ACVO NEWS
NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR
MAR 24 | 2021
acvo.org.uk
ACVO News 3 Mar 24 2021
CONTENTS
16 Cultivate Aberdeen: Work begins on St Fitticks' edible community garden
20 The March ACVO Affiliates Spotlight: Indigo Project Soluntions
24 Fair Start Scotland: employment support in Aberdeen City and Shire
4 ACVO Updates Find out what's been going on with our team here at ACVO 6 News from you and other networks 28 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 30 Funding Opportunities, updates and news from and for the third sector 32 Health and social care updates Updates from ACVO and our health and social care partner organisations
30 Locality Improvement Fund (Alcohol and Drugs) opens for applications
34 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond
ADP announce the fund which allocates £50,000 for each locality in the city to support initiatives that focus on preventing and intervening at an early stage to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and drugs use.
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Scottish Charity No: SC036845
ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News 4 Mar 24 2021
ACVO Updates The latest from our team.
Coronavirus 12 months on:
The work of the third sector over the past year shows why it is #NeverMoreNeeded
T
he nation came together yesterday (Tues Mar 23rd) to observe a minute’s silence to mark one year since the first lockdown and to remember more than 126,000 people who have died of Covid. The pandemic has affected each and every one of us in some way. You may know someone who has sadly passed away after contracting the disease, had it yourself and still be living with the after effects, been separated from family members and loved ones, facing financial stresses, experiencing mental health issues or dealing with some of the many other challenges we have seen emerge over the past 12 months as we come to terms with life with Covid-19. On every step of this journey, as new uncertainties arose
the vaccination programme alleviates some of the risks we faced 12 months ago. However, we will no doubt encounter new challenges and know that we can trust the third sector to continue to be there as we rebuild. As always ACVO continues to champion and support the third sector in Aberdeen and are pleased to announce that the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) Locality Improvement Fund is open for applications. Kaja Czuchnicka, Partnership and Enterprise Officer at ACVO worked within the team at ADP to bring the project together and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the fund has on communities in city. You can find out more on page
As we head further in to 2021, progress being made with
daily, the third sector was there, supporting communities and looking out for those in need at a time of crisis.
20 of this issue. We hope you enjoy this fortnight’s edition of ACVO News
The resilience and dedication of the amazing people who work in organisations around the country, and those who volunteered their time to help, showed the importance of the third sector and the essential nature of the work of organisations and individuals at a time when they were #NeverMoreNeeded. ACVO stand with the nation in remembrance of those who have been lost and in thanks of those who were and are there to provide essential lifelines during this time of need.
and would love to hear from you to feature your organisation, your news or some updates about your projects or events in future editions of the bulletin. Our Comms Officer, Andrew, can work with you to pull together articles and features that showcase all you do. We can also help you spread the word through our social media platforms. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up to date will all the latest from our team and the third sector in Aberdeen.
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 6 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
News from you and other networks
Family support charity receives National Lottery Funding Corra Foundation
Leading family support charity, Home-Start Aberdeen has received a £150,000 National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund.
T
he two year “Improving Lives” grant will fund the continuation of the role of a Volunteer Coordinator
“On average it costs Home-Start Aberdeen £1,500 to support a family through the challenges they face until
and enable the charity to recruit a new Family Support Coordinator. These roles will continue to develop the support offered to families experiencing difficulties in Aberdeen. The volunteer coordinator visits families and ensures that they are matched with a suitable home-visiting volunteer while the Family Support Coordinator will work one-to-
they can cope again. Our volunteers are there for them to help the whole family and to reach children in their vital early years so they can have the best possible start in life. That’s why this grant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is significant in helping us continue to make a positive impact for families who need our help.”
one with families experiencing more severe difficulties.
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said:
It is expected that 460 family members and 70 volunteers will be involved in the
“In these uncertain times our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money
work. Home-Start Aberdeen provides lifechanging support to families across the city through its local community network of trained volunteers. Starting in the home its approach is as individual as the people it helps. There’s no judgement, just compassionate, confidential help from volunteers, backed by expert staff.
continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups. I would like to congratulate Home-Start Aberdeen on their award, theirs is an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”
“Demand for our services increases year on year and we now support over
National Lottery players raise £30 million every week for good causes in
250 families in Aberdeen every year,” said Eleanor McEwan, general manager.
the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund in Scotland is
“We have 141 volunteersgiving their skills, time and energy to help make life
currently focusing its funding on those projects that are supporting
better for children and families. This year has been particularly challenging with many already vulnerable families facing increased pressures from the pandemic.
organisations and communities to respond to the challenge of COVID-19. For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting vulnerable families across the city to
Eleanor McEwan, General Manager, Home-Start Aberdeen
prevent family crisis and breakdown. This support is usually provided via a home-visiting service where carefully selected and trained volunteers are there for families, visiting them in their own homes with compassionate, confidential help. COVID-19 has meant that the charity has had to adapt how it delivers its services and has continued to support over 160 families remotely since the start of the pandemic. These young families have at least one child under the age of five and are typically affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability hardship.
and
financial
ACVO News 7 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
New Digital Youth Work Resource Supports Gambling Education and Prevention
The latest from our team. The Scottish Gambling Education Hub have launched an exciting new free resource – the Digital Youth Work Activity Pack – facilitating confident, fun and engaging gambling education and prevention sessions through digital youth work.
“Our sessions are based on a harm reduction approach – encouraging learning and discussion around various aspects of gambling, the risks associated with it, and how to practice safer gambling behaviour, to ensure young people can make their own informed decisions about their gambling.” They are also offering practitioners free places on their Gambling Education and Prevention webinars which they recommend attending before facilitating sessions to get the most from the new resource. To schedule a session for your team of staff/volunteers, you can get in contact via email at
About the new resource, The Scottish Gambling Education Hub said: “We understand that youth workers have
used in three separate 1-hour sessions, however we encourage you to change or adapt this to your own needs and
been particularly hard hit by the challenges that COVID-19 and the lockdown introduced. “Our team at Fast Forward have produced this resource in the hope of making life a bit easier for you, and giving you the tools to facilitate gambling education digitally. “We have designed this resource to be
preferences. “The final session will encourage your group to co-produce their very own gambling education project, and will even include a simple and easy way for your young people to send us an application to our Gambling Education Youth Fund, which can provide up to £500 towards their project.
