenians said, “We are incredibly grateful to Mike for the strong and
incredible challenge like no other. The Board would like to thank Mike and the whole team at Aberdeen Cyrenians for their dedication and passion throughout the pandemic. "We are pleased that Mike will still be working closely with Aberdeen Cyrenians in his new role at Penumbra, one of our key partners, and wish him well as he takes on the new challenges of a national agenda on mental health. "Thanks to our robust structure, the current leadership team have been able to easily step up whilst the Board considers the best options for the future. Chris has extensive leadership experience and has made equally important contributions to the organisation, making him the ideal candidate to provide further strong leadership and organisational stability. Mike Burns, outgoing CEO of Aberdeen Cyrenians said, “It has been my pleasure to lead Aberdeen Cyrenians and to work with the leadership team to grow the organisation, delivering new and expanded services to support the most vulnerable in our community. "I am particularly proud of team and the response to the COVID pandemic and wish Chris and the new leadership team every success.”
NEWS
ACVO News 8 July 14 2021
Become a volunteer committee member and help organise
Grampian Pride 2021
G
rampian Pride, organised by Four Pillars LGBT+ Charity, in partnership with various organisations across Grampian, are on the lookout for new committee members to be part of the organisation of Grampian Pride 2021.
“Due to social distancing restrictions we hosted virtual events recently but now are looking for new volunteers to help us organise Grampian Pride 2021 (in October), but also our events in 2022 and beyond.
With the aim of bringing the local and wider community together, welcoming everyone from North East Scotland, the rest of the UK, and international communities, Grampian Pride
“We welcome a wide range of skills and backgrounds to create an exciting and bigger event for our fabulous community and their allies. Event management, Fundraising, Entertainment & Stage
provides a safe space for all LGBT+ people and their straight allies.
experience, volunteer and site management skills will be particularly needed.
The Pride event will consist of a march, various stalls, information about LGBT+ organisations and services, entertainment, key speakers, safe spaces, and a family area. In 2018, more than 3000 people took part in Grampian Pride events, and more than 6000 in 2019.
“The aim of Pride is to host a fun-filled day where we can remember our history, celebrate our present, and embrace our future. We can only do that if people get involved, share and enjoy. Together we can build a stronger community.”
Deejay Bullock, Chief Executive Officer at Four Pillars said “we are looking for people passionate about the LGBT+ community and keen to make a strong, positive impact.
If you are interested in becoming a committee member, the team at Grampian Pride would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with Deejay at deejay@fourpillarsuk.org to get involved.
News 9 ACVO July 14 2021
NEWS
Bees, Bugs, and Summer Fun!
Cultivate Aberdeen announce Summer Programme
L
ooking for some family fun this
summer? Cultivate Aberdeen are excited to announce their summer programme of events at the St Fitticks’ Edible Garden.
Saturday July 24
Storytelling with Angie Joss of Green All events are FREE and aimed at families with young children (aged 5-12 years) with & Bee - 2-4pm a variety of events which will tickle everyones interest. They have bees and bugs, art and storytelling, and growing in ther community garden. Viktoria Szilvas, Trustee of Cultivate Aberdeen, said “we’re really excited to be launching our summer programme of fun and to encourage everyone to visit the community garden as we continue to make this a space for the community revolving around growing, education, and recreation” As well as storytelling sessions with Angie Joss of Green & Bee, A Big Bug Hunt with David Hunter of the Habitat People, the Graffiti Granarchists will visit the garden to encourage everyone to get creative! All activities are free but booking must be made via Eventbrite by following this link bit.ly/3yWW9c1. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Cultivate Aberdeen are also hosting their regular gardening volunteer sessions during the summer on Saturdays 11.301.30pm, Wednesdays 2-4.30 pm. All are welcome to attend.
