ACVO NEWS
NEWS FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR
You are invited to ACVO's Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Showcase Exhibition
Arkade Gallery Anatomy Rooms, Aberdeen November 15th - 17th 2022 arkade Read full details about the exhibition on p.4 NOVEMBER | 2022
acvo.org.uk
ACVO News
CONTENTS
November 2022
3
Showcase Invitation 4 - We invite you to our ACVO Showcase Exhibition!
18 - Lorraine Kelly appointed patron of The Archie Foundation
28 - ACVO Exclusive: Interview with Budding Engineers CIC
4 ACVO Updates 12 News from you and other networks 32 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 37 Volunteering Opportunities 41 Funding The latest funding news and opportunities
P.26
THE CHATTY CAFÉ: SUPPORTING & CONNECTING CHILDMINDERS Not on the mailing list to receive ACVO News Direct to your inbox every fortnight? Sign up here.
43 Health and Social Care Updates 45 Vacancies Latest opportunities from the third sector in Aberdeen and beyond
Scottish Charity No: SC036845
ACVO News
ACVO UPDATES
November 2022
4
Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Showcase Exhibition
Arkade Gallery Anatomy Rooms, Aberdeen November 15th - 17th 2022
arkade Join us to celebrate the impact of the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund and the achievements of our sector The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund was established by the Scottish Government in 2021 to provide grants to grassroots community groups and organisations across Scotland in response to the mental health need arising from the pandemic.
November 15th -17th 2022 15th: 2pm-5pm, 16th: 10am4pm, 17th: 10am-7pm
Free The Anatomy Rooms, Shoe Lane, Aberdeen, AB10 1AP Click the map to view on Google Maps
The intended outcome of The Fund being to develop a culture of mental wellbeing and prevention within local communities, tackling priority issues such as suicide prevention, social isolation, and loneliness, as well as improving awareness of how we can all stay well and help others. In year one, ACVO TSI distributed £770,000 to 77 organisations across Aberdeen City and ACVO is again delighted to be managing the distribution of the Aberdeen City investment of £571,000 for year two which is currently open for applications. To highlight the success of the fund, ACVO is hosting a free exhibition at The Arkade Gallery in Aberdeen’s Anatomy Rooms. The event will showcase recipients of the fund with a focus on 10 projects supported by grants during year one from Aberdeen based organisations -Touch of Love Outreach; Greyhope Bay; The Allotment Market Stall; Citymoves Dance Agency; Street Soccer Scotland; Danestone Community Centre; Aberdeen Taexali Rugby Club; The Bread Maker; Future Choices and Aberdeen Science Centre. The event will feature an element of audio visual interactivity where visitors can learn more about work supported by the fund through a series of films produced by ACVO. In order to fully experience the exhibition please download the Overly app and bring a set of headphones/earbuds if you have access to them. ACVO does have a limited number of devices available on the day but it is recommended that you bring your own if possible. The exhibition opening will coincide with our AGM on the 15th November and then open to the public on the 16th and 17th. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to meet the ACVO team and find out more about applying for the fund during year 2. All ACVO members are welcome to attend both our AGM and the exhibition opening event on the 15th of November – find out more and book your space Not an ACVO Member but would like to join and attend the AGM? You can join now for as little as £25 – find out how you can join our community
Download the Overly App in advance of the exhibition to experience our films during your visit – scan the QR code or follow the links to app stores below
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ACVO News
November 2022
ACVO UPDATES
Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Year 2 now open for applications in Aberdeen! The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund was established by the Scottish Government in 2021 to provide grants to grassroots community groups and organisations across Scotland in response to the mental health need arising from the pandemic. The intended outcome of The Fund being to develop a culture of mental wellbeing and prevention within local communities, tackling priority issues such as suicide prevention, social isolation, and loneliness, as well as improving awareness of how we can all stay well and help others. In year one, ACVO TSI distributed £770,000 to 77 organisations across Aberdeen City. ACVO is again delighted to be managing the distribution of Aberdeen City investment of £571,000 for year two, with the Fund opening for applications from Tuesday 4th October 2022. Building on the success of year 1, ACVO are now welcoming applications from grassroots community organisations across the city for year 2 of the Scottish Governments Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
What you need to know: ·Projects must support the mental health and wellbeing of adults (16+) living in Aberdeen City ·Level 1 and Level 2 applications are now open for up to £10k and will close by March 2023; however, please apply as early as you can to avoid disappoint as Level 1 and Level 2 [eligible] grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis ·Level 3 applications for £10k-£25k are now open as of Wednesday 2nd November 2022 and will close Wednesday 7th December 2022 ·A wide range of non-profit organisations are eligible to apply ·All funding guidance information is available on the ACVO website - acvo.org.uk/funding/cmhw/ ·The ‘tried and tested’ online application process is straightforward, and you will hear whether your application is eligible for funding within 5 working days ·Organisations that were awarded funding in year 1 can reapply for year 2
find out more and apply at
acvo.org.uk/funding/cmhw
ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
November 2022
6
ACVO launches WhatsApp group for Community Activists in Aberdeen We are excited to launch our new Communities WhatsApp group. Ran by Bea, our Development Officer (Strengthening Communities), the initiative aims to be a platform for informal conversations about Community in Aberdeen.
Who's it for? The group is open to anyone with an interest in community development, and it would be great to have voices from across the length and breadth of the city contributing to the conversations. Please use this space to share news, ask questions, discuss topics, give your opinion, network with other community workers and let’s build strong and connected communities together!
How do I join? You can scan or click the QR code or you can message Bea on WhatsApp - 07487540917 - to request to join. You may be asked a couple of questions for security purposes before being added to the Communities group chat.* *Please be assured that the info you provide in direct messages with Bea is secure and will not be passed to any 3rd parties without your consent, however, your phone number may be visible for other members when messaging in the group chat.
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ACVO News
November 2022
ACVO UPDATES
Aberdeen’s Third Sector - Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum ACVO continue to host regular fora to support and inform the third sector, as we continue to respond and make our way through the current crises. So much has changed and continues to do so at such a pace, that it can be difficult to keep up. More changes are to come and things are likely to remain in flux for a while yet. Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a very common and recurring theme. As this topic is so far reaching and multi-layered and affects so many aspects of our work, ACVO continue to host third sector forum meetings on the theme of Mental Health & Wellbeing. We are inviting our third sector colleagues to our next forum where you can:
Learn about the latest key developments at ACH&SCP (Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership) and CPA (Community Planning Aberdeen). Hear more about Year 2 of the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund and other current funding opportunities from Claire Shaw our Funding Officer. Meet Bea Dawkins, our Development Officer (Strengthening Communities) – who is working to support community organisations to meet their goals, expand capacity and promote resilience.