Union Square Offer Mannequins to Charities Union Square Shopping Centre have a number of mannequins that they are kindly donating to any charities or charity shops who can make use of them. They have a number of mannequins available - 12 female, 5 kids and 4 toddlerall perfect to display clothes and get shops ready for reopening over the coming months. Mannequins tend to be in demand amongst charities and charity shops and Union Square are delighted to support charities and the community through this latest donation. For more details please contact, Sarah Erbanova, Environmental and Community Coordinator at Union Square via email at sarah.erbanova@unionsquareaberdeen.com or call 01224 254 321.
alexa@fastforward.org.uk. You can also visit our Eventbrite calendar for open training sessions – the next one is on Wednesday, 14th April at 10am-12. The resource will also be showcased via 1-hour Zoom sessions on the following dates, all are welcome to attend (booking required): Wed, 31st March at 10-11am, Tue, 13th April at 11am-12 and Thu, 22nd April at 3-4pm. The resource can viewed online and downloaded here.
ACVO News 8 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
Aberdeen children’s charity welcomes new Finance Director to its Board of Trustees Befriend a Child are thrilled to announce the appointment of new Finance Director Steve Rae to their Board of Trustees. Steve has supported Befriend a Child for a number of years and in 2019 took on a cycling challenge to visit all of the Scotland Handelsbanken branches in Scotland covering over 500 miles and raising over £7,500 for the charity. "Hearing more about Befriend a Child and what they do for children across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire really struck a chord with me, and after taking on my cycle challenge for the charity I knew I wanted to do more," said Steve. Steve has worked in banking for over 30 years, working with Bank of Scotland for 24 years and Handelsbanken for 8 years. Having worked in corporate banking since 2002 Steve brings with him knowledge and expertise in the field of finance that will prove a huge asset to the charity’s governance. "Having worked in finance for 30 years I felt the opportunity to join Befriend a Child’s board as their Finance Director was a natural fit and I hope I can make a positive difference." Sarah Misra, CEO, Befriend a Child said, "we are very excited to welcome Steve to our Board of Trustees, he brings with him a wealth of skills and experience that we feel will be hugely beneficial to his role as Trustee and Finance Director at Befriend a Child." Steve joins the Board of Trustees at an exciting time of growth, with Befriend a Child looking to recruit two further Trustees to its Board. These positions are voluntary and collectively the Board takes a leadership role in the charity’s governance and strategic direction. The charity are specifically looking for professionals with a background in marketing, fundraising or IT. For more information on applying to be on the Board of Trustees please email info@befriendachild.org.uk or call 01224 210060.
Steve Rae, Finance Director, Befriend a Child and Befriend a Childʼs mascot, Kuddles
Update on Next Steps for the Local Governance Review: Statement from the Scottish Government and Convention for Scottish Local Authorities The Scottish Government and the Convention for Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) published a joint statement on March 18th on the progress of the Local Governance Review. Both the Scottish Government and COSLA remain convinced that community, fiscal and functional empowerment in all communities and for all public services provides a route map to address inequalities, including in how power and resources are shared. The joint statement is a demonstration of a continued shared commitment to making sure that the journey towards local democracy reform continues into the next parliament. The opening remarks state: “The Local Governance Review has shown there is a clear appetite for a reinvigorated modern democracy across Scotland which addresses inequalities, including in how power and resources are shared. Overwhelmingly, people have
told us they want far greater control over the future of the places they know best. The Scottish Government and COSLA remain convinced that community, fiscal and functional empowerment in all communities and for all public services provides the route map to this future. And while, during the course of the Local Governance Review process, ways to make this happen have been thoroughly explored it’s clear more work needs to be done to develop the right approaches that will deliver the benefit our communities deserve and help strengthen local democracy.” Read the full statement here.
ACVO News 9 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland Look to Recruit New Trustees Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland are on the lookout for new Trustees to join their Board. Volunteers play a huge role across the
continued delivery of that strategy. Corra Foundation They are recruiting up to four positions and would particularly like to hear from people with one or more of the following
charity and bring a wealth of expertise, experience and care to the organisation. One in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition. Too many are fighting alone and scared
areas of knowledge, skills & experience: Lived experience of our conditions, particularly chest or heart conditions Finance Qualified accountancy
about the future. In becoming a Trustee you would be leading their efforts to help people live life to the full and ensure there’s no life half lived in Scotland. The last year has been difficult for everyone, and people with chest, heart and stroke conditions need our support more than ever. Their network of stroke nurses, community support workers,
Retail Clinical practice and medical research Governance and audit Fundraising They welcome applications from everyone. However, they would welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on our Board including:
peer support and kindness volunteers have been a lifeline for people during the
Women People from Black & Minority Ethnic
pandemic – and will continue to be. COVID-19 has also tested the No Life
backgrounds People under 50
Half Lived strategy and found it solid. Your role as a member of the Board
People with disabilities
will be to support and scrutinise the
Find out more and apply here .
UNCRC Incorporation A Note from Who Cares? Scotland Jo McLeod from Who Cares Scotland shares the great news about UNCRC Incorporation in Scotland. Who Cares? Scotland has campaigned to better protect the human rights of Care Experienced people for many years and has worked collaboratively with many other organisations to push for much stronger rights protections in law. As a provider of Independent Advocacy, they work with Care Experienced people to support them to have their rights realised every day and as a result, know that being in care can mean that rights are not always respected. About the news Jo said “UNCRC Incorporation has happened in Scotland! This means that the rights set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will now be written into Scots law. "We know from other countries that this will bring change: a change in how adults see children, young people and your rights, and more respect for the youngest in society. "It's a change we'll be proud to be part of in the months and years ahead. "Article 12 of the UNCRC gives every child the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have these views considered and taken seriously. "Who Cares? Scotland are delighted to offer Independent Advocacy for children and young people attending Children’s Hearings, to support them to realise this right. Any child or young person attending a Children’s Hearing can be referred on our website whocaresscotland.org. If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself, Jo McLeod, Advocacy and Participation Worker in Aberdeen City , email jmcleod@whocaresscotland.org or call 07598 580 316"
NEWS
ACVO News
Mar 24 2021
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Alcohol & Drugs Action Recovery Garden Project Wins National Award The Aberdeen based organisation are delighted to announce that on the 16th of March their Recovery Garden Project was awarded with the prestigious Horticultural Groups Award from The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.
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tarted in 2015, the Recovery Garden 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 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. As with all projects, 2020 has been particularly challenging but due to the commitment and hard work of the volunteers involved, Alcohol & Drugs Action managed to keep the project running. Anne McAlister, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Alcohol & Drugs Action said: “growing and gardening is particularly beneficial for people in recovery as it allows them to get absorbed in something where they feel needed and part of a team and, as bonus, have something positive to show for all their hard work. It also introduces them to other areas of life and helps to
reduce stigma in the wider community. “Receiving the award is huge accomplishment for the ADA volunteers and group members, we are so overjoyed to be recognised alongside the other recipients of the award. “The group has not yet restarted work in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions but hopefully everyone can get back to gardening soon. In the meantime, on behalf of ADA I would like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to all the volunteers for receiving the award and for keeping things going during a challenging time.”