Wednesday July 28
Graffiti Granarchists with Angie Joss 4-6pm
Wednesday August 11th
Big Bug Hunt with David Hunter from ‘The Habitat People' 2-4pm
NEWS
ACVO News 10 July 14 2021
Age Scotland Check in, Cash out Campaign raises awareness to increase take-up of the social security available to help older people live well Every year hundreds of millions of pounds in vital financial support go unclaimed by older people in Scotland. There are 150,000 pensioners in Scotland living in poverty - with tens of thousands more on the cusp of it. A range of social security payments are available to help older people, including Pension Credit,
The Family Centre and Help Hub, managed by Action for Children, introduces virtual visits for families affected by imprisonment The Family Centre and Help Hub is pleased to announce that as of end of July 2021, they will be able to accommodate virtual contacts with loved ones in prison. Two stations for virtual visits will be based in the Hub, situated next to HMP & YOI Grampian in Peterhead, for anyone who doesn’t have relevant equipment at home (phone, tablet, laptop, whose internet is unpredictable at times) or simply need to have a video call in peace. Their team are on hand to guide you
In 2020 due to COVID 19, they had to slightly change the way they work in order to keep everyone safe and healthy. To compensate for the lack of contact in the FCHH with families caused by changes in restrictions and lockdowns, the team increased their offer of outreach and virtual support. Some of the support offered by the FCHH includes; Emotional - over the phone, in person (whilst safely distancing) and virtually; Practical – providing welfare
through the booking procedures and help you with any other issue.
parcels and hygiene products, IT equipment etc ; Making your journey of
For more information on how to book and attend virtual visit in the Family
visiting prison a more pleasant experience; Guide you through all visiting
Centre and Help Hub, please call 01779 485829/40, or send the team a message through Facebook (FCHH Grampian) The Family Centre and Help Hub offers a safe place for families that are affected by imprisonment. Their friendly staff and volunteers are always there to help whether you are looking for support and advice or you just need a chat.
procedures and regulations; Liaise with prison officials; Liaising with all partner organisation to ensure provision of effective and efficient support; Organising events and activities to ensure quality contacts between parents and children. Please get in touch with any questions you have about the support offered by the The Family Centre and Help Hub
Council Tax Reduction and Attendance Allowance. However, many older people don't claim the financial support they're entitled to. There are a range of reasons why this is the case, including: lack of awareness stigma about social security the belief the money would be better used to help others the claims process involved digital exclusion not knowing where to find advice and support Age Scotland can help by supporting older people to increase their awareness of the financial support available to them: 1) Their helpline advisers can perform free entitlement checks and help people to claim if they are missing out. It is free to call and lines are open from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Call us today on 0800 12 44 222. 2) Their free guides provide information and advice on financial matters and benefits. 3) Sign up to their free training covering social security for older people over State Pension age. Book your place at one of thier two-hour sessions today.
News 11 ACVO July 14 2021
NEWS
Social Enterprise Support Map: An interactive tool for community groups, third sector organisations, social enterprises and social entrepreneurs. Scotland has a well developed support ecosystem to help social enterprises start,
One major bit of feedback that came from the sector about the 2D map was that it
sustain and grow their organisations and their impact. The Social Enterprise Support Map allows anyone to navigate
needed to have local support included so groups in a particular area could easily find the support they needed nearby and
this landscape easily and efficiently – giving organisations and individuals the resources to become stronger and more sustainable.
with good local knowledge. As a result, it is really important that your organisation can be found when people search.
The resource is designed for use by community groups, third sector organisations, social enterprises and social entrepreneurs. The map, designed by Community Enterprise and Bold, and funded by the Scottish Government, is an interactive tool to streamline the process of finding support, funding, networks, information and training to develop ideas organisations.
It has been designed so that you can set up and manage your own space. You just need to log in and add in your organisation and the initiatives you have. You then have access and can add and remove information as it changes. Find out more at sesupportmap.scot
NEWS
ACVO News 12 July 14 2021
Peggy's Cafe:
Are you a Trustee for a Enjoy a home made hot meal Third Sector while supporting Inchgarth Organisation?
Community Centre
Take part in a study to help shape the recruitment and learning of trustees in the sector
Trustees are asked to participate in a doctoral research study being conducted at Napier University by Meg Wright who has many years’ experience in the voluntary sector as a CEO and as a Trustee. What will taking part involve? There is a questionnaire to complete prior to a semistructured interview. Interviews should last approximately 45 minutes. You will be asked about your role as a volunteer trustee, how you became involved, and what challenges you face with the role. Peggy's Cafe at Inchgarth Community Centre has a variety of tasty yet affordable meals and beverages available to be enjoyed in the regularly cleaned and well-
What's more, all profit goes towards allowing the centre to provide the best services they can. The Cafe is open at the following times:
spaced environment of the community centre's hall - or outside if you prefer!