This forum will be held over Teams on Thursday 24th November. To book your place, visit:
acvo.org.uk/event/mental-health-wellbeing-forum-meeting/ An agenda will be issued nearer the time. Meanwhile, if you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our Partnership Officer Susan Morrison by phone 07814 896676 or email susan.morrison@acvo.org.uk
ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
November 2022
Applications are now being accepted from community, voluntary and third sector organisations in Aberdeen for up to £50,000 capital funding to support our just transition to net zero The Scottish Government has announced £500 million spread over 10 years to support Scotland’s North East economy in its just and fair transition to net zero. For its first year in 2022/23, £20 million is made available and of that, £1 million will be subject to participatory budgeting (PB), which is a democratic process where citizens decide directly how to spend part of a public budget. The 3 Third Sector Interfaces in the North East of Scotland – ACVO in Aberdeen City, AVA in Aberdeenshire, and tsiMoray in Moray – along with support from NESCAN Hub and Money 4 Moray will split the participatory budgeting money equally, providing £333,333 to each local authority area for this green participatory budgeting exercise. What you need to know: ·This fund supports eco-friendly projects that contribute to the Scottish Government’s aim to be Net Zero by 2045 ·Capital fund – Apply to purchase equipment and items ·Apply for up to £50k. No lower limit ·Open to a wide range of non-profit groups (see guidance for full details) ·Decisions all made by public vote ·Successful organisations will need to spend the money before the end of March 2023
Deadline for applications is Monday 14th November Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/funding/just-transition-fund
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ACVO News
November 2022
ACVO UPDATES
RISING COSTS CRISIS: IMPACT ON THE THIRD SECTOR IN THE NORTH EAST
Help us better understand the challenges your organisation faces by completing our short survey With rising goods and energy prices, inflation and other monetary pressures, people across the country are feeling the impact of the current cost of living crisis. As this crisis spirals, the third sector is facing a crisis of its own; organisations within the sector that provide vital lifelines for our community are finding their resources stretched as demand increases. To help us understand the current situation, ACVO and Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA), are assessing the impact the costs crisis is having on third sector organisations in the region with our “Rising Costs Crisis - Impact on Third Sector” survey. ACVO and AVA would like to gather a diverse overview of perspectives to help build an accurate picture the challenges facing organisations now, and any issues anticipated in the coming months. The survey will take around 5 minutes to complete and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Find out more and complete the survey at https://forms.microsoft.com/r/0S7VAjRGt8
ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News 10 November 2022
Come and Network Day 2022 Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with ACVO, will be hosting Come and Network (CAN) Day 2022 this month. Volunteers, management committees and third sector organisations across the city are encouraged to attend and help strengthen communities by sharing skills & knowledge.
Saturday 19th November 9:30am - 3:30pm Aberdeen Town House, Broad Street, AB10 1AQ Find out more about the event and book your place by scanning or clicking the QR code above.
be part of
the collective voice of the Third Sector in Aberdeen
Become a member of ACVO
from as little as £25 per year applications open now
apply online at acvo.org.uk/membership We are stronger with you behind us.
NEWS
ACVO News
November 2022
12
News from you and other networks
Wind turbine project energises city and shire school pupils School pupils from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have built their own offshore wind turbines as part of a renewable energy education project.
ACVO News 13 November 2022
NEWS
Y
oungsters from Dunecht, Skene and Meethill primary schools recently visited Aberdeen Science Centre, where a giant 1,800 litre water tank was temporarily installed in the garden. After working with Belgian organisation OffshoreWind4Kids to learn about what makes a turbine work and how wind can be used to produce energy, the children built their own model turbines, designed to withstand specific wind and wave conditions. They then put their wind turbines to the test in the tank before exploring the centre’s 60 interactive exhibits. Global safety and skills organisation OPITO has given the turbines to Aberdeen Science Centre on permanent loan, which will allow many more schools to have the chance to build their own prototype models. OffshoreWind4Kids is designed to educate children in the field of engineering, technology and renewable energy. This is the second OffshoreWind4Kids event in Aberdeen in recent weeks, with youngsters from city schools trying out their own kits at the beach in the summer. Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are very grateful to OPITO for the permanent loan of 14 of the model wind turbine kits, which will allow us to run workshops for more schools and community groups. “Renewable energy is more important than ever as we navigate the energy transition and we work closely with OPITO and other partners to provide topical STEM education and workshops. “We hope these, and our mix of hands-on exhibits, will inspire visitors of all ages, but particularly
young people, to relate STEM to their career choices as the energy industry works towards achieving its Net Zero targets.”
Science Centre’s OPITO Theatre of Energy, the only one of its kind in the UK, offering an immersive experience for visitors.
Andy Williamson, Senior Vice President of Energy Transition and Global STEM Lead at OPITO said: “Offshore wind will play an essential role in the future of energy, creating exciting new job roles for young people. Inspiring and engaging children in STEM-related activities from an early age is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the infinite possibilities a career in the energy industry can offer.
Recently awarded 5-star visitor attraction status, the centre reopened to the public in 2020 after a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
“The OffshoreWind4Kids initiative, and the Wind Turbine Project, provide valuable hands-on experience while creating a deeper understanding of renewable energy.
"We are delighted to be involved and provide turbine kits to Aberdeen Science Centre to allow these events to continue with schools throughout Aberdeen city and shire." As an industry, it is our responsibility to attract the next generation of young people with the passion, creativity, and determination to imagine a different future.” OPITO has been committed to inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in the energy industry for decades. Its extensive programme of resources and events include a £600,000 investment in Aberdeen
The centre’s exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and the dedicated area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where STEM is brought to life. Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome - with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council. The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International as well as OPITO, to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through its outreach work. For more information on Aberdeen Science Centre or to book a visit, go to aberdeensciencecentre.org
ACVO News
NEWS
Grampian Women's Aid: Training in November & December Grampian Women's Aid are pleased to be running the following training sessions during this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
November 2022
Help us bring wonder to children this Christmas, asks local children’s charity A north-east charity is asking for support as it starts to prepare for its biggest ever annual Christmas campaign – ‘No Child Should Go Without Believing in Magic’, gifting Christmas Eve boxes for children and families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
A
berNecessities, which provides basic essentials to families experiencing extreme financial
hardship in the north-east, is
boxes, aimed at bringing some magic to Christmas for families include cosy pyjamas and socks, festive treats, Christmas activities and a storybook – as well as a treat
planning to deliver over 2500
for Rudolph.
Christmas Eve gift boxes to local
Carefully curated, age-related,
families who would not otherwise
thoughtful gifts will also be
be able to celebrate Christmas, as
delivered for each child in the
well as gifts for Christmas Day.
family, making Christmas Day feel
Tuesday 29th November 13:00-16:00
Since its inception in 2019,
extra special.
AberNecessities has supported over
AberNecessities founder Danielle
These half-day online training sessions introduce Own My Life course content with the purpose of enabling professionals to more confidently and effectively refer women onto the course.
needed support to families in
OWN MY LIFE Taster Session for Agency Professionals
Find out more and book your place here.
8000 local children, giving muchAberdeen city and shire.
Flecher-Herd commented: “Every child dreams of Christmas, but for one in five children in our
The charity is asking local
community, that dream will just not
businesses and the wider
come true. Christmas is such a
community to sponsor the gift
special time, and we want every
boxes, helping to fund the assembly,
child to feel the wonder of the
gifts and direct delivery in the lead
festive season. Our team is working
up to Christmas. The Christmas Eve
hard to make sure as many children
Children & Young People's Experience of Domestic Abuse (FREE SESSION) Tuesday 6th December 18:00-20:00 Course participants will gain an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and the effects that coercive control has on children and young people. Find out more and book your place here.
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Michelle Herd, co-founder of AberNecessities.
ACVO News 15 November 2022
NEWS
as possible enjoy the magic of the
As well as financial donations to
festivities and wake up to gifts this
sponsor the Christmas Eve boxes,
Christmas morning.
we will have baubles on the Giving
“This year’s Christmas operation is
Tree at Union Square over the
huge. It is just heart-wrenching that so many families in our community cannot afford to bring the magic of
festive season so that people can purchase just one or a selection of
Pantomime: Free tickets for local charities
small Christmas gifts for local
Christmas into their homes. Because
children.
of the shocking cost-of-living crisis
"Every single donation will make a
and the continued effects of Covid,
child and parent smile – that’s
the number of requests we receive
something you really can’t put a
just grows and grows, and this year
price on. We know people really
we are preparing to lovingly create
want to help, and we are keen to
The Pantomime Adventures of
almost twice as many bespoke
offer the opportunity for everyone
Peter Pan is set to fill His Majesty’s
Christmas Eve boxes and Christmas
to support us in whatever way they
Theatre with swashbuckling festive
gifts as last year.
can.”
cheer this Christmas, and in the spirit of the season, 300 tickets are being given away to local charities.