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society seeks to promote, encourage and support a wide range of horticultural and gardening interests issues a number of prestigious awards, medals and certificates of merit in recognition of the achievements of professional horticulturalists, nurserymen, amateur gardeners, student and apprentices. Find out more about the awards here thecaley.org.uk/awards and about the wider work of Alcohol and Drugs action at alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk
ACVO News 11 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
Aberdeen FC Community Trust Provides Lifeline Throughout Pandemic Tens of thousands of vulnerable people across the North-east have been supported by the Dons’ charity partner, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT), throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aberdeenshire Council’s education departments. Liz Bowie, chief executive of AFCCT, said: “The swift response from both the Trust and AFC to the first lockdown and the prolonged restrictions which followed, demonstrated what can be achieved by us working together. “Under the campaign banner of #StillStandingFree and with the support of staff, players, volunteers and our amazing Red Army, it put food on the
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tables of those who needed it the most and through a dedicated call centre provided a vital social lifeline for vulnerable and isolated members of our
s lockdown begins to ease, there is a renewed focus on helping young people in the local community, following the success of the #StillStandingFree campaign. The campaign, launched in March 2020 in response to the coronavirus crisis,
Blonde also released a lockdowninspired song, Hang On, to raise cash. The Trust now works in 23 schools across the North-east, working to reduce the poverty attainment gap through innovative approaches to education using the power of football.
provided help to fans and communities where it was most needed. The campaign rallied the Club and the Trust together, along with the Red Army, as a powerful force for good in the region. In association with Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), the team delivered regular food parcels to 15,800 people, including 9,000 vulnerable children, covering and area from Peterhead to Torry. A dedicated call centre made more than 15,000 calls to fans as part of a mass
The engagement with schools has also enabled creative approaches to tackling adolescent mental health through the development of the Mindset programme, which uses active play as part of the curriculum. Other recent initiatives include new DONline learning resources, a series of free football themed online lessons created by coaches at AFCCT’s partner
outreach programme, focusing on the elderly and vulnerable before widening out the chats to fans of all ages. A fundraising campaign to support the initiatives raised £207,000 through JustGiving, while Aberdeen band Eskimo
schools to support home schooling and virtual lessons. There are different tasks designed for both primary and secondary age pupils and the online resources have been backed by both Aberdeen City and
community. “We are now focussing our current activity on young people in the community as we transition out of lockdown.” AFCCT was established as the official charity partner of AFC in 2014, with the aim of providing support and opportunity to change lives for the better throughout the North-east. The charity engages with more than 17,000 participants every year across 60 programmes and initiatives, ranging from walking football and fitness classes to dementia-friendly projects and providing meals during the holidays to children from lower income families. For more information, visit AFCCT at afccommunitytrust.org
The swift response from both the Trust and AFC to the first lockdown and the prolonged restrictions which followed, demonstrated what can be achieved by us working together Liz Bowie, Chief Executive, AFCCT
NEWS
ACVO News 12 Mar 24 2021
WEA Offers Free Political Literacy Information Sessions
T
he
Workers'
Educational
Association (WEA), in association with Aberdeen City Council, are offering free sessions to encourage us to take an interest in political engagement in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
Political Literacy This course is not about party politics or about the everyday process of politics. Rather the sessions aim to improve political literacy by developing a critical awareness of how power creates our understanding of politics particularly through the media. Key concepts in addressing inequalities in power, such as human rights and leadership in communities, will also be explored. Who’s this course for?: Community activists and anyone in a position of leadership in their communities such as community council members, youth forums, tenants associations and parent councils. Also anyone who wants to develop their understanding of how power in politics works and how becoming more literate in politics can improve our communities. Course Dates and Times: Saturday 24th April to Saturday 29th May 2021 Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Why Bother Voting? With the Scottish Parliament Elections taking place on the 6th May you might be wondering Why Bother Voting? Maybe you don’t know enough about what the Parliament does, how the voting system works or how to make sense of the
Online Health Walk Training from Sport Aberdeen Sport Aberdeen are offering free online training for organisations and individuals who are interested in using health walks as a method of interacting with their members or service users. At a time where social distancing measures mean that previous means of
While the current guideline from Scottish Government says groups of up to 15, we recommend no more than 12, but ideally preferably 6–8. “There are, of course, conditions which need to be met to show groups are meeting in a responsible manner and
meeting and interacting are not possible, many organisations are looking for ways for their members to gather in a socially responsible, physically distanced group. Brian Harrison, Health Walk Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen, who is responsible for organising the training said: “health walks are classed as a ‘coached sporting activity’ allowing slightly larger groups to gather outdoors
these will all be discussed during training. The session will also focus on how groups can organise to ensure they stay safe within the Tier system devised by Scottish Government when and where applicable.” The next online training session takes place on Thursday 1st April at 9.30am. For more information contact Brian Harrison at bharrison@sportaberdeen.co.uk
information from political parties. Maybe you don’t think that your vote makes any difference. This short course aims to help you make sense of voting in Scotland and give you more confidence in making informed decisions about who to vote for. The course involves one class each week for 4 weeks. When: Wednesdays: 31st March, 21st, 28th April and 5th May 3pm-5pm or 6pm-8pm – please indicate your preferred time when enrolling.
All courses take place over Zoom and are free to attend. To enrol please email Elaine Morrison-Jures at: e.morrison-jures@wea.org.uk
ACVO News 13 Mar 24 2021
NEWS
Parent Club Online Information and Learning Resource from the Scottish Government Parent Club offers up-to-date guidance
North East Sensory Services Launches Online Training Course To Improve Understanding Of Sensory Loss The local charity has launched an online training course for people to improve their understanding of the challenges faced by those with hearing and visual impairments.
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orth East Sensory Services (NESS) developed the digital tool after faceto-face training courses were made impossible by Covid restrictions.
