ACVO News June 30th 2021

ACVO NEWS

NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR

from June 30th 2021...

ACVO are pleased to offer a

year’s free membership to existing and new members. find out more inside

be part of

the collective voice of the Third Sector in Aberdeen

JUNE 30 | 2021

acvo.org.uk

ACVO News 3 June 30 2021

CONTENTS

14 Living Well Cafe Brimmond Challenge

24 Stand up paddle board Great Glen fundraiser

27 Look back at Volunteers' Week 2021 with Mike Melvin

4 ACVO Updates 8 News from you and other networks 26 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 32 Funding Latest funding news and opportunities 36 Health and social care updates Updates from ACVO and our health and social care partner organisations 38 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond

20 shmu looks to recruit 8 people for exciting new roles at the organisation

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

Scottish Charity No: SC036845

ACVO UPDATES

ACVO News 4 June 30 2021

be part of

the collective voice of the Third Sector in Aberdeen

from June 30th 2021...

ACVO are pleased to offer a

year’s free membership to existing and new members.

This offer runs until the end of 2021, and your full year’s membership runs from when you sign up.

ACVO News 5 June 30 2021

ACVO UPDATES

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

Why should your organisation become an ACVO member?

ACVO’s job is to support, represent and advocate for the Third Sector in the City of Aberdeen. Your organisation can help us to get better at that by becoming an ACVO member.

The more members that ACVO has, the more representative of the Sector we are.

The more members, the more clout we have in advocating for you and representing your views to public and private sectors alike.

Becoming an ACVO member is a good way to ensure that the services ACVO provides are the ones valued by its members and meeting their needs.

If ACVO has helped you, help ACVO in return by becoming a member and helping us to do the best job we can do for you and the Third Sector as a whole.

Download and complete the application form now and email to enquiries@acvo.org.uk to start your free membership.

Look out for more exciting news about our membership offer in the next edition of ACVO News

We are stronger with you behind us.

ACVO UPDATES

ACVO News 6 June 30 2021

Join the team at ACVO!

Community Support Coordinator (Hospital Discharge)

28 hours per week | 2 years fixed term

ACVO, AVA, and tsiMORAY (Grampian’s three Third Sector Interfaces) are each seeking to appoint a Community Support Coordinator to deliver an exciting project that will be the first of its kind for Grampian.

This two-year project, (in partnership with NHS Grampian Endowment Fund and funded by NHS Charities Together) aims to deliver a community-based model for accelerated discharge of patients to their own home setting. It will create a three-way link between NHS Grampian’s acute services, the three Health & Social Care Partnerships, and a number of community-based organisations in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray.

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies Applications close Friday July 2nd

ACVO News 7 June 30 2021

ACVO UPDATES

Be part of the story!

ACVO NEWS IS HERE TO BRING YOU UPDATES FROM ABERDEEN'S 3RD SECTOR EVERY FORTNIGHT Your stories, shared by your third sector interface If you have something you would like to feature in future editions of ACVO News, contact Andrew Davidson at andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk

ACVO News 8 June 30 2021

NEWS

News from you and other networks

Easter Anguston Farm reopens to the public Corra Foundation

Local charity VSA announces the facility to open again from the 25th of June.

E

aster Anguston Farm (EAF) is a local community resource which provides training for adults with learning disabilities and other additional support needs. The farm, which usually visited by thousands of visitors each year, has been closed since the pandemic started.

Express backed to help raise urgently needed funds to ensure the farm could reopen.

Dr. Kenneth Simpson, Chief Executive of VSA, said: "We are delighted to be in the position to welcome back families to Easter Anguston Farm. We will be opening

incredible support we have received.

Thank you to everyone who has played their part and donated. To date, COVID-19 has had a devasting impact on us, and we would continue to ask for people to support us when they can."

Located on the outskirts of Peterculter, EAF is a vital local local resource that enables adults and children to experience a family day out, explore nature, see animals up close or have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and play in a range of interactive play zones.

In 2020 VSA launched their 'Save Easter Anguston Appeal,' which the Evening

to the general public from the 25th of June, and initially, we will be open on weekends only, with the aim of us working towards returning to our regular operating hours in late fall."

Dr. Simpson added, "We know how much the farm means to thousands of families who visit us each year. We would not be able to reopen had it not been for the

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public, staff, and the vulnerable people VSA support, VSA has introduced a new online booking system. The farm will only be accessible via a pre-booked ticket which can be booked directly at vsa.org.uk.

There is no charge for a ticket; however, the charity does rely on donations to keep this facility accessible for all.

If you would like to make a donation to the farm, you can do so at giving.vsa.org.uk/cf/easter-anguston-farm

ACVO News 9 June 30 2021

NEWS

North-east charity teams up with businesses to launch pilot refillery and zero waste shop

A

n Aberdeen charity has opened an innovative eco-shop to provide

emissions produced by the school every year.

expanding the meaningful opportunities we provide at Camphill School Aberdeen to

employment skills and meaningful work opportunities to young people with learning disabilities following a donations boost from the city’s retail destination Union Square, Aberdeen’s offshore wind farm operator Vattenfall, and the Energy Saving Trust.

The three organisations have gifted essential equipment worth more than £15,000 to Camphill School Aberdeen for

Ryan Manson, General Manager at Union Square said: “The team was inspired when we heard about Camphill School’s FRUVER enterprise and we are all delighted to play a small part in helping to launch this great community initiative. We all need to find ways to live more sustainably, so it’s fantastic to hear the youngsters at Camphill are getting involved. We can’t wait to watch how the shop gets on and

the children, young people and families we support.”

A wave of zero-waste shops are appearing on Scottish high streets, designed to reduce single use packaging and our reliance on plastic - and encouraging customers to buy in bulk using their own containers for their cupboard ingredients.