Christmas is such a special time, and we want every child to feel the wonder of the festive season. "The Christmas Eve boxes will bring
Michelle said every penny is
a smile to so many children’s faces,
welcome. “We hope that individuals,
as well as the faces of their parents,
business owners, managers and
helping them enjoy the wonder of
colleagues will get together to
the season. Every parent wants to
support the campaign. Christmas
create magical memories for their
can be a magical time, but it can also
little ones - and together, we can
be a very difficult time for parents
help them do that. We know from
who are struggling to provide a
previous years that the boxes are
Christmas tree or gifts because they
really well received and help give
have to prioritise feeding their
the whole family something to
children or heating their homes.”
celebrate, during what will be a
Aberdeen Performing Arts and the show’s producers, Crossroads Pantomimes, are inviting groups to apply for free tickets to the Christmas pantomime, which runs at His Majesty’s from Saturday, 3 December to Sunday, January 8.
Charities can apply using the application form on the Aberdeen Performing Arts website for tickets
very, very difficult winter for many.”
to the 7pm performance on
Applications for support from
Tuesday, 6 December.
Abernecessities comes from healthcare professionals including
The deadline for applications is
health visitors and social workers.
Friday, 11 November.
Co-founder Michelle Herd added:
Entires can be made by clicking here
"We are acutely aware that
or by sending a completed form to
everyone is affected by the cost-of-
hello@aberdeenperformingarts.com
living crisis, and as a result we are
Donations to sponsor Christmas Eve
asking our ever-generous
gift boxes for local children can be
Successful groups will be told by
community to give what they can.
made at www.abernecessities.co.uk.
7pm on Friday 18 November.
ACVO News 17 November 2022
NEWS
Aberdeen’s Lord Lieutenant presents Charlie House with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Charlie House has been presented with its Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from Aberdeen’s Lord Lieutenant, Dr David Cameron and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Lawtie at a celebratory event. highest given to local voluntary groups, the equivalent of an MBE. Joan Cowie, volunteer and information co-ordinator at Charlie House added: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is testament to our wonderful volunteers. It recognises the time, effort and skills they bring to Charlie House and we’re extremely grateful to each and every one of them.” Lord Lieutenant Dr David Cameron said: “It was a delight to bestow this thoroughly deserved Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Tracy Johnstone receiving the award from Dr David Cameron.
H
Charlie House and its founder Tracy Johnstone. “It has been an incredible journey
aving been awarded the prestigious accolade earlier this year, Charlie House hosted a reception for its
range of support and services to
since 2011 for Charlie House and
families across the north-east of
the work, support and care that it
Scotland and volunteers help us to
gives is invaluable for families
do this.
across the north-east of Scotland.”
staff and volunteers at its
"Roles are wide-ranging and far
Tracy founded Charlie House in
reaching and include helping at
2011 after she had to travel more
activities, donating time behind the
than 100 miles to the nearest
scenes, fundraising to support our
support facility for her son Louis.
work and helping out at events.
Since then, she has worked
These are just a few examples of
tirelessly to improve the local
ways Charlie House volunteers help
support available and earlier this
During the event, Lord Lieutenant
to support children and families.”
year was named as national
Dr David Cameron presented chair
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Platinum Champion as part of the
Service was created in 2002 to
Platinum Jubilee celebrations,
mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
honouring her volunteer work.
and it recognises and celebrates the
For further information about
Tracy said: “Volunteers are vital to
difference that is made by
Charlie House, please visit their
Charlie House. We provide a wide
volunteering. The award is the
website at www.charliehouse.org.uk
headquarters to mark the physical presentation, celebrating the outstanding work they do to support babies, children and young people with life-limiting or lifethreatening conditions.
and founder of Charlie House, Tracy Johnstone with a certificate and commemorative crystal.
ACVO News 18 November 2022
NEWS
TV Royalty Lorraine Kelly Appointed Patron of The Archie Foundation Scottish television personality, Lorraine Kelly CBE has been appointed patron of Scottish children’s charity The Archie Foundation.
L
orraine is a keen charity supporter with a particular affinity for children’s causes and
launch GMTV in the 2000’s and in 2011 she presented the ITV series “Children's Hospital”. In
said it was a ‘perfect fit’ to join
June 2020, Lorraine
Archie as a patron.
received a CBE in the
Lorraine said: “I was truly honoured to have been asked to be a patron of The Archie Foundation, Archie
Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
does an incredible job of supporting
Carol Munro, Chair of The Archie
babies, children and their families,
Foundation said: “We are so
they go the extra mile for every
delighted to have Lorraine joining us
Children’s Hospital and Aberdeen
family that walks through any north
as a Patron, she is a fabulous fit for
Neonatal Unit, Tayside Children’s
of Scotland hospital. I am also in
the charity and with her incredibly
Hospital and Highland Children’s Unit,
awe of the wonderful personalised
uplifting personality she will bring
and provides vital services and
support that the charity provides
so much to The Archie Foundation.
support to sick babies and children, as
for bereaved children and their
With Lorraine regarding Dundee as
well as supporting bereaved families
families. Experiencing the loss of a
her home we hope that her
throughout the north of Scotland,
loved one is hard for anyone to
connection with the charity will help
through Archie’s Child Bereavement
comprehend, but going through that
us to provide further support for
Service.
as a child must be so hard.”
children and families in Dundee City
The ‘Lorraine’ show host has had a
and the wider Tayside region.”
long-standing career in TV,
The Archie Foundation is the official
despite moving away, she considers
stretching over 32 years, helping to
charity of Royal Aberdeen
Dundee to be a place that she will
Lorraine has often described herself as an 'adopted Dundonian' and
always call home. Lorraine said: “I am really excited to get involved with projects in Tayside and throughout the region, and use my platform to support the charity as much as I can.” Find out more The Archie Foundation on their website here. To get in touch with their team, you can email hello@archie.org or phone 01224 559559.
Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
ACVO News 19 November 2022
NEWS
Scottish Open Data Unconference 2022 The Scottish Open Data Unconference (SODU) is returning for its third consecutive year. Brought to you by civic hacking initiative Code the City, the event will be a physical meet-up with the chance for online attendance too. SODU takes place at ONE Tech Hub in Aberdeen, 5-6 November 2022. Open Data is data which has been licensed for re-use. It is a fuel for innovation, enables transparency of government, and delivers societal benefits by making it easier to improve services. SODU is a weekend-long event where people come together to speak about Open Data. They share plans, exchange ideas, develop best practice and identify areas where the publication of Open Data could be done better.
As an unconference, the attendees create the agenda and participate in the sessions. The unconference grabs the excitement and enthusiasm that you find in the coffee breaks of normal conferences to keep creating opportunities for conversations. The first iteration of SODU, which was scheduled to take place in March 2020, had over 100 people booked to come to the city. It attracts people from all backgrounds who share an interest in Open Data. These include those in education, government employees, journalists, the data and IT industry, campaigners from civic organisations, as well as individual enthusiasts.
Last year’s event kicked off the development of the Open Data Scotland website (opendata.scot) - a citizen-created and maintained platform to index all of the Open Data in Scotland. Tickets are now available to book here. General weekend tickets are £25. Student tickets are just £15. Daily £10 tickets are aIso available. If cost is a barrier, subsidised tickets will be made available on application.
More details are available on the event’s microsite sodu.live
Langstane Housing Association awarded £61,000 to tackle fuel poverty this winter Funding of £61,000 has been awarded to Langstane Housing Association in Aberdeen to assist tenants struggling with spiralling energy costs. The funds awarded will be used to uncap gas supplies, clear meters which are currently capped, fund help for tenants who are struggling with utility bills via fuel vouchers and provide advice to tenants. The advice will be delivered in partnership with SCARF, who offer free and impartial energy saving advice to help people lower their fuel bills and carbon emissions. Judith Sutherland, Director of Housing at Langstane Housing Association, said “We are delighted to have been able to secure £61,000 in funding to help our
tenants during the current cost of living crisis. We understand the pressure our tenants are under right now and we are delighted to be able to offer practical support during these difficult times." The Social Housing Fuel Support Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and managed and administered by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA). It aims to provide practical support to social landlords’ tenants in order to help them to manage, or reduce, their fuel costs.
