ACVO News October 2023

ACVO NEWS THE LATEST FROM ABERDEEN'S THIRD SECTOR

acvo.org.uk

ACVO News

CONTENTS

4 - Vote for projects you think should receive funding from the Just Transition PB Fund!

October 2023

14 - Home-Start Aberdeen Chief Executive bids farewell after five years in post

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26 - Interview with ACE Voices Founder and Director, Alec Thompson-Miller

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KEEPING THE PROMISE: SPORT ABERDEEN’S SPACE PROJECT Interview with Kim McRobbie and Katrina Carr

4 ACVO Updates 10 News from you and other networks 34 Volunteering The latest from Mike Melvin and Volunteer Aberdeen 36 Health and Social Care Updates

ACVO Opportunities Community Spaces - 38 Funding - 39 Volunteering - 40 Events - 44 Vacancies - 47

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Scottish Charity No: SC036845

ACVO News

October 2023

4

Just Transition PB Fund:

Public vote now open in Aberdeen!

Have your say over which local green projects are funded in your community!

jtpbfund.scot/vote 53rd Aberdeen Scout Group Scout hall roof replacement and energy efficiency Funding applied for: £36,500

Energy efficient buildings

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre SCIO District heating building upgrades Funding applied for: £47,853.60

Energy efficient buildings

Aberdeen Street Pastors Safe Space EV Funding applied for: £50,0000

Greener transport

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ACVO News October 2023

AberNecessities AberDrive: Empowering Families Forward Funding applied for: £37,669

Greener transport

Absafe Green Transportation for Safety Projects Funding applied for: £44,948.80

Greener transport

Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC) Electric minibus to support with volunteering opportunities for New Scots Funding applied for: £37,395

Greener Transport

Black Cat (Aberdeen) CIC Krakatoa Accommodation for Grassroots Touring Artists Funding applied for: £49,120

Energy efficient buildings

Bonnymuir Green Community Trust Community greenspace roof repairs Funding applied for: £35,000

Energy efficient buildings

The Breadmaker (Aberdeen Day Project charity) Zero Emissions Deliveries Funding applied for: £48,601.60

Greener Transport

Cornhill Community Association Environmentally Friendly Outdoor Community Fitness Park: Nature Gym Funding applied for: £15,849.91

Energy efficient buildings

ACVO News

October 2023

Denburn Court Tenants and Residents Association Denburn Garden Group Funding applied for: £1500

Community growing

Fountain of Love Church Project Eco Vito Funding applied for: £50,000

Greener Transport

Friends of St Fittick's Park Learning Together at St Fittick's Park Funding applied for: £19,550

Community greenspace

Kingswells Public Hall Management Committee Decarbonising Energy use at Kingswells Village Hall Funding applied for: £17,500

Energy efficient buildings

Middlefield Community Hub Be a Bestie (Bike, eat, sew or garden to improve the environment) Funding applied for: £18,481.91

Community facilities

Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) Pregnancy Loss Garden Funding applied for: £30,380

Community greenspace

Murtle Market zero-waste organic farm shop and refillery brought to you by young people with additional support needs Funding applied for: £49512.87

Greener transport

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ACVO News October 2023

Peterculter Community Council The Culter Cargo Bike Hub Funding applied for: £14,126

Greener Transport

Powis Community Centre Association Join the Powis team; help keep our air clean!

Funding applied for: £36,477.60

Greener transport

St George's Community Centre SCIO Cooking Classes & Warm Spaces in Tillydrone Community spaces & education

Funding applied for: £2678.33

St Machar Academy Parent Council St Machar Community Garden and Allotment Funding applied for: £15,139

Community greenspace

TechFest TechFests EnergyXplorer Toolkit Funding applied for: £11,367.56

TLC GreenVan for a Greener Food Bank Funding applied for: £41,191.77

Greener Transport

Anyone who lives, works or access services in Aberdeen can vote - all you need to do is choose your top five projects and include your valid local postcode (from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray) to have your say!

Vote before 1700hrs, October 13th at jtpbfund.scot

Education & young people

ACVO UPDATES

ACVO News

October October2023 2023

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Year 3 of the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund open for applications in Aberdeen Aberdeen based community groups and organisations are invited to apply for up to £15,000 to support the delivery of activities and projects that improve mental health and wellbeing in communities across our city.

ACVO TSI, Aberdeen’s Third Sector Interface, is thrilled to announce that Friday September 15th saw the launch of the third consecutive year of the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund in the Granite City.

The Fund is dedicated to supporting grassroots projects in the local area, with the initiative having already transformed the lives of individuals within our communities by distributing over £1.2 million to 160 city-based projects during its first two years.

In April 2023, the Scottish Government reaffirmed its commitment to mental health and wellbeing by allocating an additional £15 million across Scotland to the fund. This significant investment aligns with the ScotGov Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published in June 2023, emphasising the importance of supporting impactful community-based initiatives.

A total of £1,341,000 from the Fund has already been distributed by ACVO TSI during 2021 and 2022 to support 168 projects and activities across Aberdeen City. ACVO is once again delighted to manage the distribution of the £567,000 made available to city groups this year, with the fund officially open for applications as of Friday, September 15th.