Libby Hillhouse, training and information officer with North East Sensory Services, said: “Face-to-face training is a major part
The virtual tutorial – which takes around six hours to complete – is aimed at anyone working in health and social care, or in a customer-facing role which may involve dealing with blind and deaf people. NESS, which supports thousands of people with sensory impairments across the north east, has encouraged professionals across the region to complete the training. The training itself involves online group conversations, quizzes and video content. It aims to provide an overview of the practical and emotional difficulties
of what we do, but clearly that’s been made impossible over the last year. “Now this online approach enables people to boost their own understanding of sensory impairments wherever they are, and at a time which suits them. “Blind and deaf people encounter practical and emotional challenges every single day of their lives. “But by coming into contact with more people who have skills in dealing with these issues, this increases the independence of someone with hearing or visual impairments and makes a huge difference to their life - and that is the
caused by sight and hearing loss, and encourages participants to think about
key focus of the work we do. “These courses won’t just help
how they can make their work and communication more accessible.
thousands of blind and deaf people across the north east, they will provide
Costs for those working Aberdeen City will be covered by the Aberdeen See Hear Strategy, and for anyone else a fee of just £40 applies. Once more pandemic restrictions are lifted, the online courses will be complemented by face-to-face training.
others with key skills which they can take forward and use for the rest of their lives.” Sign up for the training courses here More information on NESS can be found by visiting their website, available atnesensoryservices.org
from the Scottish Government on your child’s health and education. It’s full of hints and tips from other parents and carers who’ve been there before. It also has advice to help you look after your own wellbeing and to point you in the direction of the support available. They have hundreds of articles across dozens of topics, from help getting their vaccinations to help getting them to eat their tea. Most of the articles are sorted by age, so no matter how old your children are, you’ll easily find the information relevant to them. There are also plenty of articles for soon-to-be mums and dads to help you prepare for the adventures ahead. Children’s mental health and wellbeing is very much affected by that of their primary care givers and the Parent Club offers some great resources that nourish and support parents and children. As the Parent Club website states “from the moment your baby is born, positively engaging with them is really important to help them feel happy and loved. It’s also crucial to how their little brains develop as they get older. Pulling funny faces and speaking to them in a tuneful voice is a vital way to help their minds grow and change”, and having this kind of help and advice on hand makes the Parent Club an invaluable resource. Find out more at parentclub.scot
NEWS
ACVO News 14 Mar 24 2021
New City Council project gets it 'Rite' for young people A pilot employability support project designed to help Aberdeen’s care experienced young people into work has been launched in the city.
ACVO News 15 Mar 24 2021
T City
he RiteWorks project, a partnership between Aberdeen Council and WorkingRite, will
support six care experienced young people in the pilot phase. The project offers a range of one-to-one and group activities, opportunities to gain qualifications, and valuable work experience, with the aim of supporting the young people to secure and sustain quality employment. Supporting care experienced children and young people are key themes in the city’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan. Despite being delayed by the pandemic and associated challenges in bringing the participants together with employability specialists and mentors, RiteWorks is already seeing significant results. Participants are turning up regularly to online sessions, engaging well, actively seeking more opportunities to connect remotely, and embracing opportunities to learn and train. Lockdown has brought additional challenges of isolation, increasing anxiety and loneliness, and concerns about the future.
NEWS The flexible nature of the pilot has
young people. Now more than ever
enabled WorkingRite and the council’s ABZWorks employability team to shift the focus from skills and training onto wellbeing and emotional support as and when required, which has paid
before, given the current economic climate and the impact of Covid and the oil and gas downturn on the labour market and particularly on young people, it is essential that we put a range
dividends in building relationships and trusts between the teams and
of additional measures in place to ensure they have the chance to secure a
participants. Council Co-leader Jenny Laing, said: "It is well known that care experienced young people often face significantly
positive future. We are very pleased to have the opportunity with Working Rite to test this model, which could ultimately be rolled out across
greater challenges than their peers as they move into adulthood so it is absolutely right that we put extra support in place to help them achieve the positive outcomes of which they are capable. “RiteWorks, delivered as part of Aberdeen's Young Person Guarantee, is an important test of how additional support can make a really positive difference to some of our most vulnerable young people and help them achieve their ambitions. Employment is
Scotland.” WorkingRite national operations manager Scott Christie said: “WorkingRite’s philosophy and approach has always centred around the power of relationships and during this last year our approach has become more needed than ever. “We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside colleagues within Aberdeen City Council to pilot and develop our “RiteWorks” model of intensive and flexible employability
a great stabiliser, it gives structure to the day and week, a positive focus, puts money in your pocket, gives independence and a sense of self, brings opportunities to make new friends, and above all, the opportunity to further progress and develop. “Aberdeen City Council has corporate parenting responsibilities for all of the city’s care experienced children and
support for care experienced young people in the city. With additional investment from the Agnes Hunter Trust, we have been able to roll out a really positive, aspirational and innovative employability model which will enable these young people to flourish and move towards a happy adulthood. The experiences of the young people participating in RiteWorks are being recorded, partly to help them look back and see what they have achieved through their involvement, and partly to help tailor the programme to better suit their needs and for the needs of other young people in the future. RiteWorks is one of a suite of employability programmes being delivered through ABZWorks. A team of employability keyworkers is available to support city residents of all ages to access training, education, and employment. For more information contact ABZWorks@aberdeencity.gov.uk
COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE
ACVO News 16 Mar 24 2021
Cultivate Aberdeen: Work Begins on St Fitticks’ Community Edible Garden A fter a year of paperwork and the uncertainties brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic work has finally begun to transform the former council depot on St Fitticks’
Road into a Community Edible Garden.
The £30,000 investment into Torry by local charity Cultivate Aberdeen will see the site completely transformed into an accessible community-led space that supports food growing, outdoor education, positive mental health and wellbeing along with benefits to both the visible built and natural environments. George Bellamy, Founder and Chairman, said “the vision for Cultivate Aberdeen is to create kind, confident, and connected communities though the power of food-growing and we’re excited to finally be launching this project after some considerable delays. “This investment represents more than a transformational change but shows a shift in priorities as communities back more grassroots initiatives and promote to protect green spaces – which for many have been vital during lockdown. "We were delighted to receive significant public backing through the UDecide bid and our volunteer base keeps growing, not just in Torry but throughout Aberdeen." St Fitticks’, the flagship growing site for Cultivate Aberdeen, will include restoring some of the features of an earlier initiative launched in 2011 by Aberdeen Forward but will also improve accessibility, create a tiered orchard, host areas designed for schools and uniformed groups to have outdoor lessons, and recreational spots to appreciate and benefit from the natural beauty of the location overlooking the coast. Cultivate Aberdeen are, however, creating more than a growing site, “We are passionate about using food growing as an enabler to talk and tackle larger issues that face individuals and communities particularly around food-insecurity and negative mental health. Aberdeen’s natural environment is a resource that can be used to help tackle some of our key health issues and we fully subscribe to any initiatives that aim to bring about a step change in the use of nature-based solutions to deliver health outcomes”. Throughout lockdown the charity provided over 400 grow at home kits for local residents which included grounding techniques for those struggling with the restrictions. The organisation also co-founded the Aabody’s Torry Community Festival which took place during the Summer Solstice Weekend in 2020. The transformation on site began at the start of March and the first phase is to be completed within six weeks; placing the opening of the site, in line with local guidelines, by the second week of Spring.
