ACVO News July 28th 2021

ACVO NEWS

NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR

ALCOHOL & DRUGS ACTION RECOVERY GARDEN ACVO News visits the garden to hear the latest from the project

JULY 28 | 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

ACVO News 3 July 28 2021

CONTENTS

4 Covid and the Banking Crisis Sandy Mathers comments

11 Step Out September - join us for a stroll!

16 Community Asset Transfer latest opportunities and support

4 ACVO Updates 6 News from you and other networks 20 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 30 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond

18 Alcohol & Drugs Action Recovery Garden

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

Scottish Charity No: SC036845

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ACVO News 4 July 28 2021

AN OPINION PIECE BY SANDY MATHERS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, ACVO TSI

COVID AND THE BANKING CRISIS One of the most frustrating rites of passage any new Third Sector Organisation must endure is opening a bank account. This has never been a bundle of joys but since Covid, the crisis in Third Sector Banking seems to have worsened.

ACVO Development Officer, Sandy Mathers, contributes this opinion piece in order to stimulate debate among the sector.

The Banking Sector has had a terrible Covid. New organisations set up to deliver support and respond to the challenges that the pandemic has dealt to our communities have met with indifference, non-cooperation and obstruction from a sector which was happy to take all the public bailouts it could get in 2008.

Just in Aberdeen we know of many organisations who have successfully received funding in order to carry out Covid relief work who have been stymied by the banks at every turn.

Lucky organisations have managed to set up accounts (often with non-high street providers), other have had to turn to existing organisations and ask them to hold funds on their behalf. Others have had to use the bank accounts of individuals.

Some funders, unhappy with their funds being controlled in these ways decline to allow such arrangements. Everyone loses.

So why are the Banks being so unhelpful? A mixture of reasons seem apparent.

Some banks simply don’t want the business of small organisations. Frankly it doesn’t make enough money for them.

Not that they will tell you that.

What you will hear are dubious assertions dressed up as “bank policy”. I have heard high street banks use all sorts of excuses not to proceed with applications.

“Heard” being the operative word. it’s very difficult to get a Bank to put anything in writing these days.

Most applications for new accounts are dealt with on the phone. Good luck hanging on to speak to a real person.

“We need the inside leg measurement of the second cousin of the maternal granny of every trustee before we can proceed with your application”.

That’s only slightly more

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ACVO UPDATES

ludicrous than some of the requests for personal information I have heard being made under the cover of an idiosyncratic interpretation of the requirements of the Banking Regulations.

Another reason is the Staff that Banks employ at their contracted Call Centres which handle new accounts arguably don’t have enough training to understand why a community organisation would need banking facilities.

When a “charity specialist” at a major Scottish High Street Bank tells an applicant (over the phone of course) “I don’t know much about SCIOs”, you do need to question their claim to be a “specialist” if they don’t know much about the most popular legal vehicle for Charities in Scotland.

It also shows a staggering commercial indifference to a sector which in Scotland controls £12 Billion of assets.

Please don’t think I’m picking on any particular Bank either, there are plenty examples from most of the 'High Street' Banks.

The Third Sector has an important part to play in Scotland’s recovery from Covid. The least it should be able to expect from the banking sector is access to banking facilities to let it do its job.

If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) is also aware of the feelings in the sector. A spokesperson said; “Charities may represent a small percentage of banking customers however their impact on society is much larger.

This has particularly been the case over the last year when they made a significant contribution to Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the way in connecting communities and helping those who need the most support.

"Challenges with banking have the potential to impact on charity trustees’ ability to govern and therefore continue to provide their much needed services. We appreciate there is no easy answer as so many factors are involved including banking and money laundering legislation, different corporate guidelines and the branch structures. However we hope to be able to work with the banking sector and others to try and find the best solution we can to the issues charities are encountering."

I approached a “Scottish” High Street Bank for a comment but they declined to be interviewed.

At least, that’s what they told me on the phone.

If you would like to share your experiences, please get in touch with Sandy at sandy.mathers@acvo.org.uk

NEWS

ACVO News 6 July 28 2021

News from you and other networks

VSA staff graduate charities Modern Apprentice Scheme

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ocal Aberdeen charity, VSA, celebrates the achievements of its staff who have recently graduated with their Health and Social care qualifications through VSA's Modern Apprentice Scheme.