According to Zero Waste Scotland, the average Scottish household buys 130kg of

its latest social enterprise initiative known as FRUVER. Based on the Murtle Estate Campus in Bieldside, the pilot FRUVER store is being run by the young people as

wish everyone involved the best of luck with it.”

Alex Busch, Executive Director at Camphill School Aberdeen added: “This

single use packaging each year at a cost of £250 - or 7% of the annual average grocery bill. This generates an estimated 650,000 tonnes in global production emissions per

part of the school’s Learning for Life day services.

Just one of a wide range of opportunities offered by the charity, FRUVER gives the youngsters at Camphill School Aberdeen an opportunity to develop new skills, gain independence and build confidence in a workplace environment.

The shop sells organic fruit and vegetables – some of which is grown on the

new equipment has transformed the way our FRUVER store operates - not only allowing shoppers to weigh and label the produce they purchase - but streamlining the entire process and further modernising deliveries to houses on our campuses in the most eco-friendly and efficient way.

“As always we’re incredibly grateful to receive such fantastic support from local

year.

Camphill School Aberdeen resident Austin, 21, who spends part of his week working at FRUVER commented: “I really like doing the deliveries and getting the shop ready. We work as a team here which is really good.”

estate - and a selection of dried goods such as pasta, flour, herbs and healthy snacks.

businesses which allows us to continue

camphillschools.org.uk

Find out more about Camphill School and the work of the charity at

It is currently only open to Camphill School Aberdeen residents and staff however plans are being looked at to expand it to the wider community once established.

The latest donations include a specialist label printing scale and tablets from Union Square’s Giving Back Project which will allow shoppers to weigh items accurately in store before printing a label for their reusable containers. Vattenfall’s Unlock Our Future fund and Energy Saving Trust’s e-bike Grant fund have financed two cargo e-bikes and safety equipment meaning orders, including organic meat reared on the estate and eco-friendly cleaning products, will be delivered across campus more easily - saving 1.68 tonnes of CO2

Learning for Life day services student, Austin, and Development Lead Nico Nino-Ramirez.

NEWS

C-FINE announces brand refresh C

FINE, the North East based social enterprise committed to social, environmental and economic development, recently revealed details of

tackle poverty.

“I would like to thank Julie and her team at Foyer Graphics for helping us bring to life the brand that we envisioned, it truly

their brand refresh, the first after almost 25 years of operation.

CFINE grew out of two initiatives back in the mid-1990s. Now, the organisation supports thousands of people experiencing

reflects our proud past, future vision, and personality Julie Wemyss, Creative Director of Foyer Graphics, said, "We’re delighted to have been able to support CFINE in creating its

hardship and is a regional centre for FareShare, delivering food to people in need across the north of Scotland. During the years, the work of CFINE had been acknowledged with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and the enterprise won the Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year Award in 2019.

One thing, however, has never changed for almost 25 years: food has always been

refreshed brand image, bringing the personality of the charity to life. As part of Aberdeen Foyer, and a social enterprise ourselves, Foyer Graphics is especially proud to support CFINE, with whom we share similar values and aspirations.

“CFINE provides fundamental and vital support to people experiencing poverty within our local community and we were keen to ensure the new brand respected its

at the heart of everything they do. The organisation now provides a range of

core purpose but also provided a nod to the current and future aspirations of the

services that wrap around the needs of people experiencing poverty and hardship

charity. We’re so pleased to receive such great feedback on our work and can’t wait

and are well-placed to respond adequately to increased demands and emerging needs

to see the new brand in action!"

The vision of the organisations is of

post-pandemic.

Lisa Duthie, Chief Executive of CFINE, said, “We are delighted to share with you our new brand that resonates with our values and vision and brings to life the many aspects of what we do.

“CFINE has come so far since its

communities where everyone can reach their full potential in life. The core values that underpin and provide a framework for our services, decision-making and behaviours are inclusion, equality, collaboration, enterprising, and sustainability, all of which is led by the

establishment and we wanted to create a friendly and welcoming image that

community because the organisation believes that everyone has something to

captures the amazing work that our volunteers and staff do here every day to

offer.

Find out more at cfine.org

ACVO News 10 June 30 2021

Changing your Constitution to allow virtual meetings - get in touch with ACVO now!

In the light of Covid-19 restrictions on meeting face-to-face, many organisations have taken to using virtual meeting software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams to carry on their activity. This is a welcome development and can do much to make meetings of all kinds more accessible, not just during “lockdown” situations.

The Charity regulator (OSCR) is encouraging charities to review their constitutions to specifically allow virtual meetings where participants use an electronic means of attendance or “hybrid” meetings where some people will attend virtually and others in a face-to-face setting. This can allow organisations to regularise their use of virtual board or committee meetings or AGMs. If you wish to discuss amending your constitution to specifically allow the use of virtual or hybrid meetings, please contact ACVO Development Officer, Sandy Mathers on 01224 686075 or by email at; sandy.mathers@acvo.org.uk

ACVO News 11 June 30 2021

NEWS

Local charity celebrate as six-figure pledge from The Robertson Trust takes appeal to £3.6m

N

orth-east charity Charlie House, which supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, is celebrating as its year-end results reveal that its Big Build Appeal pot has reached an incredible £3.6 million, just short of the halfway point in their fundraising campaign.

The total includes a substantial pledge of £605,500 from The Robertson Trust which will support the construction and fit out of their specialist support centre and

have 8-bedrooms, with additional family accommodation, set in 4 acres of ground.

The state-of-the-art building will feature a sensory room, library, spa pool, craft room, teen den, soft play area, therapy room, star room, for end-of-life care & bereavement, outdoor play area and sensory gardens as well as adaptable meeting space and office space for the Charlie House team and medical staff.