Judith Sutherland, Director of Housing.
ACVO News 20 November 2022
NEWS
Clan Ball Raises £50,000 at Charity's First Post-COVID Ball
Clan Cancer Support raised £50,000 at its fundraising ball on Saturday 1st October, with more than 200 guests attending the 20s style event at the Beach Ballroom. Individuals and businesses from
highlighted the importance of our
across the north-east immersed
services to so many people in our
themselves in the prohibition era for
region.
the evening which included a drinks
and Shetland. Over the last 39 years, Clan’s services have grown significantly to address
“I can’t overstate how amazing it was
the emotional and social impacts of
to have so many people joining us in
cancer and include counselling,
person at the Beach Ballroom. Clan is
children and families support and
entirely reliant on donations and
nutrition, health and wellbeing advice.
fundraising, making the last two years
The event, which was supported by
The charity also operates Clan Haven
very challenging and this event
The Cormack Foundation, was the
which offers bed and breakfast
particularly important.
accommodation near Aberdeen Royal
“We are incredibly grateful to
Infirmary, providing affordable
everyone who contributed towards
accommodation with onsite support
the significant amount raised on the
for those who have to travel from
night which will help ensure we can
home to Aberdeen for treatment.
continue to provide free support and
The charity supports more than 1,200
services to people affected by cancer
people every year across 13
across the north-east, Moray, Orkney
community locations, using qualified
and Shetland for years to come.”
and experienced counsellors and
Clan Cancer Support provides
therapists and support volunteers to
emotional and practical support to
ensure its clients wellbeing needs are
people affected by cancer across
taken care of at all stages of their
north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney
cancer journey.
reception, three-course dinner and performances from a live band, dancing flapper girls and barbershop singers.
charity’s first fundraising ball in three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic with money raised helping Clan to continue providing free wellbeing and support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. Fiona Fernie, chief executive of Clan Cancer Support said: “We’ve had to wait a long time for this event and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a very special evening which
ACVO News 21 November 2022
NEWS
VSA’s commitment to changing lives recognised in latest figures Aberdeen-based charity VSA is delighted to publish their 2022 Annual Report impact figures, formally announced at their recent Annual General Meeting held at the Town House. In the last year, across all of their
He added, “It is thanks to our
as Honorary President.
education, children, families, adult,
incredible front-line staff that we
and community services, VSA has
have managed to achieve this level
Kevin said “I am honoured to be
helped to support and change the
of support throughout our services.
lives of over 11,500 people and
They are a huge credit to VSA and
provided over 2,750,000 hours of
the city.”
care.
VSA also announced that local
leadership team, and the wider staff
Despite the challenges in relation to
businessman Kevin Shand has been
team to help change the lives of
the pandemic, VSA is proud of the
appointed as Chair of The Board of
vulnerable children and adults
continued impact they have had in
Trustees.
across the north-east of Scotland.”
changing and shaping the futures of
Kevin joined the board of VSA in
“I want to thank Maggie Wilson, for
2019 and along with all the trustees
her time as Chair of the Board of
VSA Interim Chief Executive John
has helped support the organisation
Trustees. She has supported the
Booth said: “VSA has always been at
during one of the most difficult
charity through one of the most
the forefront of providing vital care
periods of their 152 year history
unprecedented times, covid-19, and
and support to vulnerable children
due to the covid-19 pandemic.
for that myself, VSA, and all fellow
and adults across Aberdeen and
Kevin takes over the position from
trustees are thankful”.
Maggie Wilson, whose three-year
VSA’s 2022 Annual Report is
tenure as Chair concluded this year.
available by emailing
In recognition of her amazing
marketing@vsa.org.uk.
support and dedication to VSA since
Alternatively, it can be read online
2004, Maggie has been appointed
at www.vsa.org.uk
vulnerable children and adults.
beyond. We support people through some of the most challenging times they have ever experienced, helping them to take control of their lives for a brighter and better future.”
elected as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees and I am very much looking forward to working with my fellow trustees, VSA’s
ACVO News 23 November 2022
NEWS
Foundation Scotland premiere new short animation Earlier this month, Foundation Scotland launched their first animation offering insight into who they are, what they do and how they make a difference.
F
oundation Scotland support communities by paying attention to the challenges they want to
enterprise who work exclusively with the public sector, charities and social enterprises to create positive social change.
address, understanding underlying Work on the animation began around causes and building community five months ago and involved many capacities and resources for achieving workshops to explore the key change. messages Foundation Scotland Foundation Scotland has developed wanted to convey to viewers. The extensive expertise and experience workshops included a number of staff working with communities and donors from Foundation Scotland, some of throughout Scotland for over 25 their donors, applicants and years, giving them a uniquelyrepresentatives from Media Co-op. informed perspective. Foundation Scotland also published The animation was created in Raising Our Gaze, a learning report partnership with Media Co-op in about their journey over the past year Glasgow, an award-winning and their collaboration with the production company and social Wellbeing Economy Alliance
(Scotland). The animation offers just a glimpse at the work Foundation Scotland have been doing behind the scenes. Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, said: "We have long supported the aims and aspirations of a wide range of donors. We look forward to continuing to do this but with a growing appetite and commitment to fund for long term prevention alongside continued support for critical, immediate issues facing Scotland's communities." Find out more about Foundation Scotland by watching their animation or visiting their website here.
NEWS
ACVO News 24 November 2022
New York based sustainable cities expert to speak at AREG Energy Futures dinner
I
nternational climate and sustainability expert Lolita Jackson, MBE, is set to address guests at a
dinner to round off AREG’s Energy Futures conference and exhibition at P&J Live, Aberdeen on 15 November. The conference, which begins with an address from Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Energy and Transport Michael Matheson MSP, will bring hundreds of delegates together to discuss the region’s role in a net zero economy, the scale of opportunities and the actions needed to reach government targets for net zero. The day culminates with a drinks reception and dinner where Ms Jackson, a New York based Global Scot, will take centre stage. As executive director of communications and sustainable cities at Sustainable Development Capital LLP, Ms Jackson acts as a link to governments around the world on COP, UN and climate business engagement. She previously worked for the NYC Mayor’s office for 15 years where she held roles including climate diplomat for the city and director of outreach for the post Hurricane Sandy resilience team and has excelled in a career focused on climate improvements and resilience within communities. As a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre and the 1993 bombing, she will highlight
Lolita Jackson MBE.
how her life changing experiences have influenced her career.
together and agreeing the necessary actions to reach important goals.”
Speaking ahead of the AREG event Lolita Jackson said: “I look forward to joining the AREG dinner event this November and meeting some of the people involved with the energy transition in the North-east of Scotland. I’ve always loved the warmth of the Scottish people and I’m excited to join such an innovative and inspiring group coming together to agree on actions they can take together.
AREG chair, Jean Morrison said: “We look forward to concluding what will be a busy and insightful day, focused on the opportunities and actions related to the energy transition here in the North-east, with Lolita’s global perspective, which I have no doubt will provide an abundance of inspiration and new ideas for those attending.”
I’ll be sharing some of my own experiences of building stronger, more resilient cities and the key lessons I’ve learned during my career. Like much of the work I’ve done, the energy transition requires that we listen and learn from those living through the process, from individuals, to community groups, companies, and government agencies. Events such as the Energy Futures conference are crucial for bringing the right people
The dinner, which is sponsored by Shell, kicks off at 6.30pm with a drinks reception and concludes with a networking opportunity to reflect on a day of thought-provoking discussions around energy transition and the fast pace of change required to reach net zero targets. Bookings for the evening dinner can be made here. To find out more about The Energy Futures Conference and Exhibition, visit the AREG website and register for the free event here.