VSA is a fully accredited SVQ Qualification Centre that delivers a successful Modern Apprentice Scheme that provides a range of qualifications in Health and Social Care, including HNC in Social Services, SVQs in Social Services, and PDA Promoting Excellence in Dementia Skilled Practice.

The SVQ centre at VSA allows the charity to deliver a programme of continuous professional development and provide colleagues with an opportunity gain practical

Left to right CEO, Kenneth Simpson, Support Worker Benjamin Murphy,Qualifications Supervisor, Diane Scott and Maggie who Ben supports

experience while gaining qualifications.

Carol Nicholson, HR Director at VSA, said: "We have always been proud to invest in our staff to ensure our team can continue and deliver outstanding care to the vulnerable people we support. This year has had challenges for everyone, none more than our colleagues working on the front line, so for them to have dealt with those additional pressures and still managed to gain their qualifications is nothing less than fantastic, and I congratulate them all."

Also commenting is Modern Apprenticeship graduate and Support Worker at VSA, Benjamin Left to right Marie Walker, Chloe Lister and Genevieve Mante

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Murphy: "The Modern Apprenticeship

for individuals to join our team. If you

has been important for my career development as it has helped improve my skills and knowledge while gaining a qualification. I found the support I

are looking for a new career opportunity, our recruitment team would love to speak to you about what roles we have available and how the Modern

received from VSA superb, and there was always someone on hand to help guide me and provide support."

Apprentice Scheme can help you develop your career."

Carol Nicholson, HR Director at VSA,

The charity was also recently awarded the prestigious Investors in People

added: "Our Modern Apprentice Scheme is truly a great way to learn while you are in full or part-time employment. We currently have some fantastic vacancies across all of our services and are looking

Platinum Accreditation. Dr. Kenneth Simpson, Chief Executive at VSA, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the highest Platinum status. It is a credit to all colleagues across VSA for the

Cally Walker

amazing work they do each day supporting vulnerable children and adults across the north-east."

"People are at the heart of VSA, and we are proud of the impact our highly skilled staff make each year. We value the contribution our employees make, and we acknowledge and understand the value they add to our business."

For further information about careers that are available at VSA, you can visit: careers.vsa.org.uk

Left to right Kelly Anderson, Anna Garden and Nina McElroy

NEWS

‘4 Teens’ support & social group from Four Pillars

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our Pillars are pleased to announce the launch of a new group dedicated to supporting LGBT+ teenagers.

‘4 Teens’ is a support & social group for young LGBT+ people aged 13 – 19 years old. 4 Teens will run on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 6-8pm and be a social and support group for teenagers. It will incorporate play and learning; offering relaxed sessions, board games, console games, art & crafts as well as educational and open sessions around mental, emotional, physical, and sexual health. There will also be special guests invited on a regular basis to talk to the group.

For more information on the group or to download a PDF version of the poster for distribution, please visit Four Pillars online at fourpillarsuk.org

Inchgarth foodbank receives generous donation following appeal for food and essential items Following ongoing appeals to support the foodbank at Inchgarth Community Centre, the team were delighted to receive a generous donation this week from the Avis Family.

All donations make a huge difference to support those living in Aberdeen south who visit the foodbank each Wednesday 2.30-4pm for discreet support.

To find out more and how you can make a donation, visit visit inchgarth.co.uk.

As part of Volunteers' Week 2021 we visited the foodbank at Inchgarth to meet the hard working volunteers and to hear their stories. You can watch the film at vimeo.com/559955090

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Acclaimed tenant participation collective appoints new co-chairs

NETRALT - Catherine Coutts Katie Taylor: Newly elected Co-Chairs Catherine Coutts (middle left) and Katie Taylor (middle right) receiving the Best Practice Award “Involving All – Youth Involvement” on behalf of NETRALT at the TPAS Good Practice Awards 2016 At its recent Annual General Meeting, NETRALT (North East Tenants, Residents and Landlords Together) appointed Katie Taylor, Participation Lead at Grampian Housing Association and Catherine Coutts, Tenant Participation Officer at Castlehill Housing Association as new co-chairs.

Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary this year, NETRALT is a nationally known award winning group of tenants, residents and landlords at the forefront of best practice in tenant participation in Scotland. NETRALT is a community for sharing experiences and resources to enhance participation and engagement for its members as well as the wider community.