Tracy Johnstone, Chair and Founder of Charlie House, says, “It is difficult to find words to express how grateful we are to

received from The Robertson Trust has been second to none and knowing that they believe not only in what we are trying to achieve but in our ability to deliver it is an incredible endorsement of our project and our team.”

Susan Crighton, Director of Fundraising says “We have always said that we needed to raise £4m before we cut ground. This pledge takes us so close to that halfway point that we’re going to have to start buying spades! We continue to focus on our campaign and ask our supporters to

includes a contribution to the cost of nursing and care staff for a three-year

everyone who has helped us get to this point. To be nearing the halfway milestone

#DigDeep to get us to that magic £4m number and on to our ultimate goal of

period. Specifically, the Robertson Trust has chosen to fund the Day Suite which will be the central hub of daily activities at Charlie House and includes the main kitchen, dining room and lounge area and opens up onto an outdoor terrace.

The Big Build appeal was launched in November 2018 and aims to raise £8million for a specialist support centre built on the grounds of Woodend Hospital to support families across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire,

is just incredible and to do that in a year that has been so challenging as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions is amazing.

Securing the Robertson Trust pledge has been a key part in us reaching this point and it seems fitting that this funding will cover the Day Suite, which is the hub of the centre where everyone will be able to come together and from which people will be able to access the various activity

£8m. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of the North-east for their generous and unwavering support so far, the £3.6m total is made up of hundreds if not thousands of individual contributions, each one makes a difference and each one is as important as the other.”

Moray, Orkney & Shetland. The centre will

rooms. The support and interest we have

www.charliehouse.org.uk

For further information on the Big Build Appeal or to make a donation visit

NEWS

ACVO News 12 June 30 2021

Northsound Cash for Grampian Autistic Soc Donate your new and pre-loved children's books to support Gathimba Edwards Foundation's community library in Kenya Aberdeen based charity, Gathimba Edwards Foundation, which runs numerous projects across Kenya with the vision to provide as many children as possible with the opportunity of a bright future, is looking for donations of books for their community library.

Kayleigh Paterson, Charity Development Executive at the organisation said, “With the combined efforts of a number of people we are proud to announce Gathimba Edwards Foundation will be opening a community library in Iten, Kenya later this year. It wouldn't have been possible without the kind gesture from another local charity, Books Abroad, who will transport the pallet of books for us; as well as Monymusk Thrift Shop for their donation to fund the transport within Kenya.

“If you have any old or unwanted children's books we would welcome the donation. These books will be flying out to Kenya later in the year within a Books Abroad shipment and will form part of the new Mel Edwards Memorial Library.”

Books can be dropped off between the 19th June and 4th July at Coppa Coffee on St Swithin Street, Aberdeen, who have generously offered to be the location for book drop offs (open 11am to 5pm daily).

Find out more about the work of Gathimba Edwards Foundation gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org

at

ACVO News 13 June 30 2021

NEWS

Kids awards grant to ciety Northsound Cash for Kids has awarded £10,000 to local charity Grampian Autistic Society to fund their unique Sensory Bus Project which is looking to ‘go live’ throughout the North East in the Spring next year.

Billy Alexander, CEO of Grampian Autistic Society, explained about the project, “We are taking a standard commercial double decker bus, courtesy of Stagecoach Bluebird, and having it converted into a sensory wonderland with a playroom on the lower deck and an age-appropriate

is not available without significant travelling into Aberdeen which is simply not possible for many.”

“We are delighted to award this grant to Grampian Autistic Society and thrilled to support this project which will really make a difference to many children in Aberdeen

Kids we are now well over half-way towards having enough funds to complete the bus conversion. We just can’t thank everyone enough for donating to this fantastic fund.

“We would encourage anyone who is interested in this project to please get in

sensory lounge for teenagers on the upper deck.

“Providing children and young people throughout Grampian the opportunity to access, enjoy and gain real benefit from a multi-sensory facility is the reason behind this ambitious project. This type of facility

and Aberdeenshire who will have access to a wonderful facility”, commented Michelle Ferguson, Charity Manager, Northsound Cash for Kids.

Margaret Hodder, Chair of Grampian Autistic Society enthused, “Thanks to this brilliant grant from Northsound Cash for

touch to see how they can help. We also now have a package of corporate sponsorship opportunities and again, would ask any employers who can give a little to please contact us on 01224 277900 or email admin@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk.”

NEWS

ACVO News 14 June 30 2021

Living Well Café Brimmond Challenge: Latest fundraiser helps donations for vital North-East service top £17,000 Living Well Cafés have been running in the North East since 2015. They support those living with dementia and their carers and offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental environment, providing an opportunity to come and socialise with others in a similar situation.

However, due to the withdrawal of core funding, the future of the cafes are uncertain. While the management team are actively looking to secure alternative sources of funding there has also been a drive to raise money through fundraising activities.

Linda & Jeanette from the Living Well Team, update ACVO News about the latest of these - their challenge to climb Brimmond Hill from 7am to 7pm which took place on Saturday June 5th…

ACVO News 15 June 30 2021

NEWS

“The weather for our fundraiser couldn't have been better, with sunshine from 7 am till 7 pm. We arrived at 6.30 am to put up bunting and balloons and we had positive messages of encouragement to hang on the gorse bushes as we climbed up. A rota of Occupational Therapists joined us throughout the day their energy put us to shame, but then they were likely half our age so had twice as much energy! That's our excuse anyway!

We took our Living Well Cafe flag with us and managed to get it wedged into the cairn at the top of Brimmond. The last time it was in use was when it was at the top of Kilimanjaro. A bit of a difference - Kilimanjaro to Brimmond but no less important.