ACVO News 25 November 2022
NEWS
Local charity receives support from the Wolfson Foundation
Children’s charity Charlie House has received £150,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation to go toward their Big Build Appeal. Charlie House, a charity that supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting and lifethreatening conditions, and their families, in North East Scotland, has today (6th of October 2022) announced a £150,000 award towards their Big Build Appeal from the Wolfson Foundation. The Big Build Appeal is a campaign to raise funds to build a specialist support facility on the grounds of Woodend Hospital. The facility will provide specialist care and support to families with children with lifelimiting conditions, as well as being a host to a range of accessible and inclusive activities. The grant from the Wolfson Foundation will go directly towards the cost of the build, contributing to
the Central Nurses Station and Medical Preparation Area within the centre. Susan Crighton, Director of Fundraising at Charlie House, says of the contribution, “We’re extremely grateful to have the Wolfson Foundation’s support. They have a reputation for building excellence through support for education, science, culture and health. Their generous donation will take us ever closer to achieving our dream of opening a specialist support facility here in Aberdeen.” “Currently families travel more than 100 miles from Aberdeen to the nearest support facility and that isn’t acceptable. We would like to say a huge thank you to the
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation. Photo by John Cairns.
Wolfson Foundation for supporting both the Nurses Station and Medical Preparation Area, meaning that we will be able to provide the highest standard of care to families who need it.” Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation adds, “Dedicated, compassionate, expert support can make a world of difference to children and young people with a life-limiting condition - and to their families. We are delighted to be supporting Charlie House in bringing this much needed facility to Aberdeen.” The Big Build Appeal fundraising total is now over £4m. To find out more about how you can support the Charlie House Big Build Appeal, visit bigbuild.charliehouse.org.uk
ACVO News 26 November 2022
DANESTONE COMMUNITY CENTRE'S
Chatty Café Supporting and connecting childminders in Aberdeen
ACVO News 27 November 2022
The Chatty Café provides an informal, fun space for childminders to meet with each other, have a coffee and catch up. During each session, they can also receive further help and support with any concerns or questions they may have regarding childminding. The sessions, held at Danestone Community Centre, are hosted by Loraine Duncan, senior Childminding Development Officer at the Scottish Childminding Association. Each session is held on the last Tuesday of every month from 9.15am - 10.45am, with tea and coffee provided. Danestone Community Centre received funding to run the Chatty Café sessions to help support childminders’ health and wellbeing from ACVO's Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund. Watch our film and find out how the Chatty Café helps support and connect childminders in Aberdeen. The next Chatty Café session will take on Tuesday 29th November. For more information about the sessions, please contact Loraine Duncan by email at loraine.duncan@childminding.org
ACVO News 28 November 2022
Budding Engineers CIC ACVO Exclusive Interview
Budding Engineers Community Interest Company (CIC), is a non-profit business that aims to encourage and inspire more people to pursue a career in Engineering Design, Technology and Creative Arts. One way in which they do this is through their recycling project, where donated PCs, laptops and other devices are refurbished and then passed on to be used for online learning. ACVO spoke to the organisation to discuss more in-depth about what they do, their inspirations behind starting the business and the importance of their services to those who may not be able to afford certain technologies such as computers or smart devices. Can you explain what you do at Budding Engineers? Budding Engineers CIC was set up to promote and to deliver STEAM related education and inspire learning in the sciences, technology, engineering, art, and maths subjects, with emphasis towards 3D design CAD and digital technology. In addition, we are helping with online learning by recycling donated PCs and laptop computers. The recycling project has been incorporated into our business model as we hope to have apprentices and volunteers helping with our future projects when we find a suitable premise. It will also assist with the development and training of digital and computer technology and help put an end to digital device exclusion across Scotland. Budding Engineers CIC has many followers who home educate their children. This is one of the sectors that seems to be greatly missing out. Since lockdown, there has been more families home educating their children. We are here to help these families, especially those with children who have additional support needs, with some of these children then excelling in STEAM related subjects. Our main aims are: to highlight the importance of digital and technological real work skills; to address the skills gap in 3D design and digital technology; to repair, reuse and recycle IT equipment and to help discover and encourage the strengths in neurodiversity.
ACVO News 29 November 2022 many students would be dropping out of technical subjects, and he was keen to try and change that. When Covid 19 struck, David joined the team with 28 years’ experience in dealing with computers and hardware software. He took charge of our new project which was to recycle old computers and donate them to families who didn’t have a device for learning. The recycling project was so successful and has been incorporated into our business model. It will also assist with the development & training of computer technology and help to put an end to digital device exclusion across Scotland. Scotland is facing severe socio-economic challenges brought on by the decline of industry, youth outmigration and an ageing population. There is a major Digital and Technical skills shortage and there is an immediate need for action if Scotland is to remain an attractive place to do business for the technical industries. Budding Engineers have a role to play in meeting these future challenges. We are promoting the learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, colloquially known as STEAM education, which results in students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problemsolving, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process. Introducing this from an early age, we are looking to inspire the next innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the 21st century.
What was your inspiration behind starting the organisation? Budding Engineers CIC is a very small organisation. We are made up of four directors, all of which are volunteers. The main person running the organisation is David Kerr. As the founder and Managing Director, he set up Budding Engineers CIC when he saw that there was a need for this type of service. He was finding that
What kind of devices do you offer to people through the scheme and who is eligible to receive these? We have several devices available such as desktops, laptops and a few tablets. However, not all our devices are the same. We have a desktop computer that can go out with twin monitors for people who are really interested in Art, Design & Coding. As an example, a laptop can be sent with a monitor or it can be sent on it's own. This is all dependent on the interests and needs of the individual to determine what devices are suitable. With the current cost of living crisis, we are all struggling with our finances. For many people on the lowest incomes, the cost of surviving this crisis is too high. To go out and purchase a laptop is well beyond their means. Covid 19 brought digital technology to the forefront and made everyone stand up and realise we need to use technology in our daily lives. There are many families, students, older people, and old age pensioners who might not have a device. These are we people we want to reach through this scheme.
ACVO News 30 November 2022
How does the process work in terms of people accessing devices? If you are interested in finding out more about this scheme, email us at info@budding-engineers.co.uk We just need your name, full postal address, age of your child/children, their school or whether they are home educated and a contact telephone number so we can call you to discuss what devices are available. Devices will either be posted out to you or delivered. We like to contact those who are interested directly to have a chat about the interests and what they will be using the device for. Once we get an understanding, we can then allow them access to the most suitable device for learning.
Where do the devices you refurbish come from? Can people donate their old tech to Budding Engineers? Most of the devices we receive come from the public or businesses across Scotland.
Our recycling has been incorporated as a permanent part of our business model as it helps with climate change. If electronic waste enters landfill, it has the potential to release carbon into the atmosphere which then harms the environment. This is a sustainable way of reusing old technology and bringing new life back to these devices, which people often thought could no longer be used. Since we started recycling back in May 2020, we have managed to save over two tonnes of electronic waste from going to landfill. We know that there may be data security concerns from the public and businesses. We can provide certificates or proof to show that the data on the device(s) has been securely erased. Since May 2020, we have donated over 720 devices to people across Scotland. We have even given life to laptops that have been over 17 years old, previously running Windows XP. By donating your laptop to us, you are giving the opportunity for people to learn digital technology from an earlier age. We donate all our devices to all ages. Although the pandemic has caused problems for all of us, our children are the ones who have suffered with their education and learning. Just that one device you may have in your cupboard, garage or shed can make such a difference.