Catherine said, “NETRALT’s tenant and

resident members are its biggest asset.

Working with them is a privilege and leads to creative and meaningful engagement in housing across the North East.”

TPAS “Tenant Participation Champion of the Year (Group)” award.

Katie paid tribute to outgoing chair Carol Hannaford, who was at NETRALT’s helm since its inception in 2011: “Carol is a

NETRALT’s popular housing cafes providing information and advice on social housing and community issues have been replicated by many other organisations.

They are an opportunity for tenants and

tenant participation pioneer whose reputation precedes her. I am thrilled that she endorsed us to follow in her footsteps.”

landlords alike to engage with each other and ultimately influence decisions relating to their homes and communities.

Highlights of NETRALT’s success over the last 10 years include scooping a TPAS Good Practice Award in the “Involving All – Youth Involvement” category for a collaborative radio show with young teenagers, the TIS “Most Inspiring Scrutiny Group” award for its innovative crosslandlord mystery shopping project and the

NETRALT’s members include Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Blackwood, Castlehill Housing Association, Hillcrest Homes, Grampian Housing Association, Langstane Housing Association and Moray Council.

NEWS

ACVO News 10 July 28 2021

Learning Disability and Mental Health Accommodation Survey 2021 To gain an understanding of the current nature of specialist housing operating in Aberdeen, and to assist with future planning of services, current service providers are asked to complete the Learning Disability and Mental Health Accommodation Survey 2021.

Aberdeen based Gathimba Edwards Foundation announce 'Journey to School' Fundraiser What started as two international athletes on the same running track start line in Aberdeen, has evolved into a partnership

and determined to help these wonderful people.

which gets Kenyan children onto the same start lines in life that many of us take for granted.

by Gathimba Edwards foundation walk 5km per day to get to school. They walk through hilly terrain, unaccompanied and in all weather. To put that into perspective that is 10km per day round trip or 50 km per week to receive an education.

Myles Edwards first met Gideon Gathimba whilst racing in a 1 mile running event which was organised by his father, Mel Edwards, for the opening of Aberdeen Sports Village in 2009. Since then Kenyan international and former 4 x 1500m relay world record holder, Gideon, and Scottish 1,500m champion, Myles, have become great friends with Myles regularly living and training with him in Kenya. Gideon had often spoken about his desire to help disadvantaged children in Kenya and in May 2013 the pair saw a real opportunity to turn this dream into reality.

An inspirational visit to the Pavilion Village children's home in Karatina provided the catalyst for them to establish the Gathimba Edwards Foundation. The Pavilion Village was home to 22 children at the time - most of whom had either been abandoned or abused by their biological parents or in some cases lost them due to HIV. Following that first visit to the home in 2013, Myles made his way home inspired

Some of the children in Kenya supported

Throughout August, Gathimba Edwards Foundation are inviting adults and children to take their own personal journey to school in support of GEF and help raise funds to supply children in need with for school shoes, books, bags, uniform and sanitary towels.

The challenge is yours so feel free to make it what you want, you could take on one of the charity's suggestions on their website or create your own.

Entry is free, though GEF recommend a donation of £20 minimum for all participants. Every person who enters will receive a certificate for their specific personal challenge and a GEF Journey to School bracelet.

For full details visit Gathimba Edwards Foundation online at gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/journeyto-school/

Dorothy Askew, Housing Strategy Officer at Aberdeen City Council said "This questionnaire has been developed in conjunction with partner organisations operating in Aberdeen to collate information about specialist accommodation operating in the City.

"We aim to find out what facilities are available and how well the accommodation meets the needs of the people who live there.

"Please complete one form per service and provide as much information as you can to give us the best 'picture' of the current Learning Disability and Mental Health accommodation based 'estate'. " If you have any questions please contact Dorothy on 01224 523927 or email daskew@aberdeencity.gov.uk The survey should be completed by Friday August 6th and can be found at bit.ly/3BKocO4

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Step out September

Have a stroll with us!

S tep out September is a campaign to

encourage people across the city to take part in safe, local opportunities in September, it is a partnership project between Bon Accord Care, ACVO, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Sport Aberdeen.

Step out September is part of ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ which has an aim to promote better health and wellbeing, develop meaningful community relationships, promote better inclusion and help reduce social isolation.