Monday To Friday, 11am-3pm Full menu, indoor seating, and take away (full breakfast until 12only).
There's plenty of parking ,regularly cleaned and accessible toilets, and friendly staff waiting for you. They are now serving home-made soup, home-made stovies and now home-made chilli, made with fresh products. What's better than a home-made chilli to go with your baked potato or your hot dog?
Monday To Friday, 3pm-9pm Hot drinks, tray bakes, sweets, and soft drinks, chips and hot dogs. Saturday, 9am-1pm for hot drinks, tray bakes, sweets and soft drinks and hot dogs. The team at Inchgarth look forward to seeing you there!
Find out what's on offer and view the menu at inchgarth.co.uk/peggys-cafe
What are the possible benefits of taking part? Your participation will help identify what motivates individuals to volunteer as a trustee and what challenges they face. By participating in this study, you could help charities improve on how trustees are recruited and in the development of recruitment, induction and learning guidelines. Confidentiality will be protected by removing names or identifying information will be removed from interview transcripts. If you are interested in participating in this important research please email Margaret.wright@napier.ac.uk
News 13 ACVO July 14 2021
NEWS
Volunteers wanted for Rowett Institute's MI-Diet study The University of Aberdeen’s Rowett
“Free wholegrains and nuts are provided
not on medications (such as beta blockers
Institute are recruiting volunteers to take part in a study to examine how personal factors and habits affect individual blood pressure responses when eating wholegrains and nuts - using wearable devices.
for 8 weeks, to investigate whether these lead to reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol at the individual level. I am therefore looking for people who are low consumers of wholegrain foods (no more than 7 portions a week), and who have mildly elevated blood pressure levels, but
or statins). I can recruit adults aged 18-75 who are not currently on a weight loss diet, nor have lost more than 5kg in the last 6 months.”
They are looking for men or women aged
If you would like to find out more, please visit https://bit.ly/36z0B4n
18-75 who have slightly elevated blood pressure levels (120/80 - 140/90 mmHg) but are not taking any blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Tilly Potter, a PhD student who is investigating personalised nutrition through the MI-DIET study said “we are investigating why people respond to dietary interventions in different ways. “For the duration of the study, volunteers are provided with a wireless blood pressure monitor, and a smart watch which delivers personalised questionnaires and monitors activity levels. Most of the study can therefore be done from home, with visits to the Rowett Institute just once every 4 weeks.
The Edge: free gambling education workshops for groups of young people in Scotland Fast Forward and RCA Trust have launched a new pilot project, The Edge. This 6-month pilot project is aiming to raise practitioners skills and knowledge around gambling education by delivering and co-delivering 3 focused gambling
These 3 sessions consist of the following learning outcomes: Improve knowledge and increase awareness Change unhealthy attitudes towards gambling where present
education sessions to young people. These sessions have been put together using a
Correct false cognitions, understandings, erroneous beliefs
free and accessible online toolkit, with over 30 different games and activities to engage young people in gambling education. All sessions can be delivered in person or online, and most importantly they are fully funded to deliver these sessions so there is no cost to you or your organisation.
Influence Behaviour: prevent or delay onset of gambling decrease/reduce excessive gambling prevent gambling harms Increase skills and coping mechanisms that build individuals’ resilience Reinforce positive choices
Signpost and raise awareness of where get help when needed. If you would like to discuss this FREE opportunity to upskill yourself as a worker and deliver high quality training directly to your young people please get in contact with Paul@fastforward.org.uk
NEWS
ACVO News 14 July 14 2021
Fabulous five AFCCT Munro baggers take on the magnificent seven in aid of Brighter Futures
Money raised will go towards legacy fund set up in memory of former
L
iz Bowie, chief executive of Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT), is taking part in an epic Munro challenge to raise funds for the new Brighter Futures legacy fund.
Joining Liz on the challenge, which will take in a magnificent seven Munros all within 24 hours, will be three of Duncan’s friends, Mark Wilson of Space Solutions, Iain Landsman of CBRE and Eric Harper.
The challenge will begin on July 19 – which would have been Duncan’s birthday – and, over the course of the following day, will cover 35 miles taking in five of the six highest Munros in Scotland.