ACVO News 31 November 2022
Why do you think it is important to offer devices to people and families who may not be able to afford them otherwise? Covid 19 brought digital technology to the forefront and made everyone realise that we need to use technology in our daily lives. There are many families, students, older people and old age pensioners who might not have a device. The pandemic also highlighted digital poverty. With the cost of living rising, purchasing a technological device is well beyond the means of many people. This isn't considered a necessity in comparison to food or heating their home. For those especially on the lowest incomes, to purchase an asset like a laptop or a desktop is an expensive or luxury item. As an organisation, we encourage to inspire people to engage in STEAM-related activities. By offering these devices, we can achieve this aim to allow people to reach their full potential. We think it is important that no person should be left behind and unable to reach this potential, at the hands of laptop poverty and digital device exclusion.
If you are interested in finding out more about Budding Engineers CIC, please email them at info@budding-engineers.co.uk You can also check out their Website, Facebook and Twitter links below:
www.budding-engineers.co.uk @buddingengineers.sco @BuddingEngCIC
David and Liz Kerr with refurbished devices ready for donation.
VOLUNTEERING
ACVO News 32 November 2022
Volunteering
November update from ACVO's Volunteering Services Manager, Mike Melvin Find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk
Celebrate and Support Volunteering! ACVO, along with our partners in Aberdeen and nationally across the Third Sector Interface Network, are always keen to recognise, celebrate and support the tremendous contribution volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations make. Three magnificent occasions are happening this month, all of which feature volunteers and highlight the enormous positive difference volunteers make: International Volunteer Managers Day, Trustees Week 2022 and National Befriending Week 2022. ACVO extends a big thank you to all Volunteer Managers/Co-ordinators, Charity Trustees/Board Members and Volunteer Befrienders/Befriending Organisations in Aberdeen on these three occasions.
ACVO News 33 November 2022
VOLUNTEERING
International Volunteer Managers Day International Volunteer Managers Day is on 5th November 2022. This brings attention to and celebrates the essential work everyone who assists in volunteer co-ordination/management does and the real difference this makes for people and communities. The theme for International Volunteer Managers Day this year is ‘Many Backgrounds – One Profession – Stronger Together’. This theme conveys a strength the volunteer leadership sector possesses - the huge and diverse range of backgrounds that volunteering leaders and volunteers come from. More information is available at: www.volunteermanagersday.org
Trustees Week 2022 Trustees Week (7th-11th November 2022) is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of over 1 million volunteer Charity Trustees across the country. This of course includes the incredible, dedicated support of Charity Trustees across Aberdeen which is so important and greatly appreciated. The theme of Trustees Week 2022 is ‘making a difference in changing times’. Recognising that as our external environment continues to change, we face new challenges and the positive impact that Charity Trustees make is invaluable to a sector that is now as important as ever. For more information about Trustees Week 2022, visit www.trusteesweek.org
National Befriending Week 2022 National Befriending Week (1st-7th November 2022) brings together befriending organisations and volunteers across the country. It is a marvellous opportunity to raise awareness about the crucial and great impact befriending makes in communities and in people’s lives. This year's Befriending Week is all about creating connections, celebrating 10 years of Befriending Week and recognising the essential contribution volunteer befrienders and befriending organisations make. This includes Aberdeen, where we benefit so greatly from the help and support provided by hundreds of wonderful volunteer befrienders, befriending organisations and projects throughout the city. For the latest about Befriending Week 2022 and further details about befriending, please visit www.befriending.co.uk If you are interested in being a Volunteer Befriender in Aberdeen, please click here.
ACVO News 35 November 2022
VOLUNTEERING
Important new research has been published by Volunteer Scotland The research report, 'Testing our Resilience:
In addition to the report, an excellent blog
The impact of the cost of living crisis on
piece where Matthew Linning, Head of
volunteering and volunteers', has been
Research and Evaluation at Volunteer
undertaken to help understand the impact of
Scotland, discusses the implications of the
the cost of living crisis on people,
cost of living crisis on volunteering and
organisations and communities in Scotland.
volunteers can be read here.
The research includes ‘top ten areas for action’ to help the third sector address the crisis. Some of these areas include ensuring relevant organisations are supported financially, responding to the increased demand for services and protecting the health and wellbeing of volunteers.
Read the full report here.
ACVO News 37 November 2022
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Caseworker Volunteers for Grampian Branch of The latest from our team. SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If so, this could be the role for you. Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need. Next, they find the right sources of support and arrange for clients to access it. This might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc. Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan. Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this. The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. If you wish to volunteer/for further details please contact Julie Silva (Branch Secretary, Grampian) at email: Julie.Silva@grampian.ssafa.org.uk or telephone: 07879846200.
Volunteer Christmas Elves - Charlie House Santa is looking for some enthusiastic, fun-loving volunteer Elves to help him in his workshop in Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen this Christmas. Elves will meet and greet children and their families, check bookings, ensure gifts are ready to be handed out, introduce children to Santa, prepare and take photographs, sell Charlie House merchandise and photo packages, and ensure that the workshop is clean and tidy. There will always be a Chief Elf on hand to keep any mischievous elves in order! This is a busy and fun role where you will be helping to make special Christmas memories for local families. You will also be helping to raise funds for Charlie House. The charity was founded in 2011 with the goal of improving quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and to provide support for their families. For more details please contact us at email: volunteer@charliehouse.org.uk or telephone: 01224 313333.
Buddy Volunteers – Macmillan Cancer Support (North of Scotland) People living with cancer tell us they need emotional support to feel less isolated and lonely and sometimes need some help with practical tasks that they are temporarily having trouble with. By choosing to join us as a Buddy volunteer, you’ll be doing something amazing for people in these extraordinary times, so they can continue to feel connected to the world outside. Together, we can be right there for people with cancer. There are two types of buddy volunteer: Community Buddy: provides face-to-face support in the community or in people’s homes to alleviate loneliness and help with simple practical tasks Telephone Buddy: provides telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation for people living with cancer What we're looking for: Good listener and clear communicator Patient, flexible and reliable Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding whilst maintaining boundaries Good IT skills in order to access required systems and resources Understand the need to maintain confidentiality For further details/to apply please click here or contact Leigh Watt, Macmillan Cancer Support Volunteer Services Delivery Lead (North Scotland) at Email: LWatt@macmillan.org.uk / telephone: 07801307003.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
ACVO News 38 November 2022
Social Supper Volunteers - Social Bite Our vision Social Suppers is simple, we want to be able to provide delicious and nutritious food to Thefor latest from our team. people who are currently homeless or experiencing food poverty. We believe in meeting people’s basic needs for food and shelter, and at the same time as building positive relationships providing individuals with opportunities to make the changes they want to make in their lives. To volunteer alongside Social Bite staff and a team of volunteers to provide regular hot meals and support to people affected by homelessness (on a Thursday afternoon). What you will be doing: Volunteering with Social Bite shop staff to prepare the shop and get food and drink set up for each evening session. Welcoming people to the shop. Being a friendly face and talking to them about how they are doing. Passing on information to people about how they can access services provided by our partner charities e.g. housing/benefits advice, courses, drug/alcohol support. Cleaning and tidying up at the end of the service. For more information please email: volunteering@social-bite.co.uk
Christmas Craft Workshop Volunteers - Rosie's Social Enterpries Rosie’s Social Enterprises are recruiting volunteers for immediate start to assist with production of items for the craft workshop at our Holburn Street premises during the busy Christmas period Oct – Nov. If you are confident using a sewing machine please email alexpenter@turningpointscotland.com A variety of shifts are available Mon – Friday. All profits from the sale of items in our shop are reinvested into the charity, helping people in recovery from mental ill health and acquired brain injury. Maybe you are between jobs and looking for a way to fill a career gap or want to do something a bit different and enjoyable while supporting a local charity. You will love working on our in house designs, making memorable pieces and helping a charity in the process. For further details please contact Alex Penter. Workshop Coordinator, Rosie’s Social Enterprises at email alexpenter@turningpointscotland.com or telephone 01224 575 196.
Finance Volunteer - MS Society The latest from our team.
We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Aberdeen Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally. You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner. This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS. You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background. If you are interested in applying for this volunteering opportunity, please fill out the online application form here.