There will be a range of gentle social walks and talks advertised where you can connect with other people both in and around your local area and in some of Aberdeen’s open spaces. You don’t need any special equipment, just bring yourself, wear your comfy shoes and bring a jacket.

If you use a wheelchair, use walking aids or if you are pushing a buggy, come along for a blether, we really want your company!

If you would like to do something in your school, in your housing complex, or workplace then let us know. We will have lots of ideas and resources we can share

with you for inspiration so get in touch via SWSC@aberdeencity.gov.uk and we can add you to our Step Out September list.

contact Sport Aberdeen Health Walk Coordinator, Brian Harrison, on ActiveLifestyles@sportaberdeen.co.uk

We’d love to get some photos to capture

We are especially keen to reach those who have lost confidence and feel isolated due to the pandemic, so if this is you or someone you know, then come along!

what you are doing to celebrate Stepping out this September!

If you already host a regular activity that you would like to include in Step out September, we would be delighted to hear from you!

If you are interested in training to become a walk leader then we can arrange this too.

For more details on FREE Paths for All Walk Leader Training please click here or

We will give regular updates on Step out September but please get in touch if you have any queries or if you want to share your own ideas.

Together we CAN and together we WILL walk and talk our way back to wellbeing!

We can’t wait to see you!

NEWS

New webinars from Scottish Women's Aid for August and September

ACVO News 12 July 28 2021

Public consultation opens to improve the health and disability benefits system On Tuesday 20 July a public consultation opened with the publication of ‘Shaping Future Support: The Health and Disability Green Paper’. Views are being sought on

Scottish Women’s Aid have announced their new programme of webinars for August and September. Each session will be hosted on Zoom and cost £25 each to

different entry points into working with men and boys to challenge gender based violence, and what allyship means in practice.

attend.

Understanding Digital Abuse (07.09.21 10.00am – 12.00pm)

Facilitating the sessions will be Ellie Hutchinson, a freelance feminist, working with organisations and practitioners to make social change happen. She has been a policy officer, founder, CEO, prevention worker, support worker, activist, researcher and a trustee for third sector organisations over the last 14 years, working on issues relating to domestic abuse, tech abuse, housing and children’s services and youth work.

She is a founding member of The Collective, a feminist consultancy group, and is currently working on projects relating to gender equality, engaging with men and boys for prevention, community responses to COVID-19, feminist wellbeing and tech abuse.

The programme includes the following sessions: Working with Men and Boys to Challenge GBV (31.08.21 - 10.00am – 12.00pm) Challenging gender based violence requires all of us to take part in working for change.

In this participative session, weʼll explore

Stay at home orders and the continued rise of social media and smart technology has had a huge impact on the tools used to perpetrate abuse. In this session, we will explore what digital abuse looks like in the context of gender based violence and coercive control, and what some of the impacts might be.

Understanding Consent Online (21.09.21 10.00am – 12.00pm) With a rise in self-generated images, and a lack of understanding around privacy and public social media engagement, this session will explore what digital literacy looks like in terms of consent, control and coercion Self Care and Community Care for GBV Workers (28.09.21 - 10.00am – 12.00pm)

how the benefits system can better meet the needs of customers who have disabilities and health conditions now and in the future, to build a system that enables people to live independently and move into work where possible.

The paper also reaffirms the government’s commitment to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027 and asks for the public’s views on improving employment support for disabled people.

This Green Paper considers the options for addressing short- and medium-term issues in health and disability benefits. It will also start a discussion about the opportunities for wider change to deliver on the objectives of the health and disability benefits system.

This Green Paper will also consider whether the money spent on supporting disabled people and people with health conditions is spent well. This is to ensure that the health and disability benefit system is effective and sustainable in the future.

This consultation is an important step towards making changes that will improve

The pandemic is a collective trauma.

Alongside this shared experience, many GBV workers experienced added stress and anxiety due to changing support needs, funding anxieties, worries for our own families and friends and logistical challenges in

services, increase opportunities for employment and help more people to live

maintaining support services.

The consultation is open until October 11th 2021 and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3y71hdC

Bookings can be made by visiting womensaid.scot or by emailing booking@womensaid.scot

independently. The approach must be informed by different views and opinions, particularly those of disabled people and people with health conditions.