Set up in memory of former AFCCT chairman, Duncan Skinner - who died in
AFC commercial director, Rob Wicks, is hoping to take part but is currently dealing
The team will set off at 2am in darkness, using head torches, to complete the first
April 2021 after losing a year-long battle with cancer - the fund will support the Trust’s work with young people, including a year-long programme to help 14 to 18year-olds reach their full potential.
with an injury sustained while competing in an ultramarathon last weekend. Should he not be able to participate fully, he still intends to be involved as part of the group’s support team.
leg of the journey on the flat from Linn of Dee Car Park to Derry Lodge before starting their first hill walk on Derry Cairngorm. That will be followed by Ben MacDui, Cairngorm, Braeriach, Angels
News 15 ACVO July 14 2021
NEWS
Cormack and two prominent businessmen, all friends of Duncan’s, have already pledged £35,000 towards this challenge. “We are hoping that others will be inspired to join them and help us to raise as much as we can in support of this fantastic cause. Duncan believed deeply in helping young people to succeed and the Brighter Futures programme is exactly what he would have wanted. The fact that the volunteering these young people will do during their time on the programme will support the wider community is fantastic. Duncan would have loved it.” The Brighter Futures Fund, which was instigated by a £20,000 donation from Duncan earlier this year, supports the Trust’s work with young people and includes a year-long Youth Ambassador programme that gives 14 to 18-year-olds the chance to gain essential life experiences, skills and qualifications which might otherwise not be available to them, improving their chances of securing employment and reaching their full potential. Around 50 young people have benefited through the programme, but the Trust had no funding stream to continue and expand it until now. The Brighter Futures fund will not only enable the programme to restart, but its content will be augmented as a fitting tribute to Duncan Skinner.
AFCCT Chairman Duncan Skinner Peak, Cairn Toul and Devils Point before they retrace their steps back to the car park.
practice runs we have been doing over the last few weekends.
Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFCCT said, “Duncan was a keen hillwalker and Munro bagger. We can think of no better way to
“I hope that Trust and Club supporters, as well as others who knew Duncan or are aware of the work of the Trust, will get behind us with donations. They can be
raise money for the fund, in his name, than this challenge.
guaranteed that every penny will go towards our work in helping young people
“Personally, as a novice hillwalker, I will be pushing myself to my limit, but I’ve got great support from the rest of the team, who have been very patient with me on the
reach their goals.” Duncan’s close friend and fellow Munrobagger, Mark Wilson, added: “We are overwhelmed that AFC Chairman Dave
With a fundraising target of £100,000, the Trust has already secured almost £32,000 and thanks to generous donations from the AFC chairman and other individuals a further £35,000 has been pledged for the Munro Challenge. AFCCT is now well over halfway towards their goal which will see this programme funded for the next five years, benefitting young people and the wider community. Working with AFC, the Munro walkers are reaching out to fans, businesses and the wider community to ask for their support to reach the target of £100,000. A Just Giving Page for donations has been set up at justgiving.com/campaign/brighterfutures
ACVO News 16 July 14 2021
Green & Bee: a community interest company based in Aberdeen, offering experiences and volunteer opportunities to those who may be socially excluded, in gardening, civic pride projects and bee keeping.
News 17 ACVO July 14 2021
"Here at Green & Bee CIC, we want to provide projects, volunteer experiences and opportunities for those who may, usually, be socially excluded from their community. For example, those in recovery (or trying to get into recovery) from addiction, those with mental health issues or families who are at a financial disadvantage. These opportunities have a strong focus on improving the environment and community inclusion & spirit.
service users, train in beekeeping, to keep colonies of bees in different locations throughout Aberdeen. By doing this, we believe that we can help support their continued recovery by including them within the community again and allow them to make a difference, by increasing biodiversity and making a positive impact within the city and taking part in a therapeutic, life-affirming activity.
This community interest company is owned by myself, Angela Joss. I, too, am in
Other projects include planting for biodiversity in the City Centre, including mini urban orchards and a small wildflower
recovery and believe that others, like me, can benefit greatly from projects of these
meadow, and the newly launched phone box project where Green & Bee takeover a
kinds. One of our current projects is The Urban Bee Project, which sees people within the recovery community, mainly ADA (Aberdeen Alcohol and Drugs Action)
classic red phone box for use as a community information and culture mini hub." - Angela Joss, Green & Bee
ACVO News 18 July 14 2021
The Urban Bee Team swap the honeyfilled frames out of the hive, and leave fresh, empty ones in their place. (We never take all the bees' honey - and we
FIRST HONEY OF THE SEASON...