ACVO News 39 November 2022
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Receptionist/Admin Assistant Volunteers – Aberdeen Action on Disability An exciting opportunity to join a long established, user-led organisation supporting people with disabilities and long term medical conditions. Based in modern premises in Bridge of Don. Alongside the admin personnel and requests from the benefits personnel, the role will include general administrative duties, filing, photocopying clients records and answering the phone. Inputting of data information from telephone sheets into computer spreadsheets. Checking of e-mails when in the office. For more details please contact Roslynn Fowler, Volunteer Admin. Assistant at email office@aad-online.com or telephone: 01224 641355.
People’s Experience Volunteers – Healthcare The latest from our team. Improvement Scotland - Community Engagement (Grampian Area) At Healthcare Improvement Scotland we have created a new role for volunteers. We are looking for a team of volunteers from the Grampian area to give feedback on local experience of accessing Health and Social Care services. Those services could have been provided by the health board or by a local health and social care partnership. We may also ask questions about proposed policies or legislation in relation to health services in Scotland and ask for input on work we are planning to do to help us get it right. How you take part could vary depending on the activity but we will provide support to make sure that your involvement is carried out in a meaningful way. Volunteers will be supported to take part with some introductory information and an informal chat to identify any further requirements you may have in order to be able to take part. If required, travel expenses will be paid. As a volunteer with us you can help improve the health and care experience of people receiving care in Scotland. This is a new volunteer role and so far we have volunteers in Fife and now we are looking to get people involved in Grampian. In time we hope to have People’s Experience volunteers in all parts of Scotland. This role may give you opportunities to meet other volunteers in your local area and in other parts of Scotland, and be part of a community of volunteers within Healthcare Improvement Scotland. We are particularly keen to involve people with disabilities, people who are black, Asian or from a minority ethnic group and people who are living on low incomes as we know that any of these things can cause differences in people’s health. It is important to us that we are able to listen to a broad range of people to hear about their different experiences of health and care. If you are interested please email: claire.llewellyn@nhs.scot or telephone: 07929 027434.
Volunteers - Aberdeen Cyrenians Give the giftlatest of time, from and make a difference. The our team. Aberdeen Cyrenians started life as a soup kitchen run by student volunteers back in 1968. That ethos of volunteering and direct community support remains at the heart of what we do and it is essential in allowing us to provide the range of support that our service users rely on. We’re fully flexible and can take regular, ad hoc, seasonal and team volunteers across a range of services and opportunities. Our volunteer roles are as varied as our projects, service users and volunteers, whatever your interest, we've got something that's just right for you. All help makes a real difference and is always appreciated. Excellent training and support is provided to all volunteers. For more information and to find out about the latest volunteer opportunities we have please visit: www.weareac.org/volunteering
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
ACVO News 40 November 2022
Health and Safety Educator Volunteers – Absafe If you have a passion for helping others, this opportunity is perfect for you! You will have the chance to educate the children in your community on health and safety matters such as mental well-being, cyber security, water safety, railway safety, and more. You will help give the children the skills they need to navigate everyday risks, as well as help them build character and resilience. So, if saving lives as a part of a dedicated team is something you like the sound of, go ahead and give us an email or call – please contact Charley Pirie, School Co-ordinator at email: charley@absafe.org.uk or telephone 07376302532.
Volunteer Befrienders – TLC Befriending Service The latest from our team.
Everyone can feel lonely and isolated at times, especially if experiencing hardship. At TLC our vision is to see a transformed community where poverty and social isolation are a thing of the past. The TLC Befriending Project provides befriending services for anyone aged 18 and older where our values of Compassion, Purposefulness and Community are central to everything we do. In response to the effects of loneliness and isolation on peoples wellbeing (physical, emotional, social and mental health), that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated, TLC have responded to this need and further developed our befriending service to combat the loneliness and isolation felt by many in our city. Our service is provided to anyone aged 18 years and over in Aberdeen who is experiencing or at risk of loneliness or isolation. Your help as a volunteer would therefore make a real difference. Our expertly trained and compassionate volunteers not only provide a lifeline to people, in the form of friendship, but also a helping hand to reconnect to the community, bringing joy and passion back into people’s lives. If you would like to be a beacon of hope to someone in need, please do apply to join our fantastic team of volunteers. For further information please email us at recruitment@tlc.org.uk
Volunteer Drivers (CIS Project): North East Sensory Services North East Sensory Services (NESS) are looking for an enthusiastic person(s) to work with them in their CIS (Connect Include Support) service assisting the members to get to and from their groups as well as participation in the group activities. CIS is a support service for older people with hearing and sight loss and NESS provide social group opportunities across Aberdeen City. Interested? Then please contact Sheila at email: sheila.ogden@nesensoryservices.org or telephone: 0345271234 for more information.
Volunteers – Clan Cancer Support Leading north east cancer charity Clan Cancer Support is appealing for 100 new volunteers across the north-east as it aims to reach more local people affected by cancer ahead of its 40th anniversary next year. Clan is looking for people to take on a range of roles involving listening and support services, event support, retail support, driving clients to medical appointments and gardening to help maintain the grounds at Clan’s support centres. To find out more and to enquire about volunteering at Clan please email volunteering@clancancersupport.org or call 01224 647000.
ACVO News 41 November 2022
FUNDING
Funding Funding news and highlights from ACVO Funding Officer, Claire Shaw
Housing association secures £96million fund to meet demand for sustainable homes Grampian Housing Association has secured a £96m loan facility from the Royal Bank of Scotland to help address the continued demand for good quality, sustainable homes in the North-east.
T
he funding will allow the Aberdeen-based housing association to continue to sustainably invest in
its current properties to help meet its decarbonisation strategy, while also financing the development of 1,000 new green homes across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, beyond the ambition in the current five-year business plan. Along with providing quality affordable properties for social rent and related services to over 4,000 households, Grampian Housing Association also boasts a sizeable shared ownership offering, which has helped over 500 families and individuals to become homeowners. Formed in 1975, the organisation has over 120 employees and works in partnership with various charities and local authorities across the North East of Scotland to support its tenants and the wider communities it serves. Royal Bank of Scotland’s funding package is made up of £25million of new funding along with a £71million
refinancing restructure, providing Grampian Housing Association with the necessary flexibility to continue supporting its communities and tenants. The new facility includes an option for discounting based around ESG criteria and Grampian’s new ESG Strategy The announcement confirms the Bank’s commitment to the development of affordable homes, having previously committed £3billion to support the advancement of the UK’s housing sector. Malcolm McNeil, Depute CEO of Grampian Housing Association, said: “The lack of affordable housing to meet demand across the North East combined with the current cost of living crisis is placing significant pressures on households. This funding will allow us to invest in meeting that need as well as support investment in existing stock, ensuring they all meet the energy efficiency requirements laid out by the Scottish Government."
“Our mission is to create and develop sustainable communities and it’s only through funding such as this that we’re able to make that a reality.” David Horne, Relationship Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “It has been great to work with our long-standing customer Grampian Housing Association to help put in place a funding structure that will help deliver much needed affordable housing and continue to provide sustainable communities in the North East of Scotland. “The housing sector has the opportunity to provide a key contribution towards meeting Scotland’s net zero targets and we’re delighted to support Grampian Housing Association in its ambitions to deliver affordable green homes. “This investment further underlines Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to tackle the UK’s housing sector while also improving sustainability within the industry.”
ACVO News 42 November 2022
FUNDING
Funding opportunities closing this month! Youth Activity Grants Up to £1,500 available Children & Young People Applications close: 08/11/2022
The aim of the Youth Activities Small Grants funding is to support children and young people by enabling them to apply for a small amount of funding to help them develop and to take part in activities that might not otherwise be available for them.