Chairman of Cultivate Aberdeen, G General Manager of Stra
ACVO News 17 Mar 24 2021
George Bellamy with David Austin aight-Way Landscaping
COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURE
Who are Cultivate Aberdeen? Cultivate Aberdeen is a community initiative that provides food-growing and sustainable practice education and facilities to local areas across Aberdeen with a vision to create kind, confident, and connected communities through the power of food growing. It was established in 2018 by George Bellamy who, believing in the power of small actions, created the charity as the answer to Aberdeen’s need to have a dedicated organisation supporting food-growing in the City and to work with those groups already making a difference within their communities. Along with growing our own edible gardens and running a host of community projects, Cultivate Aberdeen is also an enabler for those groups who are struggling with funding, governance, or sustaining ideas. This support also extends to helping Aberdeen City Council achieve their targets outlined in the Food Growing Strategy. They recognise the importance of food, and sustainability education, and want to empower the North East to think differently about food. It is their mission for people of all ages from all communities to play a part in Aberdeen’s sustainability through food-growing. They want to encourage involvement not only to grow for people, grow for the planet, and grow for wildlife but to also empower communities to have the confidence to cook healthy, hearty meals using the fruits of their labour grown right here in the Granite City. George Bellamy, Chairman of Cultivate Aberdeen said, “We want to empower communities to feel confident to grow big or grow small; from window boxes or back gardens to station platforms or park corners, wherever we can grow we will do so for the benefit of others, with all food grown free and accessible for anyone to take, eat, and enjoy. “By being kind, local, connected, and ambitious we can use food growing as tangible evidence of communities coming together to achieve wider goals around food insecurity, mental health and wellbeing, social cohesion, and intergenerational working.” Find out more about Cultivate Aberdeen and how you can get involved with projects at cultivateaberdeen.co.uk.
Follow Cultivate Aberdeen on social media to keep up to date with their progress!
SPECIAL NEWS FEATURE
ACVO News 18 Mar 24 2021
DFN Project Search New Licence Holde Of Aberdeen Prog DFN Project SEARCH, a leading charity supporting young people with learning disabilities and autism to move into work, has announced that Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS) will be the new license holder for its prestigious University of Aberdeen programme.
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he programme in Aberdeen is a collaborative project involving the University of Aberdeen, North East Scotland College, and Values into Action
DFN Project SEARCH now has 16 programmes in Scotland, offering all partners a high-performing evidencedbased programme that supports young
“The programme has brought great success in creating employment opportunities and transforming the lives of young people with learning disabilities
Scotland (VIAS), and is also supported by Skills Development Scotland and the Department of Work and Pensions. Since being established in 2013, over 68 young people have graduated through
people with learning disabilities and autism to transition from education into full-time, integrated, competitive employment. In the past 12 months in Scotland, 66 per
and autism throughout the area. “VIAS has been a key partner in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism in Scotland for many years and its role as the new
the programme. VIAS will be providing the Job Coaching support for the programme, working alongside the education provider North East Scotland College to support interns through three term-long rotations during their internship year. In addition to the 1-2-1 Job Coaching to DFN Project SEARCH interns, VIAS will also work with the partners to secure
cent of its 145 interns secured a paid job. Eighty of these graduates, secured a fulltime job, which is a huge improvement on the percentage of people in Scotland with Learning Disabilities and Autism who are known to Local Authorities which stands at just seven per cent. Carmel McKeogh, director and programme specialist at DFN Project SEARCH, said: “We are extremely
licence holder will further strengthen the DFN Project SEARCH offer in Aberdeen, bringing valuable skilled job coaches and developing good engagement with the wider business community.” VIAS has a vision for Scotland where people with learning disabilities and/or autism have the same opportunities as everyone else and are supported to achieve their goals and dreams.
employment opportunities for the interns of the programme both inside
pleased to announce that the fantastic charity Values Into Action Scotland is the
The charity enables organisations to support people to achieve maximum
and outside of the University to meet the students’ aspirations.
new licence holder for our University of Aberdeen programme.
independence, choice and control, achieving this through offering quality
ACVO News 19 Mar 24 2021
SPECIAL NEWS FEATURE
h Announces er For University gramme improvement services including evaluation, training and consultancy to organisations which work with people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
exciting.” The University of Aberdeen, Business Liaison/Employer Partner Co-ordinator, Heather Crabb said: “The University of
Today DFN Project SEARCH has 75 internationally recognised programmes across the UK, Ireland and Iberia, and has supported over 1500 interns into
VIAS is a disabled-person led organisation, and its board of trustees also consists of 50 per cent of people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Norma Curran, Chief Executive Officer
Aberdeen is delighted to welcome VIAS to the DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen partnership. We are proud to host this innovative programme at the University and are looking forward to
work, 1350 of which meet Project SEARCH’s success criteria. This criteria means that the work is over 16 hours per week, is non seasonal, is paid the prevailing wage for the role
of VIAS said “We have long been admirers of the Project SEARCH model and have collaborated on a number of joint projects over the last decade. We are delighted to become more formally involved as a partner in DFN Project SEARCH Aberdeen. "Young people have told us throughout the years that they want to work but their employment rates have been consistently low through good economic times and
working with VIAS and our other partners to support more young people into employment. "The success of our programme is testament to our ongoing engagement with a variety of public, private and third sector organisations within our local community. "We would welcome approaches from employers who would be interested in supporting our work, either through the
and that the work is in an integrated setting. On average 60 per cent of graduates obtain full-time paid employment meeting these criteria, which is well beyond UK wide statistics of 5.9 per cent. To learn more about the DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen programme visit the Project Search Webpage, hosted at the University of Aberdeen or email
bad so to be part of a service that tackles this head on and helps people to show
provision of work placements and/or employment opportunities for our
dfnprojectsearch@nescol.ac.uk You can also learn more about DFN
how much they can contribute is hugely
graduates.”