Urban Bee Project 2021 "We have our first honey of the
always make sure they've plenty food to get through the winter).
Then we extract the honey from the frames using a very traditional handcranked extractor, which allows the golden stuff to pour out of a tap at the bottom.
season - and the first from the Union Square Aberdeen bees. This particular honey is mostly Oil Seed Rape, because the bees were foraging around Turriff before moving to their
We then sieve the honey several times..
new home in the city. It has a distinctive taste, and a different consistency from "runny" honeys. We also decided to do
and whisk to form a creamy consistency…
something special with this batch - we made it into "Creamed Honey", an ideal spread for your morning toast,
…before putting it in jars. It
pancake or a naughty buttery.
really is that simple! Our
So, these are our first jars of
mixed with anything else at all.
honey for The Urban Bee Project 2021"
honey is not heat treated, nor
News 19 ACVO July 14 2021
CAN YOU HELP? Now that bee season 2021 is properly 'buzzin' and existing colonies are growing... Green & Bee are looking for fresh sites to place hives with new bees! If you or anyone you know has a site which is not easily accessible to the public, and think might be suitable as a hive site, please get in touch. We would be happy to take a look and discuss possibilities! You would be helping to increase the biodiversity within the city and be in for some jars of honey when honey harvest season comes around! Get in touch with Angela Joss at greenbeehq@gmail.com if you think you can help
Follow on
ACVO News 20 July 14 2021
I’ve always loved radio. When I was a little kid, I hated bedtime. I heard this through stories told later, of course, but I also remember very clearly that feeling of just not being ready for the day to end. On those evenings when I was particularly restless, I was allowed to have the radio on for half an hour after my bedtime to keep me company, and help ease me into the night. I can still picture that radio in my mind—a bright blue moulded plastic radio with cream-coloured knobs. I’ve no idea what happened to it, but it could easily be a collector’s item now! Fast forward many years later to some very challenging times, and radio was there. A friendly voice in the dark. Radio is the oldest of the modern media—it is the original broadcast medium—and it has stood the test of time. Incredibly, radio remains the most wide-reaching medium even in this social-media obsessed post-modern age. According to Ofcom’s Communications Market Report 2020, radio had a weekly reach of
My Recovery on Air By John Scott Kelman 89.4% in 2019. Average listening time was reported as 20 hours and 12 minutes per week, although this varied between age groups, with those aged 15-24 listening the least at 12 hours and 30 minutes each week on average. By comparison, weekly reach of TV in 2019 was 86.3%, while household internet take-up stood at 87%. More households have a radio than an internet connection—this is especially true among older people and less well-off households, meaning radio has an important role to play in social inclusion. Part of radio’s universality is that it is so affordable and easy to use, but there is much more to its appeal. Indeed, research has also shown that listeners tend to develop an emotional attachment to their favourite radio station, greater than seen in any other medium.
News 21 ACVO July 14 2021
Whether it’s for music, chat, or both, radio has a certain authenticity—a spontaneity—that creates the sense of a shared experience, helping reduce feelings of isolation. Listeners also become familiar with programmes and presenters, adding to the feeling of radio as good company. Radio can offer us some escape, but because it isn’t immersive, it doesn’t take us fully out of the present moment in the way that TV, social media, and video games can. This means radio easily complements other activities, such as reading, writing, drawing, emailing, texting, walking, or driving—it can even make doing the washing up more tolerable! Radio has been technologically adaptable, transcending its original reliance on AM and FM to now also be found on DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), the internet, smart speakers, and even Freeview TV. Radio’s adaptability, accessibility, and authentic appeal have all been key in its resilience. At Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR), we’re fortunate to be able to bring you our very own radio show every week—Recovery on AiR— thanks to our partnership with Station House Media Unit (shmu). Recovery on AiR combines music
with chat, covering all sorts of recovery related topics and featuring a variety of guests. I first heard of AiR and Recovery on AiR through ADA in the autumn of 2019. I was instantly drawn to the possibility of being involved in a radio show. But, at the same time, the whole idea seemed pretty far-fetched for me. I definitely had an anxiety barrier to overcome. My early experience with Recovery on AiR involved going to the studios at shmu, meeting the group, learning about radio production and how to operate the fader board. I did my first full show operating the board in March 2020, just days before the COVID-19 lockdown hit. Suddenly, there was the threat of being thrown back into isolation, and we were faced with a new learning curve, but quickly adapted to do the show remotely using Zoom. As I write this, it’s now been more than a full year since that first lockdown began—hard to believe. It’s been an amazing experience to be part of the show, introducing music, contributing to the chat, and learning sound editing, while gaining confidence (gradually!) and building some great connections along the way. Hopefully, we’re helping others feel more connected too.