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Involving refugee volunteers: Make Your Mark knowledge share

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or the Volunteer Organisers Network's next event, the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) will join the session to discuss the involvement of

The general discussion at the end of the event is also a great time to raise any concerns or questions you may have about managing volunteers. These need not be

refugee volunteers.

related to involving refugee volunteers, and can be about any aspect of volunteer

Involving refugee volunteers can strengthen your organisation by enabling you to provide services to refugees and people seeking asylum, offer tours and activities in a variety of languages and be more accessible to all.

The SRC’s Volunteer Development Team will discuss refugees’ rights to volunteer, how to support refugee volunteers through processes such as disclosures and collecting references, and how to dismantle common barriers to volunteering for refugees and people seeking asylum.

After the short 15 minute presentation, there'll be time for a Q&A and general networking discussion. As a peer-to-peer support network, knowledge-sharing is encouraged, and the session provides a platform to hear what experiences other volunteer organisers may have with involving refugee volunteers.

management.

The Volunteer Organisers Network, formerly known as HVOS (Heritage Volunteer Organisers Scotland), is part of the Make Your Mark campaign. The network provides peer-to-peer support for heritage volunteer organisers in Scotland.

Make Your Mark is a campaign to increase the number and diversity of heritage volunteers in Scotland. Make Your Mark supports volunteer managers by connecting heritage volunteer coordinators across Scotland, sharing best practice in inclusive volunteering and lobbying for more support for Scottish heritage volunteering programmes. Visit the Make Your Mark website to learn more about how to join the campaign.

If you have any questions, you can get in touch via Twitter (@VolOrganisers) or email network@makeyourmark.scot.

NEWS

ACVO News 14 July 28 2021

It’s Your Neighbourhood: Fresh Community Wellness SCIO Cleaning up and greening up with Keep Scotland Beautiful’s celebration of community environmental improvement

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vidence shows communities benefit from coming together to improve their local environments and Fresh Community Wellness is seeking to do just that by joining hundreds of others to celebrate the 2021 theme of It's Your

initiative celebrates, supports and empowers those cleaning and greening up the places they care for. Projects in previous years have sought to improve local streets, patches of communal neglected land, and shared outdoor

“It’s Your Neighbourhood is all about celebrating pride in our local neighbourhoods. Volunteer groups work hard to support community participation through gardening and good environmental practices.

Neighbourhood: Climate and Nature Friendly.

spaces.

“Evidence from participants in previous

“Our areas for change will be street green space corners, benches, routes, Seaton Backies and an allotment”, said Sam Raoin from Fresh Community Wellness.

years has demonstrated transformational benefits to local communities.

By planting seeds, organising awareness raising environmental campaigns, and engaging with the wider community, volunteers along with local residents and guests from Fresh Community Wellness will work hard to improve the places they care for.

Designed for community groups seeking to make environmental improvements, the noncompetitive It’s Your Neighbourhood

“We welcome any local residents, Guests, or volunteers to safely attend our outside meetings/ groups to discuss their thoughts, ideas & work with us for your Community!”

Juliette Camburn, Community Projects Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful said:

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is delighted that Fresh Community Wellness is taking part this year and I’d like to thank all the entrants for their ongoing commitment to keeping Scotland beautiful.”

Contact Fresh Community Wellness at info@freshcommunitywellness.com, or find details on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

ACVO News 16 July 28 2021

Benholm Lodge (Wallace Tower) Former staff house, one of many properties in Aberdeen currently available for community asset transfer

COMMUNITY ASSET TRANSFER: Latest Opportunities and Available Support in Aberdeen

By Sandy Mathers Development Officer, ACVO TSI

“Community Asset Transfer (CAT) allows community organisations to take over publicly-owned land or buildings in a way that recognises the public benefits that the transfer will bring. The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act defined a legal process for asset transfer, which gives new rights to communities (of place, or interest) and places duties on public bodies.”

Development Trusts Association for Scotland (DTAS)

As DTAS say, the Act gave various rights to community bodies to either own, lease long-term or manage publicly owned assets. The Act defines public bodies widely, it’s not just the local authorities. It’s the Police Service, Fire and Rescue Service, NHS, Forestry Commission for example.

Any asset owned by a public body can be the subject of a request from a community. Not just those highlighted as “suitable for asset transfer”.

The important word here is 'asset', there’s no point in community bodies taking over liabilities.There is a perception that public bodies may be very willing to get rid of liabilities but less willing to sell assets.

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The Act defined a legal process to govern applications.