Project SEARCH at dfnprojectsearch.org/
As part of his 'virtual' internship working for the Project SEARCH team, Cameron produced a video to update everyone on what is happening at Project SEARCH and to let people know that applications for 2021/2022 are currently open. Find out how to apply
ACVO AFFILIATES SPOTLIGHT
ACVO News 20 Mar 24 2021
ACVO Affiliates March Spotlight:
Indigo Project Solutions Every month we cast the spotlight on one of ACVO’s Affiliates to highlight the services and products they offer that support the work of third sector organisations. For our Spotlight in March, we are pleased to welcome Indigo Project Solutions.
ACVO News 21 Mar 24 2021
ACVO AFFILIATES SPOTLIGHT
ACVO AFFILIATES SPOTLIGHT
ACVO News 22 Mar 24 2021
What we do
Since 2001 Indigo has supported the third and public sectors by providing informed and effective business planning, fundraising and project management consultancy; helping organisations build capacity, improve outcomes, and establish new and better ways of working to meet their aims and objectives. We do this through a diverse but integrated portfolio of services spanning the project lifecycle and can assist with:
asset transfer & community ownership business and financial planning community/stakeholder consultation design team coordination feasibility studies fundraising strategies
fundraising (grants, tenders & sponsorship) governance and management initial idea conception monitoring and evaluation project management
So, what does this look like? Itʼs really up to you – bring us in for a specific piece of focused work such as help to develop a new fundraising strategy or business plan, or if you would benefit from longer term support our Outsourced Project Solution is for you. This guarantees access to specialist support across a period of a year, or more, to deliver on larger plans or projects and can comprise of a range of services – maybe funding strategy development and implementation, or helping you navigate the complexities of a capital development project.
ACVO News 23 Mar 24 2021
ACVO AFFILIATES SPOTLIGHT
Who we work with
We draw on our experience of working with grassroots community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, schools, higher and further education institutions, as well as other development and support agencies to provide insightful and relevant support. This breath of experience has allowed us to develop a unique knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by organisations of all sizes, from small emerging community groups to some of the largest local authorities in Scotland, and a unique perspective that our clients value.
Who we are
Indigo is a small team with big ideas. Since 2001, we have been committed to working closely with our clients, sharing their vision and helping them to exceed their goals. We pride ourselves on being a “consultancy with a conscience” with a refreshing and enthusiastic approach, placing clientsʼ interests first and going the extra mile when it is needed. Importantly, clients feel a real ownership of the work we carry out, which ensures that the result is a relevant, genuinely useful tool for organisational development and delivers value for money.
Find out more
To learn more please visit our website (www.indigops.com) however we like the opportunity to speak to people about what we do, so if you would find this valuable please email us at anne@indigops.com to arrange time for chat.
GUEST ORGANISATION FEATURE
ACVO News 24 Mar 24 2021
Fair Start Scotland:
Supporting Employment in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
StartScotland join us in this fortnight's edition of ACVO News to talk about Fair Start Scotland and the employment support service they deliver in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with partners Aberdeen Foyer and Enable Scotland.
ACVO News 25 Mar 24 2021
GUEST ORGANISATION FEATURE
"StartScotland is a partnership between The Lennox Partnership and Fedcap Scotland, together we have extensive knowledge of the employability sector. We deliver Fair Start Scotland, a flexible employment support service on behalf of Scottish Government. The service is available for people who are unemployed, have a disability or health condition living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as well as the South West and East of Scotland. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to access a job that is right for them, no what their circumstances."
GUEST ORGANISATION FEATURE
ACVO News 26 Mar 24 2021
Joining Fair Start Scotland our assessment tool to identify your strengths and any areas for improvement. This will enable the team to give you the right level of support increasing your chances of finding a job
When you first join Fair Start Scotland, you will take part in
latest AI technology improving your chances of getting job success. You’ll be able to conduct your own jobsearch at a pace to suit you, while giving you access to lots of personal development tools such as:
to suit your skills and abilities. You will get your very own tailored support package, to
CV checker giving you instant, detailed feedback so you can optimise your CV to significantly increase your chances of
address any areas where you may need further help such as confidence, motivation, CV support and lots more. And, while you’re on the service, you will get a dedicated consultant who will be with you throughout your journey giving you access to the appropriate specialist support to manage your health and wellbeing and much more.
securing an interview. CV and covering letter builder giving you the ability to create and store a professional CV and covering letter to suit your skills and experience. The AI-powered interview training tool providing you with a range of mock interviews to really test your ability to
We also have an employer services team who work with local employers across different work areas. They will work with you to find a job that you are looking for. If you’re not ready to take the leap in employment, then they can look at alternatives such as work trials or work placements to help you make the transition back into work. At StartScotland we put customers at the heart of the
come up with strong, confident, well-thought through answers, while providing you with instant feedback and advice. Online content giving you a packed library of digital courses and video content. Job vacancies giving you access to hundreds of jobs from numerous recruitment sites.
business and to enhance your experience we’ve launched an exciting new online platform, The Fedcap Hub. The Hub is an innovative way to help you get ready for work by using the
We are passionate about delivering a high-quality service, and our teams are on hand to help you overcome any barriers you may have so that you are ready for work.
Our Team In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to help us deliver a quality service we work with partners, Aberdeen Foyer and Enable Scotland.
Caitlin Rice, engagement consultant (StartScotland) Caitlin will welcome you on to the service by helping you understand exactly what Fair Start Scotland can do for you. This is your chance to ask questions to make sure the service is not only right for you but also meets your expectations. Caitlin will take your details, and requirements and do all the necessary checks to make sure you are eligible for the service. Once this is complete, she will introduce you to your dedicated employment coordinator who will work with you throughout your journey with us.
Andy Ewen, employment coordinator (Enable Scotland) Andy Ewen will work with you every step of the way. He will support you with your jobsearch, and use his employability knowledge to help you apply for job roles you are interested in. Andy will also be on hand after you’ve secured that most important job to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.
ACVO News 27 Mar 24 2021
GUEST ORGANISATION FEATURE Rebecca Galbraith, employment coach (Aberdeen Foyer) Rebecca will work with you, particularly focusing on your employability skills, and identifying suitable workshops that you may benefit from for example; creating a winning CV, building your confidence, interview techniques and much more. Rebecca will be with you from start to finish to offer you the best individual support possible.
Ariane Masson, employer services consultant (Aberdeen Foyer) Ariane has good working relationships with lots of employers in and around Aberdeen. She can help you find work trials, Apprenticeships, or job specific training if you are looking to slowly build up to full-time employment. Ariane said: “At the moment the job market is very diverse. The main industries that are recruiting around Aberdeen right now are Healthcare / care, there seems to be a huge demand for support workers, in particular help for home workers, Labouring and security and oil and gas. As lockdown restrictions ease, I will be looking at the hospitality industry, so there is a big focus on finding out what vacancies will be available in readiness.”