So many people came along to join in and climb the hill, with a total of 76 people joining us throughout the day. Not everyone was able to do the climb, some sat at the bottom and had a picnic and we had a blether with them when we got back down the hill which was lovely too. There was such a happy atmosphere, people were glad to see each other and exchange news. One couple - with a combined age of 161 made it to the top, and enjoyed every minute. How amazing is that? The youngest person was 3 - and she ran all the way, up and down! The total

number of climbs were around 150.

Sair feet and sair legs come nowhere near to describing how we felt on Sunday ..... and Monday was even worse! But it was all in a good cause and worth every single ache.

A highlight was when a gentleman appeared - he works for the NHS and having read the article in the P&J a few weeks previously came along to donate his £500 bonus which was awarded to health care and social care staff. He thought we would benefit more from it than he would. We were flabbergasted at his generosity and it certainly made us skip up the hill afterwards (well, for a few steps anyway!).

People have really been very supportive and generous, to date donations have topped £17,000. We are truly grateful for every single pound we have received and can assure people it will be put to good use.

Everyone we spoke to has said how fantastic a day it was - a real escape from the pandemic, in fact you forgot there was even a pandemic that day."

If you would like to make a donation, please visit justgiving.com/campaign/brimmondchallenge

ACVO News 17 June 30 2021

St Margaret’s pupils support local family charity Home-Start Aberdeen, securing £3,000 for the charity in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Scotland. (l-r) Pelumi Otitoju, Marion Ikuenobe, Divinewill Nwugo, Adanna Soronnadi, Joy Olanrewaju, Momina Shah

St Margaret’s girls make an impact on local charity L

eading family support charity, Home-Start Aberdeen praised the efforts, contribution and impact that a group of senior girls at St Margaret’s

needed to make healthy eating choices during lockdown.

The £3,000 has directly helped the charity to supply families with weekly, fresh food

privilege to watch young people grow, develop and make an impact, particularly through such a time of need.”

The girls have continued their connection

School has had on the charity and local families it supports in the community.

Throughout the academic year the six girls participated in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Scotland, which is run by The Wood Foundation and supported by BP in the north-east.

Representing Home-Start Aberdeen the girls researched, created and presented an innovative presentation about the charity and its work to a panel of judges, successfully securing the winning prize of £3,000 to donate towards the charity’s work.

On behalf of the group, Divinewill Nwugo

boxes from local providers along with recipes to use with these ingredients. Staff and volunteers then created and delivered instructional videos for families to access, as well as delivering live video cooking tutorials.

The project had previously been delivered through one-to-one cooking sessions in families’ homes and group sessions in communities across the city, but the Covid19 pandemic meant that both home visiting and group work had to be suspended.

Project Co-ordinator Fiona Cameron said, “Parents shared their experiences and told

with Home-Start Aberdeen, organising their own food drives and raising money for the charity, most recently completing the virtual Kiltwalk, and raising over £200.

Eleanor added: “This year has been particularly challenging with many already vulnerable families facing increased pressures from the pandemic.

We can’t thank the girls enough for all their support in fundraising and championing who we are and what we do.

They should be very proud of their achievements and contributions.”.

Since YPI was introduced to Scotland in 2008 by The Wood Foundation, the

said: “Working with Home-Start has been a thrilling and enlightening experience. It

us that they were worried about being able to give their children tasty, healthy meals.

programme has engaged more than 200,000 young people who have taken

enabled my group and I to help a charity that was helping people who were

It was clear that there was still a real need for the project so we developed a whole

responsibility for stewarding £4.5m of charitable giving.

struggling in these hard times and that is something that we will forever be proud

new range of ways to make sure we could continue to give families the support they

For over 30 years, Home-Start Aberdeen has been providing life-changing practical

of. We would like to give a huge thanks to Home-Start for giving us so much support throughout the duration of our YPI project and just giving us the opportunity to become better people in general.”

The funding award has assisted HomeStart Aberdeen with its cook and connect

needed around healthy eating.”

Eleanor McEwan, general manager commented, “The girls were so enthusiastic and passionate. They did a marvellous job with their research and presentation on Home-Start Aberdeen. It’s such a positive and empowering initiative

and emotional support to vulnerable families across the city with at least one child aged under five. Starting in the home its approach is as individual as the people it helps. There’s no judgement, just compassionate, confidential help from a network of trained volunteers, backed by

project giving families the support they

to be involved in, for all parties and a real

expert staff.

ACVO News 18 June 30 2021

After leading the most successful Housing First pathfinder programme in Scotland,

Aberdeen Cyrenians

is launching their new housing initiative

with support from Crisis UK and the Scottish Government.

Settled: Homes for All is a new style of letting agency based on private social letting and the housing first principles. By

lived experience, delivering previously unseen results in reducing cyclical homelessness and tenancy sustainment.

sustainment, rates of 93% and next month we hope to hit 100 long-term tenancies being secured. The model has shown just

providing greater levels of support for both landlords in the private rental sector and prospective tenants, it aims to reduce two key issues affecting the city: high levels of empty homes, and a temporary housing population bursting at the seams.

Over 2,000 homes in Aberdeen City have been sitting empty for over a year.

Bringing homes back into use is a priority, especially with over 250 people currently

Landlords will be given proactive support to help them find suitable tenants, often for properties that have just been sitting empty. They’ll also be supported to ensure housing standards are met, and be reassured that all tenants receive flexible support for as long as needed to make long-term tenancy a success, as well as enjoying all the same guarantees of a regular let. For tenants: it will help them

how important it is to put housing needs and intensive support together to provide a secure base for recovery. Settled: Homes for All is an evolution of the pathfinder, creating opportunities for success for both landlords and tenants.

The project is now looking for a service manager with leasing agency or property management experience who wants to make a difference in Aberdeen and take

in temporary accommodation.

Mike Burns, CEO of Aberdeen Cyrenians

access properties, will provide support for any issues that may impact their tenancy,

this new initiative forward.