What it didn’t do was to compel public bodies to agree to every application or to give assets away for nothing.

There is a duty on public bodies to engage with the process, though many take an overly bureaucratic interpretation of that obligation.

In Aberdeen, one of the best examples of an asset taken into community ownership is the Gospel Hall in Fittie, ownership of which was taken over by the Fittie Community Development Trust SCIO. As well as defining Community Asset Transfer where assets are owned by public bodies, the Act also considers Community Right To Buy where an asset is owned by a non-public body.

Middleton Park Community Centre

If your community has an interest in possible Community Asset Transfer, contact ACVO Development Officer, Sandy Mathers, at sandy.mathers@acvo.org.uk for information and support.

The Development Trust Association for Scotland is also a valuable source of information and support.

Their website has a great overview of the process at https://bit.ly/3eZlk5W We look forward to hearing from you!

Milltimber Primary School

ASSETS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN ABERDEEN The following properties, alongside others, have recently been added to the Aberdeen City Council Website for community asset transfer: Bridge of Don – Middleton Park Community Centre Airyhall/ Broomhill/ Garthdee - Kaimhill School Lodge Lower Deeside – Milltimber Primary School and Culter Depot (The Bush) Community Groups are invited to view all properties available for Community Asset Transfer and download a basic Information Pack on the property at https://bit.ly/3BJZZr9 Any group with an interest is invited to notify ACC by the end of August via cat@aberdeencity.gov.uk, any questions regarding the status of these properties should also be directed to this same mailbox.

Chair of ACVO’s Board and of Garthdee Community Council, Paul O’Connor said of the opportunities “there are some cracking buildings available.

“This is really interesting not only in termsNofOmy M Aown DIC | 24 community, but also in a city wide perspective where there are opportunities for third sector organisations to own these assets.”

Culter Depot (The Bush)

ACVO News 18 July 28 2021

ALCOHOL & DRUGS ACTION RECOVERY GARDEN Alcohol & Drugs Action (ADA) is a registered Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee with the remit to provide advice, information and targeted interventions on all alcohol and drug-related issues in Aberdeen city and shire.

Since formation in 1986, ADA has made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of services to those affected by alcohol and/or drug use focussed on supporting both individuals as well as their families and friends.

Their experienced, professional staff have years of experience in the alcohol and drugs field and the delivery of service is supported by volunteers, including service users themselves, to allow ADA to provide a wide range of services targeted at harm reduction, stability, support and recovery.

ADA provide evidence-based interventions across the full spectrum of the ‘recovery journey’ by providing harm reduction and tailored holistic support to the individual irrespective of their starting point within that journey.

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A main focus of service provision is to provide flexible, accessible, timely and person-centred support and one example of this is their Recovery Garden group.

Started in 2015, the group is run by volunteers to support people in recovery from substance misuse. The project is supported by Aberdeen City Council who provide a polytunnel in the city where the group meet.

Each year a core group of participants decide what they want to grow at the start of the season and then plant, care for and harvest the produce to either use themselves or give to other vulnerable people in the community.

The group have participated in Keep Scotland Beautiful, ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ and helped the 2019 Aberdeen entry for Britain in Bloom by partnering with the Council and others to provide small planters for shop keepers as well as maintaining a larger planter dedicated to people who have lost their lives due to addiction, planted with flowers and plants that reflect hope and remembrance.

Involvement with the project also led to some group members becoming beekeepers with the Aberdeen Urban Bee project and taking an interest in ensuring the plants they grow are pollinator friendly.

On the 16th of March 2021, the hard work that goes in to the project by participants recognised with the award of the prestigious Horticultural Groups Award from The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

Now, as the team behind the project prepare to enter Britain in Bloom 2021, ACVO News visited the garden to find out more.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering Latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen Find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk

ACVO News 20 July 28 2021

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VOLUNTEERING

VOLUNTEERING

ACVO News 22 July 28 2021

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VOLUNTEERING

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Do you believe in the power of the arts to change lives and transform cities and communities?

Aberdeen Performing Arts is looking for new Board Directors to join their Board at a pivotal time as they recover, rebuild and reopen venues and re-imagine their future after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aberdeen Performing Arts are an awardwinning independent arts charity running three of Scotland's iconic arts venues - His Majesty's Theatre, the Music Hall and The Lemon Tree.