Apply now
Women’s Fund for Scotland Up to £5,000 available Equalities Applications close: 29/11/2022 Women’s Fund for Scotland (WFS) has £125,000 in total available to distribute in grants to projects across Scotland that support women’s development, self-sufficiency and social and economic equality. To this end, the grant programme will offer unrestricted grants to sustain existing work with women and girls or to support new work in line with the WFS investment themes and priorities.
Apply now
discover more sources of funding like these at
acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding
ACVO News 43 November 2022
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
Health & Social Care Updates
New Carers Strategy for Aberdeen is now out for public consultation Integration Joint Board members have approved plans to give the public the chance to have their say on the draft document in a consultation period lasting until 31 December 2022.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES
T
he views of carers and other stakeholders will be fully taken on board. The strategy and action plan
will then be updated to take account of opinions and suggestions expressed and the final draft will then go back before the IJB at the end of January for approval. The new three-year strategy maps out how Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership will support unpaid carers in their vital roles in helping family and friends. Full information on the draft strategy and the consultation document is available here. Special on-line and inperson consultation events across the city are also listed.
ACVO News 44 November 2022
The four strategic priorities: Identifying as a carer and the first steps to support Accessing advice and support Supporting future planning, decision-making and wider carer involvement Community support and services for carers The public consultation on the new strategy aims to reach out to as many of those carers as possible so that their needs can be taken into account in the final document.
The draft strategy states: "The unpaid The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 places caring role is often a journey, with a duty on local authorities and health support only being sought when a boards to prepare and publish a local crisis point is reached. Whilst we are Carers Strategy covering adults and mindful that each caring role is young carers aged under 18. individual, we are committed to increasing awareness of the support The existing strategy, 'A Life available to unpaid carers and Alongside Caring', will be replaced encouraging more of them to come early next year by the new version. forward." An 'unpaid carer' is defined as The Scottish Health and Care someone who helps to support Experience Survey indicated a drop in another individual or individuals in satisfaction of carers who feel their daily lives. The term excludes supported to continue in their caring paid carers and volunteers working with organisations, foster carers, and role in Aberdeen, from 34% in 2019/20 to 32% in 2021/22. While parents of dependent children apart higher than the national average of from those with additional care and 30% in 2021/22, this shows that twosupport needs. thirds of carers in the city do not feel It is estimated that there are supported in their role. potentially up to 24,500 people in The draft strategy aims to be Aberdeen providing thousands of informative and forward thinking. It hours of unpaid care to loved-ones provides an overview of some of the each week. They play a crucial role support available and the areas where within the health and social care there is a need for further system and the IJB made a improvement. commitment in its Strategic Plan, published earlier this year, to deliver The draft strategy also includes an better support to unpaid carers. action plan, which will be updated
through the three-year life of the document. There will also be a special focus, during the consultation period and beyond, on carers from minority ethnic communities, young carers' particular needs, carers who do not engage with services at the moment, people who do not currently recognise themselves as carers, emergency care needs when carers cannot fulfil their roles, the mental health support often needed by carers, and the requirements of carers with disabilities. The annual budget for unpaid carers in Aberdeen is currently £2.537million. IJB chair Luan Grugeon said: "The public consultation period will allow people to give us their views. We will listen closely to all the feedback and update the document in line with what people tell us. "This will be a live document, with positive action and improvement at its heart. We will act decisively and monitor our progress closely, with clear goals to be achieved in year one and beyond. Carers and those they care for are among the most vulnerable people in the city and they deserve the best support and advice that we can possibly provide."
ACVO News 45 November 2022
VACANCIES
Vacancies Customer Experience Assistant (Community) ABERDEEN SCIENCE CENTRE £20,000 p.a.
Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Aberdeen
Closing date: 04/11/2022
We are looking for a dynamic Customer Experience Assistant to join our community team and multidisciplinary team of Science enthusiasts. You will be an ambassador for Aberdeen Science Centre, an excellent communicator and an effective team player who has the ability to multi-task and be flexible when working with a variety of community groups. As a valued member of our team, you will be responsible for developing and delivering high quality STEM learning experiences to ASC’s diverse audiences. In line with our core mission, you will help us create meaningful, fun and inclusive engagements that “inspire a lifelong interest in Science”. Delivery of ASC activities in the North of Scotland will form a key part of this role, so a full, valid driver’s license and access to a car are essential. Your main tasks will include maintaining current relationships with our community and partner organisations and proactively seek development opportunities; develop, deliver and facilitate ASC’s STEM programme to a variety of audiences including school groups, public, community groups, teachers and clubs through both in-reach and outreach activities and also effectively administer booking enquiries and other related administrative tasks. To apply for this position please send a CV and Covering Letter outlining your suitability relative to the Job Description & Person Specification to: recruitment@asc.scot or to: Recruitment, Aberdeen Science Centre, 179, Constitution Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5TU.
acvo.org.uk/vacancies/asc-customer-experience-assistant-community/
ACVO News 46 November 2022
VACANCIES
HR Manager SCARF
£36,000 pro rata
Part Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 14-21 hours
Aberdeen
Closing date: 07/11/2022
Scarf is a charity and social enterprise working throughout the North East of Scotland to help householders, communities, and businesses reduce their fuel bills and carbon emissions. Visit scarf.org.uk/vacancies for the full job advert, job descriptions, and to apply via our online form. Please note we will only accept applications submitted through our website. Part time post of 14-21 per week depending of the demands of the role. £36,000 p/a pro rata. We’re looking for an HR Manager to lead the development of and adherence to best practice HR management processes throughout the Scarf. This role can be based in our Aberdeen or Dundee office. You’ll be responsible for providing HR advice, support and guidance; managing and overseeing Administration staff and processes; preparing reports for the board on HR management issues, identifying means of improvement; and acting as a source of specialist advice to the Co-CEOs and Leadership Team on HR management issues.
acvo.org.uk/vacancies/scarf-hr-manager/
ACVO News 47 November 2022
VACANCIES
Energy Advisor SCARF £19,900 p/a
Contract Type: Permanent
Full Time
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
Closing date: 17/11/2022
Scarf is a charity and social enterprise – founded in 1985 – that supports householders, communities and businesses in North East Scotland, helping them to reduce their fuel bills and carbon emissions. We’re looking for Customer Service Advisors to deliver energy efficiency and energy bills advice to householders. Visit scarf.org.uk/vacancies for the full job advert, job descriptions, and to apply via our online form. Please note we will only accept applications submitted through our website. Our Energy Advisors provide in-depth advice to householders on energy efficiency and energy bills. The support is offered mainly through home visits, but also over the phone and occasionally via events. This advice service is available in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee City, and Perth & Kinross local authority areas. Benefits: Additional leave; Casual dress; Company events; Company pension; Cycle to work scheme; Flexitime; On-site parking; Sick pay; Wellness programme; Work from home Schedule: Monday to Friday Weekend availability
acvo.org.uk/vacancies/energy-advisor/
ACVO News 48 November 2022
VACANCIES
Additional Support Needs (ASN) Worker CAMPHILL SCHOOL Contact for pay details Contract Type: Permanent
Full and Part Time hours available Aberdeen
Closing date: 30/11/2022
At Camphill School Aberdeen, we currently have exciting opportunities for enthusiastic Additional Support Needs workers to join us in our residential houses, as we grow and adapt to the increasing need for the care, education and support we provide. Whilst retaining many of the traditional Camphill values and ethos, we are vibrant and forward thinking with opportunities for development and career progression. Do you have: Relevant experience of working with children and young adults with additional support needs The ability to work as part of a team Good communication skills A relevant qualification, or the willingness to achieve one A clear PVG/Criminal Record Check SSSC Registration (or other recognised professional body), or the commitment to achieve this This post will involve shift work. Please state on your application if you are applying for full or part time. If you would like more information about the role, please see the job description or click here to visit the recruitment page.
acvo.org.uk/vacancies/camphill-school-asn-worker/
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