Anyone interested in finding out more

said: “Temporary accommodation is not a home. Often it means families packed into a single room, lack of facilities for cooking, little privacy, and no sense of permanence.

Thankfully, due to projects like Housing First and our partnership work with ACC, we have been able to help people find homes and enable them to move on in their lives. We have taken the lessons learnt from the pathfinder’s success; about

and provide a safe, secure and suitable home.

This new model of housing access is underpinned by the seven key principles of Housing First that has been hugely uccessful in ending the cycle of homelessness for so many. By reducing risks for landlords, it increases available properties for tenants, helping ensure properties for tenants, helping ensure everyone’s right to a home, providing

about the service can visit www.settledhomes.org or call 0300 303 0903 option 1.

what really makes a difference to people and what helps them to make a success of

choice and control, reducing harm and supporting personal growth and

their new home, to create this new service.”

development.

Mike Burns continued:

Settled: Homes for All aims to turn leasing on it’s head in the same way Housing First

“The Housing Aberdeen and

turned housing support into a meaningful intervention working with the individuals

consistently been the most successful in Scotland, with regards to tenancy

First pathfinder in Aberdeenshire has

ACVO News 20 June 30 2021

Join a team of passionate people transforming lives across the North East...

In an exciting development at the organisation, Station House Media Unit (shmu), one of the core cultural organisations in Aberdeen, is looking to recruit 8 people for roles that will make a real difference to the lives of people living in the region.

ACVO News 21 June 30 2021

We passionately believe in supporting people to expand their horizons and achieve their full potential. Our approach, methods, projects and initiatives are nationally recognised, positioning us as a centre of excellence for the work we do.

As one of the core cultural organisations in the region, we’re on a mission to use media to creatively transform lives. We’ve grown from strength to strength and have seriously big ambitions for our future. To realise these ambitions, we’re actively recruiting talented people for key roles across the organisation.

Our work has always involved supporting disadvantaged communities and the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of inclusion and creating opportunities for all. We also go big on collaboration and partnership at shmu, working within communities and with experienced partners to deliver services that meet the real

needs of service users. We’re relevant, active contributors determined to make a difference.

The periods of lockdown have shown the importance of being digitally connected in supporting our personal and community wellbeing, however the impact of everything moving online, including vital services, has only highlighted further the digital divide and increased inequalities.

Managed and delivered by shmu and funded by Aberdeenshire Council’s Young Person’s Guarantee, Digital CONNECT is a partnership initiative which will engage young people who have limited or no access to the internet or digital devices and help them develop the digital skills they require to make the successful transition into sustained employment.

Two of the roles we are recruiting for relate to this project, a Digital CONNECT Coordinator and Digital CONNECT Development Worker.

No matter what your job is at shmu, everyone’s work is about the same thing – transforming the lives of individuals and communities across North East Scotland.

ACVO News 22 June 30 2021

shmuTRAIN uses community media platforms (radio, TV, & music) to motivate and support participants to move on successfully to a positive destination of employment, further education or training.

Due to the success of these programmes, and the impact of COVID-19, we are recruiting for an Employability Support Worker to help those most in need to develop their confidence, communication and digital skills alongside employability skills which will support them to move positively into the world of work.

Over the last 10 years, our shmuTRAIN programme has transformed the lives of hundreds of people across the region

Sometimes, it feels like the work we do is a well-kept secret. We’d love to change that and expand our engagement initiatives by amplifying the sound of underrepresented voices across the city, celebrating our communities, and tackling negative stereotypes through the power of digital media.

We are recruiting for a talented Web Designer, Communications Officer and Project Administrator to help make this happen.

Our Creative and Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship programme has gained national recognition and our delivery remit has been extended to work across 6 schools in Aberdeenshire this academic year, with the expectation that this will grow further both in scale and reach. To continue the transformative impact this course has had on pupils we’re recruiting for a Creative and Digital Media Trainer

ACVO News 23 June 30 2021

We’re also incredibly excited about the potential of the North East Culture Collective (NECC) programme to re-connect neighbours, re-establish confidence, grow skills, combat isolation and improve health and wellbeing.

We are proud to lead this consortium programme, funded by Creative Scotland, on behalf of Culture Aberdeen; a programme that will empower communities to confidently take control of commissioning their own cultural programmes and support creative practitioners to shape and inform our COVID-19 recovery, exploring and expanding the positive role that arts and culture can play in society.

This pilot programme is a seachange in commissioning cultural activities in the North East and we’re searching for a North East Culture Collective Coordinator to lead this process on behalf of the partnership.

Culture can be an overused word which is used quite glibly when referencing the workplace. But that’s not the case at shmu.

We’re looking for 8 people who are passionate about their own discipline and who are looking for meaningful employment that really does make a difference to others. If you enquire, you’ll discover there’s so much more to shmu than you realised.

We have engaged TMM Recruitment to support the recruitment activity for these 8 high impact roles, please contact Emma Hunter to receive comprehensive job specification details and advice on the application process.

Web Designer Communications Officer Project Administrator North East Culture Collective Coordinator Employability Support Worker Digital CONNECT Coordinator Digital CONNECT Development Worker Creative and Digital Media Trainer

ACVO News 24 June 30 2021

Great Glen stand up paddle board fundraiser Rachel Thompson updates ACVO News about her training progress, ahead of taking on the challenge in August.

Its now June, where on earth has the time gone? I have 2 months to go before I embark on an epic challenge which will test my newly acquired stand up paddle board skills and set me off on a journey of learning about our beautiful waterways and country side.

I had originally planned to get as much practice as possible after the first time stepping onto a paddleboard in Rubislaw quarry on easter Monday 2021. Some of you may recall it was -2.5 degrees and snow blizzards whipped up just in time for us to roll our eggs with our families. I must admit and hour before going along, feeling like a lamb to the slaughter I was constantly checking to see if the event was cancelled.