They stage more than 800 shows a year, attract audiences of 450,000+, run three festivals, support new work and talent through their production company, Freshly Squeezed Productions, and run a year-round creative learning and talent development programme for young people and local communities As a volunteer Board member you will: Shape the company's strategic direction Make a difference to individuals, communities and the city through arts and cultural activity Have scope for personal development Contribute to the work of one of Scotland's largest arts and cultural organisations What's involved: The Board is responsible for setting and maintaining the overall strategic direction and governance of Aberdeen Performing Arts Four Board meetings a year, usually a Monday at 4pm for 2 hours Attendance at a minimum of one subcommittee meeting every quarter Reasonable preparation time required to read all board reports 1 week prior to board/sub-committee meetings Be an ambassador for and representative of Aberdeen Performing Arts Appointments are for up to three years initially and start in November 2021 They are looking for people with a strong interest or experience in the performing arts who can contribute to the work of the Board by bringing a positive attitude, relevant skills and expertise and who can fulfil an ambassadorial role. Board members are voluntary and therefore unpaid but expenses for attending meetings are reimbursed.

APA encourage applications from everyone and want to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information and to apply online visit - https://bit.ly/3l3mgKo

Volunteer with:

Springhill Community Garden

At Springhill Community Garden our aims are to: - Provide food growing areas - Host community groups - Run outdoor workshops - Create areas to support Wildlife

Weather Permitting: Open Sessions Sundays 2-4pm

Find us behind Sheddocksley Sport Centre on Springhill Road.

For more information, find Springhill Community Garden on Facebook or email springhillcommunity@gardener.com

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VOLUNTEERING Recent opportunity

University of Aberdeen The latest from our(Research team. Ethics Committee): Lay Member of the Ethics Committee One of the foundational purposes of the University of Aberdeen is ‘Service of Others’ and we aim to achieve this through excellence in research and teaching. We train people in conducting research that ultimately aims to transform lives. All research must be conducted in an ethical manner. To do that we have an ethics review committee which reviews research plans and need the input of members of the public to join this committee as well.

We are looking for non-expert lay members to contribute to our ethical review processes.

We are looking for individuals who are willing to give us some of their time to work with University staff from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition to look at research proposals that are submitted to our committee.

You will work with a small group of friendly people at the university. Passion to contribute to ethical research and some commitment is all that is needed. By joining us you will play a part in making research better at the University of Aberdeen.

For further information please contact Helen Galley or Amudha Poobalan at email: h.f.galley@abdn.ac.uk or a.poobalan@abdn.ac.uk

Recent opportunity The latest from our team. Lead Group Volunteers Aberdeen Women’s Alliance Aberdeen Women’s Alliance are a small, local, charity that was set up in 2004. Our aim is to enable Aberdeen womens’ voices to be better heard by decision-makers.

Since 2013 we have also run a successful local women’s history project. Most recently during the pandemic, we have worked with our partners to make sure some disadvantaged women are having their basic needs met.

We are keen to recruit some women to become new members of the Lead Group. Our Lead Group oversees our governance much like a Board or Management Committee.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please in the first instance email awainfo@btinternet.com

Recent opportunity The latest Support from our –team.

Clan Cancer Light the North Volunteers Clan Cancer Support, in partnership with Wild in Art, is set to shine a light across the north-east, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland with ‘Light the North’ the lighthouse trail in Autumn 2021. This is the latest art sculpture trail in Scotland following on from Oor Wullie to inspire artists, school and the public from across the country while raising vital funds for Clan Cancer Support. At the end of trail, each of the lighthouse sculptures will be auctioned off and the funds raised will help Clan to support even more people affected by cancer.

-Trail Installation Volunteers: Preparing the sculptures and installing them on the trail is the most critical part of Light the North. Without this, there is no trail! You’ll be working alongside the Light the North Project Team and our logistics partner, Colin Lawson Transport, to get the sculptures to their locations and looking their best!

If you are interested and available to help out, we would be so grateful to have your support. Please follow this link to sign up for any days and times that you would be able to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084AAEAA2BA5FB6-light2 -Pop-up Shop and Merchandise Volunteers: Assisting at our Pop-Up Shop, located in Aberdeen’s Bon Accord Centre, which will be the hub of all things Light the North with merchandise for sale, trail maps, and sculptures on display.