Join us every week for Recovery on AiR, Thursdays at 2pm (repeated every Tuesday at 1pm) on shmu 99.8FM or listen online at www.shmu.org.uk/fm. You can also catch up with previous episodes on our YouTube channel. Song request? Feedback? Topic ideas? We’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch at chatterbox@aberdeeninrecovery.org
I first heard of AiR and Recovery on AiR through ADA (Alcohol & Drugs Action) in the autumn of 2019. I was instantly drawn to the possibility of being involved in a radio show. But, at the same time, the whole idea seemed pretty far-fetched for me. I definitely had an anxiety barrier to overcome.
VOLUNTEERING
ACVO News 22 July 14 2021
Volunteering Latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen Find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk
Volunteering for all EXPO... A
CVO was delighted to participate in the excellent ‘The Road to Recovery’ Mini-Expo’, which involved Volunteer Scotland, the Scottish Government, Mobilising UK Voluntary Action, Economic and Social Research Council, the Scottish Volunteering Forum and contributors from across the whole third sector and volunteer involving organisations. There was great, passionate discussions and actions shared. Feedback and ideas from the Expo will inform the work of key stakeholders (Volunteer Scotland, the Scottish Government, the TSI Scotland Network, national development bodies and volunteer involving organisations) during the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the recovery period and beyond. It will also be a key input to Scotland's Volunteering Action Plan. All materials from the event, recordings, copy of presentations, research links, an evaluation of the event and analysis of the breakout sessions and the waterfall question are available at: bit.ly/2T7Q2Ce
News 23 ACVO July 14 2021
VOLUNTEERING
£3.3 million Scottish Government Volunteering Support Fund aimed at improving diversity in volunteering ACVO is delighted to announce that The Scottish Government’s Volunteering Support Fund 2021-24 is now open for applications. £3.3 million has been committed by the Government to enable Scotland’s small to medium sized third sector organisations to recruit additional volunteers who experience disadvantage or barriers to volunteering. Since the fund was launched in 2013, nearly 600 organisations across Scotland have benefitted from the Volunteering Support Fund, resulting in improved support for thousands of volunteers. Over the most recent funding period (2018-21), three awards totalling £80,336 were awarded to organisations in the Aberdeenshire region. Impact Funding Partners is managing the fund on the Governments behalf and advises that applicants should aim to recruit a minimum of 36 volunteers. The fund aims to build on its success of
recruiting volunteers who have traditionally experienced disadvantage or barriers to volunteering, particularly volunteers from minority ethnic backgrounds, have a physical disability or have a long-term health condition.
Funded projects will contribute to the following key outcomes: 1. Increasing the diversity of the third sector’s volunteer pool, especially to include people who experience disadvantage or would traditionally experience barriers to volunteering 2. Improving opportunities for skills and personal development through volunteering 3. Improving the third sector’s capacity to support, train and deploy volunteers; and 4. Enhancing the services organisations deliver to better meet the needs of the communities they serve.
The fund is aimed at organisations that generate an annual income of under £250,000 per year, excluding any one-off capital costs or funding from a recognised emergency COVID19 stream. Grants between £4,000 (Year 1) and £13,000 (Years 2 & 3) are available. The fund closes for applications on Friday 27th August at 5pm You can find out lots more helpful information and guidance at www.impactfundingpartners.com You can apply online at https://bit.ly/36hX4qY Please remember that ACVO provides a range of funding support services, including a confidential external review of draft funding applications. Just get in touch with our Funding Officer, Claire Shaw, by email at claire.shaw@acvo.org.uk for more information.