Due to the pandemic, we are currently providing our services through phone, email and or video calls until it’s safe to open our doors again. We can reassure you that you will continue to receive the same high-quality level of support from all of our teams. So, if you are facing any barriers that have held you back from employment or you have lost your job due to COVID-19 get in touch. You can contact us: on our Freephone number 0800 049 7061 or register your details on www.startscotland.scot or email info@startscotland.scot Why don’t you follow us on Facebook for up to date information about the service.
Natalie* has a career change thanks to Fair Start Scotland Why Natalie joined Fair Start Scotland Before joining Fair Start Scotland, Natalie worked in the Construction industry, she also got a Banksman Slinger Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation (OPITO) Approved qualification. Working in Construction had its own challenges, and finding sustainable employment was one of them. With all the barriers that she was constantly faced with, she felt it was the right time for a career change and find something with job security
How Fair Start Scotland helped While being unemployed and with the effects of the pandemic, Natalie began to struggle with her mental health. Natalie was introduced to Isobel, a personal adviser who arranged a one to one appointment to get to know her and
fully understand her barriers to enable Isobel to tailor the support to meet her needs. Isobel worked with Natalie to create new CV and a supporting covering letter. She was determined and optimistic - she was finally getting the help she needed. She attended all of her appointments and was making good progress. Isobel could see she was ready to start work and together they moved quickly to start her jobsearch. Isobel helped her to search for roles particularly focusing on her transferable skills which she gained while working in construction. With Isobel’s help and support, Natalie felt confident to carry out her own jobsearch while at home. While doing her own jobserach she came across a role as an adult support worker and felt she had all the required skills to do the job. With encouragement from Isobel, Natalie applied for the role and was delighted to be offered an interview.
Getting the job Natalie was successful in securing the role and she is now really enjoying the job. To help her settle into the role she was offered the chance to work shadow other support workers – this really helped build her confidence. Natalie feels the job is very rewarding, but it comes with its own challenges at times. She continues to have a positive outlook on life and has been able to bring this positivity to the role. Natalie’s long-term goal is to sustain employment in a role she enjoys, while building her confidence and improving her wellbeing. *not real name
VOLUNTEERING
ACVO News 28 Mar 24 2021
Volunteering Latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk
New Youth Volunteering Guidelines Launched Young people are providing fantastic help volunteering and ACVO is delighted that new Youth Volunteering Guidelines have been launched.
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he new guidelines have been published by the Scottish Government as part of the YouthVIP – Youth Volunteering Innovation Project recommendations. They will help the third sector, community groups and partners in the public and private sector to provide practical and effective volunteering opportunities for young people. The launch of the guidelines also reflects the importance of volunteering and the great contribution young people are making. Mike Melvin, Volunteer Co-Ordinator at ACVO said "young people make a tremendous contribution volunteering, providing such important help and the launch of these new guidelines reflect this and will help build upon the excellent volunteering we have here in Aberdeen and across Scotland even further. ACVO welcome and fully support the guidelines." The guidelines and further information are available at the Scot Gov Website and at the Youth Link Scotland website. As part of recognising the achievements of young people, ACVO also co-ordinate the Saltire Awards in Aberdeen. The Saltire Awards are national awards
endorsed by the Scottish Government and delivered in each local authority area by Third Sector Interfaces (ACVO in Aberdeen) to recognise the marvellous contribution young people (age 12-25 years) make volunteering and the achievements of young volunteers. Certificates are awarded in recognition for undertaking 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours of volunteering. The Saltire Awards can also be undertaken in conjunction with/alongside other Awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards etc. as well. The awards are proving very popular and are an excellent way to gain recognition for volunteering, a great addition to people’s CV, learning and personal development. They also provide organisations which involve volunteers a brilliant means in which to thank volunteers, highlight the contribution and difference people make, the importance of this and encourage even more people to get involved. For more information about the Saltire Awards and volunteering in Aberdeen please visit: volunteeraberdeen.org.uk and saltireawards.scot
Interactive Learning Programme 21/22 Volunteer Scotland’s Volunteer Practice team are pleased to announce the dates for their interactive learning bites 2021/2022. Whilst we all continue to adapt to working in these unusual times, they will keep delivering their learning bites to you. To allow them to maintain this new development, they have had to introduce a small charge (from the 1st of April 2021) for their learning bites as shown below: Estimated Organisation Annual Income/Cost per delegate Less than £100,000 - Free £100,00 & £500,000 - £22.00 Over £500,000 - £35.00 This cost includes: Two-hour learning webinar. Course material: learning journal to record your learning and a copy of the slide presentation. Signposting to valuable free links and resources. Access to free online learning, hosted on the Open University’s Open Learn Platform. Opportunity to join the Action and Learning group. Opportunity to become a member of the National Inclusion in Volunteering. Networking and sharing practice opportunity. Increase knowledge on Volunteer Scotland’s Quality Pipeline, including Volunteer Friendly and Investing in Volunteers quality standards. Find out more and book at the Volunteer Scotland webpage.
ACVO News 29 Mar 24 2021
VOLUNTEERING
Recent opportunity – Patient Transport Service Volunteers TheAmbulance latest fromSupport our team. Red Cross (Aberdeen)
The Red Cross run a Patient Transport Service which provides an essential lifeline for those who need to get to and from hospital treatment facilities. The service provides enhanced care for those needing additional medical support during the journey and this role includes clinical skills and would give volunteers good experience, especially for those wanting a career in ambulance work and the NHS. The role is based in Aberdeen and we are looking for people who can complete 15 days of training run via a combination of e-learning, Zoom training and face to face sessions. You would need to be able to commit to the dates from 20th-23rd April for training in Aberdeen. Once this is completed, we are looking for people to do 2 x 8 hour shifts per month, which can be weekend, evening or weekdays.
To apply go to http://bit.ly/ASAberdeen or for more information email MBaxter@redcross.org.uk
Recent opportunity Volunteer Mentors – MCR Pathways (Aberdeen)
The latest from our team.
MCR Pathways has been partnering with schools since 2007 so we know just how amazing the young people of Scotland are. However, sometimes due to situations out of their control, young people face challenges that make it more difficult for them to succeed. That’s why providing the simple support of a mentor is so important and has been proven to make a life-changing difference. This is where you can help… We are hoping to help even more young people in the area reach their potential and are looking for over 150 mentors from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help. All young people are different and have different needs, so it’s important that our mentors come from all walks of life. Volunteer mentors are asked to commit just one hour a week for a minimum of one year and will be fully trained and PVG checked before being matched with a young person from an Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire school.