If you are interested and available to help out, we would be so grateful to have your support. Please follow this link to sign up for any days and times that you would be able to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084AAEAA2BA5FB6-light3 Further details are also available at: https://www.lightthenorth.co.uk

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

ACVO News 26 July 28 2021

Health & Social Care Updates

Covid-19 Information Toolbox

from the Health & Social Care Partnership

A

berdeen Health & Social Care Partnership have compiled a toolbox of Covid-19 resources which can be shared on your social media

busting film; details of community testing and links to downloadable apps.

pages, community notice boards or in community spaces.

contains a short survey to request Lateral Flow Tests for your community space, downloadable posters and lots of information on accessing the vaccination and testing.

The resource contains all the links and information you need to keep yourself and your community safe including how to request a batch of Covid-19 Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) for your community space which can be handed to service-users for home testing; links to daily, real time updates and support information; vaccine support including information about drop in and pop up clinics as well as a myth

Suzanne Thomson of the Health & Social Care Partnership said, “The document

"We are also encouraging community groups to share the information within their areas. Old Aberdeen Community Council produced a fantastic newsletter and it would be great if other communities could support us by doing something similar.

“We would also welcome ideas from community members on how best to get this vital information out there so if you have some other ideas for information sharing and you would like some support with this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

The Covid-19 Toolbox can be downloaded on the Health & Social Care Partnership website and if you would like to get in touch you can email ACHSCPEnquiries@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call 01224 523237 The Old Aberdeen Community newsletter example can be found here.

News 27 ACVO July 28 2021

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics Special Moderna vaccine clinics are currently running at P&J Live and anyone over 18 – regardless of age – is warmly invited to attend and receive their first dose of vaccine. These clinics will run while stocks lasts.

P&J Live is also open for 2nd dose drop-ins for Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca – remember it must be at least 8 weeks since your first jab.

If you are dropping-in, please remember to wear a face mask or face covering.

Mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons.

NHS Grampian would appreciate your help in sharing this information with your networks, service-users and colleagues in order to get as many people along as possible.

A Facebook post has been created to advertise the clinics which can be accessed and shared via this link https://bit.ly/372SAoC

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with learning disabilities across the UK – latest findings from Wave 2

T

he Coronavirus and Learning Disability Study has been tracking the experiences of adults with learning disabilities through the COVID-19 pandemic over time across the four UK nations.

Wave 1 data were collected between December 2020 and February 2021, mostly at a time of UK-wide lockdown and before COVID-19 vaccines were prioritised for all adults with learning disabilities.

Findings from Wave 2 of the project have just been released, where the research team heard from people during April and May 2021 when restrictions were being eased and COVID-19 vaccination was up and running for adults with learning disabilities.

You can find the report on the findings from Wave 2, and all other reports from the project via this link - https://bit.ly/3l1Sg1x

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

ACVO News 28 July 28 2021

shmu and Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership produce films to support the vaccine effort

S

tation House Media Unit (shmu)

and Aberdeen City Health & Social Care partnership have produced a series of films to give insight in to why the vaccine is important and to bust some of the myths surrounding the jab.

Jillian Evans, Head of Health Intelligence at NHS Grampian, covers a variety of topics in the covid vaccine myth busting series including untruths about the vaccine containing animal derivatives and microchips.

The community interviews film (below) features insight in to why people in Aberdeen chose to get the vaccine and features our very own Mike Melvin And Susan Morrison from the ACVO Team.

All clips can be viewed on the Health & Social Care Partnership YouTube channel via this link https://bit.ly/2WuOMur

News 29 ACVO July 28 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 26th August 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 ‘ Hoarding & Self Neglect ‘ – which will include details from a Serious Case Review, specific multi-agency guidance and a Q&A session.

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

VACANCIES

Vacancies Latest opportunities from the 3rd sector

find out more and apply

find out more and apply

ACVO News 30 July 28 2021

News 31 ACVO July 28 2021

VACANCIES

find out more and apply

find out more and apply

VACANCIES

find out more and apply

find out more and apply

ACVO News 32 July 28 2021

News 33 ACVO July 28 2021

VACANCIES

find out more and apply

find out more and apply

VACANCIES

find out more and apply

Let ACVO help you to find your new team member Get in touch with andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk to find out how to advertise your vacancy on our site and in ACVO News.

ACVO News 34 July 28 2021