News 25 ACVO July 14 2021
VOLUNTEERING
Recent opportunity Aberdeen forteam. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health Volunteers The latestCentre from our Do you have a suspected, or confirmed diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis? The Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health in partnership with NHS Grampian is looking for one or two people who have experience of living with knee or hip osteoarthritis to help develop a competitive grant application. The application is to be submitted by the 6th August, and would require 2 hours of your time either Wednesday 21 July from 2-4pm or Friday 23 July from 10-12 pm. You will be compensated for your time. If this is something you would be interested in, please email laura.moir1@abdn.ac.uk
Recent opportunity The latest fromVolunteers our team. Talkable Service Talkable offers a talkline to anyone affected by panic or anxiety. We currently have a range of ways that you can help as a volunteer as we continue to grow and provide ever more vital support to people. Opportunities to join our team of volunteers include: *Phoneline Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief over the phone to our service users. *Phoneline Team Leader – you will be required to manage the phoneline volunteers as well as be available on the phone. *Message Line Volunteers – you will be required to provide anxiety relief to our service users over our Facebook page, full training will be given. *Promotion Volunteers – you will be required to create social media posts and reach out to companies to make our services known more. *Funding Volunteers – you will be required to help come up with funding ideas to support our vital services. *Policy Assistance Volunteers – we are also looking for a volunteer(s) who can help us with policy work. Excellent support and any relevant training is provided to all volunteers. All help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information about any of these volunteer roles or any other ways you wish to help us as a volunteer please contact Chelsea Birkett at E Mail: recruitment@talkable.online or tel: 07999 453655.
Recent opportunity The latest from –our team.The Armed Forces Charity (Aberdeen Branch) Branch Secretary SSAFA Could you coordinate local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background, just basic I.T and admin skills, the ability to get on with people and good written and spoken English. If so we’d love to hear from you. -What is a Branch Secretary? There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a secretary to organise day-to-day activities. This is a key role involving administration and coordinating people. As the first point of contact for SSAFA in the area you will play a crucial part in promoting SSAFA locally, organising local events and ensuring the smooth running of SSAFA across the divisions in your branch. When would you be needed and where would you be based? This role is about coordination and administration. As part of your local branch you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role would suit someone looking to offer a regular time commitment each week. You would also need to organise and attend a number of regular meetings each year. -How do I find out more? Visit us on line at https://www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer to browse available roles and locations and let us know you’re interested. Read more about training and about some of our wonderful volunteers Call our friendly central Volunteer Team on 0800 032 5612. They can answer any general questions about volunteering and put you in touch with your local branch
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
ACVO News 26 July 14 2021
Health & Social Care Updates
Aberdeen’s Third Sector
Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum ACVO host regular fora 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 multilayered and affects so many aspects of our work, ACVO are continuing to host regular third sector forum meetings on the theme of Mental Health & Wellbeing.
We are inviting our third sector colleagues to our next one. It is to be held on Thursday 15th July 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) Take part in a themed discussion on ‘ Resilience – what is it ? 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
News 27 ACVO July 14 2021
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
Urgent briefing on the current Covid-19 cases in Aberdeen You may be aware of increasing COVID cases across Scotland largely due to the Delta variant, and locally we have seen a particular increase across Aberdeen. As such NHS Grampian want to work with residents to prevent this escalating further, this includes the deployment of mobile testing units and working with people living in these communities to prevent further outbreaks. NHS Grampian and partners from the city are hosting online briefing sessions, with key people identified within the community as third sector or community leads, so you can hear from NHS Grampian colleagues regarding the situation and plans for testing and vaccination clinics. They are also keen to hear from people regarding opportunities for increasing uptake of vaccinations and testing and to engage with people. Despite it being short notice, those from the third sector are encouraged to attend the sessions. Your support is appreciated in helping to act swiftly to get on top of the current situation. Sessions take place between 2pm-3pm on both Thursday 22nd July and Friday 23rd July.
Thursday 22nd July Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer or mobile app Join the meeting here OR Friday 23rd July Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer or mobile app Join the meeting here
VACANCIES
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Let ACVO help you to find your perfect candidate Get in touch with andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk to find out how to advertise your vacancy on our site and in ACVO News.