Adventure Aberdeen were amazing with their instruction and I decided to stay on my knees for this session as I focussed on position and paddling technique. I have lots of metal in my lower body after my accident and it kind of acts like a thermostat stuck on cold, so I must admit I wasn’t too keen on getting wet and having to get changed out of a wet- wetsuit whilst battling the elements.

It was certainly a baptism by fire and in a way I’m kind of glad this was may first experience, how much worst could the weather be on a 60 mile trip in August?

ACVO News 25 June 30 2021 Since then I have managed 2 more lessons on a purpose build pond down near Laurencekirk and with more great tuition I experienced standing up for the first time. I found I quickly out grew the pond and was eager to get out and explore our stunning coast line.

I booked in for a trip out of Catterline where the organiser SUP2Summit took me out and really helped me understand all about safety and SUP and started to challenge me with standing up for longer distances over not so calm water. This trip was made even more amazing as we were surrounded by local wildlife, we even came across a school of dolphins.

I think this trip really emphasised the whole experience of paddle boarding, it’s a complete escape from the stresses in life, its freedom to just be in the moment, its peace and tranquillity and an absolute joy.

Saying that, my body was screaming at me the next day, what a workout it is! This was a bit of a reality check and I then thought, oh my goodness, can I actually do this for 4 full on days (and 3 potentially sleepless nights!) as I cover the 60 miles of the challenge?

I have now also experienced falling in the north sea and was pleasantly surprised at the protection my wetsuit gave me so any trepidation around cold water exposure has been alleviated.

Learning is essential and going out with others is key to that, this is something that I would advocate for anyone wanting to give this a go. Get some lessons and learn as much as possible about the water ways. I’ve discovered some amazing SUP groups and recently participated in a Zoom session with the RNLI.

I’ve now set up a Gofundme page where I really hope I can raise a good amount of money for the amazing volunteers at Street Friends Helping the Homeless. They are out 24/7 helping some of our most vulnerable citizens and I know that ever penny raised will help make a difference.

If you do fancy sponsoring me please go to: gofund.me/46951778.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the support so far in my attempt to raise £1000, no matter what size of contribution, my gratitude comes deep from my heart from every one of you that support my journey.

VOLUNTEERING

ACVO News 26 June 30 2021

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

Queens Award for Voluntary Service recognition for Aberdeen organisations

A

ll at ACVO are delighted that two brilliant voluntary groups in Aberdeen - Celebrate Aberdeen and Aberdeen Cyrenians - have been awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service. This unique national

get to celebrate this achievement on Volunteers Week when everyone comes together to celebrate all of the volunteers within our communities."

Celebrate Aberdeen founder Morven Mackenzie said: "Our team of dedicated

honour was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and recipients of the award are announced each year on June 2nd – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation and as part of national Volunteers Week. The Award recognises the outstanding contribution made to local communities by groups of volunteers. It has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals. It is

volunteers work pretty much all year round in order to put on the Celebrate Aberdeen Third Sector Parade weekend and the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards event.

They do so without expecting anything at all in return. To be awarded such a prestigious award as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is testament to all their hard work and efforts, and it really is lovely to see their contribution and

a tremendous achievement and recognition for all the fantastic help, support and inspiration Celebrate Aberdeen and Aberdeen Cyrenians give in the community.

Mike Burns, CEO at Aberdeen Cyrenians said: "to be awarded this prestigious award is a wonderful achievement for our volunteers and services that have dedicated their time and compassion to supporting people going through overwhelming and traumatic circumstances. It is also fantastic that we

commitment honoured in this way."

Congratulations from everyone at ACVO to Aberdeen Cyrenians and Celebrate Aberdeen on this marvellous achievement and thank you for all you do.

For more information about the Queens Award for Voluntary Service please visit: https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk/ or contact Andrew Lawtie, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen via ACVO at e-mail: Volunteer@acvo.org.uk

ACVO News 27 June 30 2021

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers' Week 2021: Volunteers recognised in another fantastic national celebration of thanks

ACVO Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Melvin, looks back at a week that brought the country together to say a collective 'thankyou' to all those who give their time to help their communities.....

"It was an amazing Volunteers Week 2021 in Aberdeen and across the country. Volunteers Week which took place between the 1st-7th June once again reminded us of the power of volunteering and how every aspect of our lives benefits from the important and magnificent contribution volunteers are making.

A huge range of fantastic events and activities were held during the week to mark Volunteers Week and to thank all the incredible people who make such a tremendous contribution and difference through volunteering.

For a flavour of what happened during Volunteers Week 2021 and inspiring highlights of all volunteers do please visit ACVO’s dedicated Volunteers Week 2021 Aberdeen Webpage at: acvo.org.uk/vol-week-21 For further information about how Volunteers Week 2021 was celebrated across the country please visit volunteersweek.scot It is brilliant how volunteers are helping in so many ways, making a real difference for people and communities. Although Volunteers Week may be over for another year, ACVO, our Third Sector Interface colleagues across the country, local and national partners will continue to build volunteering and at every opportunity thank everyone involved."

ACVO News 28 June 30 2021

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer with Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club Frame Running Sessions

Aberdeen Cyrenians announces expansion of volunteering project The new project, starting next month will see street based volunteers teamed up with support staff to build trusted relationships and enable those with difficulty accessing

will give support, focus and direction to our current and new volunteers.”

The charity is a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 in

support, to get the help they need.

Chris Bennett-Taylor, Development Lead at Aberdeen Cyrenians said: “From it’s beginning as a soup kitchen in the Castlegate, Aberdeen Cyrenians quickly learnt that additional support is vital to helping people move on. For someone that is marginalized by society, that has difficulty maintaining conditions put upon them to receive help, it puts up barriers for those that need it most.