Please register online at mcrpathways.org/become-a-mentor/ For any further details please contact us at email: aberdeen@mcrpathways.org/aberdeenshire@mcrpathways.org Or telephone us on 07709249661.
Recent opportunity Food from Trainour Connects: The latest team. Shopping Friends Food Train Connects provides a one to one grocery shopping services for older people who are no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability. Becoming a Food Train Connects Shopping Friend is rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It’s amazing the impact that regular support with grocery shopping can have on someone who is isolated or lonely. If you want to make sure that an older person is able to live well in their own home this is a great opportunity to do so. The Role: • Contact the older person you are matched with on a regular basis, usually weekly, to obtain their shopping list, carry out their shopping and then deliver to their home, putting away if necessary. • Submit brief records, receipts for payment and to report any matters of concern to staff • Keep within the boundaries of the role • To inform Food Train Connects Staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints • To maintain confidentiality • To represent Food Train in a professional manner to our members and the wider community All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering with us/for more information please visit https://bit.ly/3oAOHhE or email connects@foodtrainconnects.org.uk
FUNDING
ACVO News 30 Mar 24 2021
Funding Funding news and highlights from across the third sector
ADP Launches Locality Improvement Fund
Aberdeen Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) has allocated £50,000 for each locality across Aberdeen to focus on reducing the harm caused by alcohol and drug use.
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he Aberdeen City Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP) is a multi-agency partnership that looks “to deliver measurable improvements in the quality of life for the people of Aberdeen, particularly their health and well-being in relation to alcohol and drugs.” As part of their commitment to supporting communities in Aberdeen, they are pleased to announce that applications have opened for the Locality Improvement Fund (Alcohol and Drugs) and invite applications from programmes which support initiatives that focus on preventing and intervening at an early stage to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and drugs use in Aberdeen. Applications are encouraged from voluntary or community organisations, registered charities, constituted groups or clubs (e.g. Parent Councils), community councils and informal groups who are aligned to an organisation or part of a constituted body. Public sector organisations can apply, however, there is an additional question for public
ACVO News 31 Mar 24 2021
FUNDING
sector organisations to complete within the application form to demonstrate how they have identified local need and are working with the local community to deliver projects. It is intended that this will enhance networking and collaboration across localities. £50,000 is available for each locality across Aberdeen. ADP are looking for projects that focus on the whole person or community, help to build skills and resilience and that involve people the project aims to benefit. You can apply for £200 - £10,000. Applications must support people living and working in Aberdeen and projects must take place within Aberdeen City boundaries. Applications close at 4pm on Thursday 22nd April. To ensure that the fund makes a difference in our local communities, they are also looking for panel members to help decide which applications should go forward to a public vote. Applications for panel members close on Friday 2nd April. To find out more information about the fund, download application guidelines and apply, visit localityimprovementfund.co.uk. Applications for Panel Members can also be completed on the site.
localityimprovementfund.co.uk
Mary Salmond Trust Open for Applications The Mary Salmond Trust offers grants up to £500 to groups and individuals from the North East of Scotland. The trust aims to support the advancement of community development, by encouraging activities that have a public benefit. The Trust is also keen to promote projects which focus on children and young people’s health and welfare, training and education, civic responsibility, and volunteering.
The next Trustees meeting is 17th June. Complete applications should be submitted by 11th June. Full details and application details can be found at www.marysalmondtrust.com
Have you read? Your time is better spent on increasing your likelihood of success and of success at a higher grant level. Our Funding A-Z is full of tips, pointers, prompts, suggestions and challenges for you to use as you go about your work to make your organisation sustainable.
Read it now at acvo.org.uk/funding-a-z
ACVO News 32 Mar 24 2021
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
Health & Social Care Updates Consultation Draft of the NHS Grampian Equality Outcomes Report 2021-2025 National Day of Reflection marks 12 months since first lock down in the UK
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HS Grampian has a legal duty to produce and publish an Equality Outcomes Report every four years. This report sets out the equality outcomes NHS Grampian wishes to work towards over the next four years under each of the 9 “protected characteristics”
consult local equality and diversity groups, other local organisations, partner agencies, individuals, and the wider community of Grampian to help shape the future pattern of services in these 9 key areas of our work. They are therefore very grateful for individuals or groups to
of equality as defined by the Equality Act 2010 (race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment, age, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership) They have a legal duty when formulating the outcomes to involve and
give them their views on the draft outcomes contained within the report, which can be done by clicking on this link - http://bit.ly/2MOsiQu The consultation draft can be downloaded here. Closing date for sharing comments on these draft priorities is Fri 26th Mar 2021.
On Tuesday March 23rd, the country paused for a minute’s silence to remember those who have died from Covid-19 and to reflect upon a year which has impacted us all. The nation stood at 12pm alongside medical and social care staff to remember those lost to the virus and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who have worked to help and support those most greatly affected by Covid-19. At Aberdeen Royal Infirmary staff stood outside the building to commemorate 12 months since the first lockdown in a moment captured by Davy Shanks, Broadcast journalist at BBC Scotland on Twitter (twitter.com/Davyshanks).
ACVO News 33 Mar 24 2021
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
Scotland’s estimated 700,000 people who care for others called forward for the COVID-19 vaccine People aged 16 and over who provide vital face-to-face care and support for others and haven’t already been given an appointment are now being invited to self-register for the COVID19 vaccine. There are an estimated 700,000 people in Scotland who care for a friend, family member or neighbour affected by a disability, physical or mental ill health, frailty or a substance misuse. The type of care they provide could be anything from the practicalities of domestic tasks such as regularly helping with the shopping, picking up prescriptions or preparing meals, to personal care such as helping them to wash and dress. It could also be emotional support to someone such as a partner, friend or family member with a long-term health condition. Health Minister Jeane Freeman said: “Scotland has very many people who provide vital face-to-face care and support for family and friends who don’t necessarily see themselves as unpaid carers, it’s just what they do. The care they provide is vitally important to all of us and in the national vaccination programme they are prioritised. "By getting the vaccine those caring for others can protect themselves while they look after and protect others.” You can check if you are eligible for the vaccine as a carer by using the self-registration at nhsinform.scot/carersregister or by calling 0800 030 8013 to get your vaccination.
VACANCIES
Vacancies Latest opportunities from the 3rd sector
ACVO News 34 Mar 24 2021
ACVO News 35 Mar 24 2021
Events
EVENTS
To find out more about ACVO, and what we can do to support your third sector organisation, visit acvo.org.uk