“This new project is an exciting new chapter for the organisation. Since our Street Alternatives project had to pause during the pandemic, we have worked hard to provide continued support, but

recognition of the valuable work done by volunteers and staff alike in supporting vulnerable people affected by crisis, trauma, mental illness, addiction, abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Currently operating with around 100 volunteers per year, they hope to expand this to 150 within the next year, building on the strong community response during the pandemic.

Chris Bennett-Taylor added, “The last year has been devastating for so many people and we’ve seen numbers needing our help soar. Sadly, as furlough comes to an end and evictions resume, we’re expecting even more help to be needed.

nothing beats that face-to-face interaction with another human being. For decades,

We rely on volunteers to help meet that need, whether someone has a few hours to

our volunteers have supported people at their lowest point, they have been there

give weekly, monthly or annually; every bit makes a difference.”

when someone needed them, and we’re delighted to be expanding that support still further.

“To ensure it’s success, we’re committing more resources to support volunteering, and creating a new service manager role that we’re currently recruiting for. It’ll be an exciting and varied role for the right passionate individual to take forward, and

Any one interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities or the Volunteer Service Manager role can find out more at www.weareac.org or contact 0300 303 0903.

Frame running (formerly race running) originated in Denmark in the 1990s. It is an athletics event in which individuals with impaired mobility can walk or run using a special running frame called a race runner.

The running frame is a 3-wheeled frame with handlebars, a chest support and a saddle, but no pedals.

Both children and adults take part in frame running, and train for track events from 60m sprints to 1500m events.

AAAC are looking for volunteers to help with frame running sessions on Mondays,4.30-5.30pm at Aberdeen Sports Village.

Volunteers will provide 1-to-1 support and encouragement to athletes and help deliver the training programme developed by the lead coach.

No prior knowledge or experience is necessary; the club will provide training and mentoring. Knowledge of basic bike maintenance would be helpful.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ruth at pathways@aberdeenaac.co.uk

ACVO News 31 June 30 2021

VOLUNTEERING

Recent opportunity The latest from our team.

Allotment Market Stall Volunteers The Allotment Market Stall provides good quality, well priced, locally grown fruit and vegetables and reduces waste.

We have opportunities this season for volunteers to be a part of running our veg stall in the park (either on Fridays at Duthie Park, Seaton Park or Victoria Park or on Saturdays at Bonnymuir Green).

Main tasks include: Help set up the stall with gazebo, tables and crates; Sell fruit and vegetables to public; Help promote The Allotment Market Stall and the values of growing and eating good stuff; Engage with public to answer questions on our produce Full training is given and volunteers will be accompanied and supported at all times; Make a difference in your city and the environment; Be a part of a community of growers; Meet people and grow in confidence Email us your contact details, availability and why you might like to get involved to Theallotmentmarketstall@gmail.com

Recent opportunity The latest from our team.Volunteers Grampian Autistic Society Handy Person Volunteers Our facilities provide key support for many children and young people. Like all environments, after a while they require a little refresh, re-painting and good clear out.In preparation for our summer holidays, w e are hoping to give our playscheme and our offices at Carnie Drive a good clear out, paint & refresh.If you’re an excellent painter and decorator, have a little time and energy to spare for us, we’d love to hear from you!

Reception & Enquiries Support Volunteers We require some support from volunteers to help person our phone in the office, support initial and general enquiries and be a friendly, supportive voice and face to those who call and attend at our office.

Both roles are based at our office is at 33-35 Carnie Drive, Aberdeen, AB25 3AN (free parking/public transport access) Whatever amount of time you can provide is massively welcomed. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers and all help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.

For further details about any of these volunteer roles or other ways you can support us in our important work please contact Megan Linklater, Engagement Officer at E Mail: engagement@grampianautisticsociety.org.ukor tel.: 01224 277900.

Recent opportunity The Support latest from our team.

Victim Scotland Support Volunteers As we recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, we are on the lookout for talented and committed people to help victims, witnesses and their families to move forward after a crime.

Victims of crime often feel a range of emotions such as anxiety, confusion and anger, while witnesses may feel confused, anxious and overwhelmed by the court system. As a support volunteer, you will provide help and support in both local communities and within the court environment, ensuring people receive the high-quality support and care they need.

You will: • Discuss service users’ needs by telephone, face-to-face visits or other means, agreeing next steps at the end of each contact • Help witnesses feel more confident at court by arranging and conducting court familiarisation visits • Support service users in the court room and other appropriate locations on the day of a trial, liaising with court officials on behalf of service users • Give feedback and agree follow-up actions with staff members • Provide administrative support in completing service users’ journeys This is a great opportunity to: • Learn new skills and gain experience of working within the criminal justice sector • Gain access to a range of in-depth training courses that are relevant to your volunteering role, resulting in accreditation • Positively affect your community as a member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime For a full role description and to apply please visit: https://victimsupport.scot/how-you-can-help/volunteer/supportvolunteers/

FUNDING

ACVO News 32 June 30 2021

Funding

Age Scotland Resilience and Recovery Community Grants Programme 2021/2 It’s been a year of unprecedented challenge and change for all Age Scotland members. As we all continue to navigate Impact Funding Partners is delighted to be managing the Hate Crime Security Fund for Places of Worship on behalf of the Scottish Government. The Fund has been

Available grants Up to 100% grants are available for the installation of up to three security measures and improvements

developed in partnership with Police Scotland.

Scottish Government has made £500,000 available in the form of a Hate Crime Security Fund for the provision of security measures and improvements aimed at reducing the vulnerability of places of worship in Scotland to hate crime.

Applications are welcomed from individual places of worship of all faiths who can demonstrate their vulnerability to hate crime whether or not a crime has been committed or reported to the police.

You can apply for a maximum of £20,000 to cover all or part of your proposed security measures and improvements

Timescales for Fund The Fund opens on Wednesday 26th May 2021 The Fund closes on Wednesday 21st July 2021 at 5pm Decisions are expected to be made by 30th September 2020 Successful applicants will have up to three months from receiving the grant to install their security measures and improvements, and submit a short report, including finances, to Scottish Government

If you have any questions or require further information about this fund, you can contact the Hate Crime Security Fund team at securityfund@impactfundingpartners.com Please visit The Impact Funding website for more information: impactfundingpartners.com

our way through the health pandemic, and with support from their corporate partner Sky Cares, the organisation are pleased to be able to offer some additional financial assistance to Age Scotland Community Group members in the shape of their Resilience and Recovery Community Grants Programme 2021/2.

This programme will award one-off grants of between £100-£2,500 to Age Scotland community member groups/organisations.

The grants aim to help members to: maintain your group/organisation, your service and activities during these difficult and uncertain times support your recovery and safe return to meetings, activities and services develop new services, activities or ways of working to benefit your members/service users or other older people in your community.

Please note the deadline for applications is 31st July 2021 and grants must be spent by 31st March 2022. The Community Development team at Age Scotland will be glad to offer additional information, advice and support to member considering applying for grant.

Find out more and ageuk.org.uk/scotland/

groups

apply

at

ACVO News 33 June 30 2021

FUNDING

Aberdeen FC Community Trust Launches Duncan Skinner “Brighter Futures” Legacy Fund Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) is setting up a legacy fund in memory of its

confidence to become a voice in their community, a role model, a sports coach,

initiative is one that we feel we can contribute to in both these ways, to

former chairman, Duncan Skinner, who tragically lost his year‐long battle with cancer in April 2021, with the goal of reaching £100,000.

Kick‐started with £20,000, donated by Mr Skinner earlier this year, and a major contribution from CNR International, the “Brighter Futures” fund will support the Trust’s work with young people, including a year‐long programme to transform the

further education or simply steer them on the right career path towards meaningful and gainful employment.”

Around 50 young people have benefited from the unfunded programme in the last few years but the Trust had no funding stream to continue and expand it.

Ms Carter added: “Duncan was passionate about changing people’s lives for the better, particularly young people. He was

provide excellent opportunities to as many young people as possible to reach their potential.”

The funds will help deliver accredited training courses, STEM courses, youth exchange programmes, vouchers for interview and workplace clothing, travel costs, volunteering uniforms, work experience, internships and placements, an award ceremony for graduation and a

lives of those aged between 14 and 18, and beyond into education and employment.

Delivered by AFCCT, the Youth Ambassador programme will give young

an advocate for Career Academies, aimed at mentoring and finding work placements for fifth and sixth year pupils. An avid AFC fan, he became chairman of the Trust

mentor to support the young people through their first year of further education or employment.

Former Chief Executive of PSN, Bob

people the chance to gain essential life experiences, skills and qualifications, otherwise not available to them. The programme will improve their chances of securing employment and reaching their full potential.

Each young person on the programme will be supported in setting goals and then developing the skills and qualifications required to reach those, through

when it was formed in 2014. We can think of no better tribute to him than setting up a fund in his name which will support his vision of a better life for every young person and provide a fitting legacy.”

CNR International recognises the benefit of supporting young people and is demonstrating its commitment to working together with local communities and stakeholders by supporting the fund. The

Keiller is delighted by the programme and what it will do for young people. A close friend and former colleague of Duncan’s, he added: “Duncan always saw the potential in people and was passionate about giving everyone a chance to fulfil their potential. He mentored, coached and changed the lives of so many young people in so many ways.”

The Trust has already received donations

meaningful learning, work experiences and volunteering through the Trust. These

company’s Vice President & Finance Director, Barry Duncan said, “At CNR

in Duncan’s memory which will be added to the fund and a dedicated Just Giving

volunteering experiences, in particular, will further the reach of the programme

International, we are strongly committed to supporting the communities in which

campaign will be launched for one‐off and monthly direct debit donations as well as

into support for the wider community.

Lynn Carter, partnership and business

we work and doing this both financially and practically. The Brighter Futures

the opportunity to sponsor a named young person through the year‐long programme.

development manager at AFCCT, said: “For different and often heart‐breaking reasons, too many young people don’t engage in learning at school or have the means to secure the work placements and life experiences others take for granted.

But, through the Trust with its links to Aberdeen Football Club, sports‐based activities and coaching in a supportive environment, these young people will have access to opportunities to secure a brighter future.

“By guiding and coaching them in a dedicated and supportive manner over 12 months, we can help them gain the

Duncan Skinner with AFCCT staff and volunteers, Jenna McDonald, Stephen Harvey and Paul Davidson

FUNDING

ACVO News 34 June 30 2021

ACVO News 35 June 30 2021

FUNDING

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

ACVO News 36 June 30 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

ACVO News 37 June 30 2021

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

Survey to understand views around the Covid-19 Vaccination (Ages 18 - 29) NHS

Grampian

in

partnership

with

Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership are currently delivering the COVID vaccine programme, this is the largest most complex programme to be delivered in recent times.

To ensure there is a good uptake, they would like to understand any potential reasons as to why people may not be willing or able to get the vaccine.

They are particularly keen to hear from 18 - 29 year olds, living in Aberdeen City, as this is the current group who are receiving their vaccine having followed the JCVI vaccination guidance. This survey will be open until Friday 2nd July 2021.

The short survey can be accessed here https://forms.office.com/r/AEjzHc0N3c

VACANCIES

Vacancies Latest opportunities from the 3rd sector

find out more and apply

find out more and apply

ACVO News 38 June 30 2021

ACVO News 39 June 30 2021

VACANCIES

find out more and apply

find out more and apply