Previous recipients of the fund include Greyhope Bay for their ‘Clean Beach, Happy People’ project which invited local residents to help care for the coasts around Aberdeen; Street Soccer Scotland’s ‘Football for Mental Health’ initiative; and The Allotment Market Stall’s ‘Growing Healthy Project’ which saw the creation of a vegetable plot run by volunteers on disused land at Grove Nursery in Hazlehead.

Claire Shaw, Funding Officer at ACVO said “ACVO is delighted to be managing the distribution of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government for a third year. The Fund has supported so many innovative projects over the last two years that have improved the mental health and wellbeing of communities across the City. We would encourage organisations who may have an eligible project not to delay in applying and to please get in touch if they need help with the application process.”

This third year of the Fund offers two levels of grants; Level 1, available to both constituted and unconstituted have seen the maximum available to apply for increased to £3,000, while Level 2, for constituted organisations only, now range from £3,001 to £15,000.

The team at ACVO look forward to receiving applications once again for innovative and impactful local projects and to see the positive difference the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund continues to make to the lives of those living with our city’s communities.

Find out more and apply at

acvo.org.uk/cmhwfund

Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund

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ACVO News October 2023

ACVO UPDATES

Latest update from The Promise Scotland from Gette Cobban, Senior Development Officer - ACVO TSI

Who Cares Scotland I hope you are finding The Promise information interesting and useful.

This month I have a few items I want to highlight for you...

If you are not already aware of Who Cares Scotland, please take a few minutes to have a look at their website at whocaresscotland.org.

Who Cares Scotland, set up in 1978 as a small voluntary organisation has grown and is proud to welcome a community of care experienced people of all ages, starting from the age of 3 upwards. In my opinion Who Cares Scotland really offers a strong sense of community and shares important information.

I attended Corporate Parent training delivered by Who Cares Scotland on 19th September along with a number of others working with children, young people and families in Aberdeen. This is I believe new training for us in Aberdeen and definitely more will

Kinship Care I had a lovely meeting with Nicola Clark who is the social work team lead for Kinship Care at Aberdeen City Council. There is a great deal of support being offered and also information available on their Kinship Care Facebook page. This holds information for those who are in both a formal or informal kinship care arrangement.

Also, Nicola and I were talking about third sector supports being offered for kinship carers. Nicola is always keen to hear more about what is available.

follow so keep a look out for future multi-agency opportunities. Emma the trainer was so enthusiastic and warm in her approach.

Throughout the session she kept asking us to think about the care and support we provide and as a check to keep asking ourselves what would be want for our own children. She reminds us that “care experience lasts a lifetime” and that the care we provide has such a significant impact.

It’s important for us to consider who has a corporate parenting role for our children and young people and the significant opportunity we have to make a difference.

If you would like to read more about Aberdeen’s role as a corporate parent please click on the following link Corporate Parenting | Aberdeen City Council For information on other training opportunities and events taking place visit the Who Cares Scotland website

Could I ask anyone reading this who offers any type of support to kinship carers either in a formal or informal arrangement to let me know so that Nicola and I can gather together as much information as possible.

Nicola’s team have organised an event being held at The Beach Ballroom on Thursday 2nd November aimed at kinship carers, children & young people and those organisations providing support. There are at least 20 stalls providing information and I will bring you more information as soon as possible. Meantime, if you would like to attend please rsvp to kinship@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Find updates and resources from The Promise in Aberdeen now on the ACVO website!

acvo .org. uk/

thep rom ise

Sport Aberdeen SPACE project My thanks to Katrina and Kim from Sport Aberdeen who invited me to their office when I first started in post. They shared a great deal of great information about the work Sport Aberdeen are doing around the city. Starting this month with the support of Emily & Andrew in our ACVO comms team, we will be bringing you monthly showcase articles highlighting how Aberdeen is working to #keepthepromise.

This month we will be showcasing Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE project. Over the next few months, we will be sharing a variety of articles. If you would like to share your organisation’s work around The Promise please get in touch as we’d love to share this with our readers.

INFORMATION EVENT FOR ALL ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL KINSHIP FAMILIES 2nd November 2023, Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, 2pm – 6pm We will have over 20 organisations which provide support to kinship families across the city and beyond– come and meet them and us. Children and young people welcome as well. (more information to follow on stall holders)

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ACVO News 10 October 2023

News from you and other networks

L-R: Annie Howis (Social Investment Scotland), Jamie (Camphill School Aberdeen student), Màiri McAllan MSP (Cabinet Secretary), Alex Busch (Executive Director, Camphill School Aberdeen), Nico Nino-Ramirez (Sustainable Development & Social Enterprise Lead, Camphill School Aberdeen).

Aberdeen charity welcomes Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero following major milestone celebrations North east charity, Camphill School Aberdeen, has marked a major step forward in the first phase of its campaign to open its doors to even more children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional needs.

News 11 ACVO October 2023

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he organisation celebrated breaking ground on a modern residential home and announce a £250,000

funding boost towards the sustainable social enterprise charity called Murtle Market, which has also broken ground, during a ceremony on Thursday 14 September 2023.

The organisation, which is based across three campuses in the west of Aberdeen, has been providing day and residential support to children and young people with complex additional support needs and learning disabilities in the region for more than 80 years. It currently supports over 100 students and is aiming to raise £10 million over 10 years to expand its capacity by 60%.

Phase one of the Building Futures, Transforming Lives capital appeal will see the construction of a state-of-the-art sustainable 11-bedroom residential home on the charity’s Murtle Estate, near Bieldside, along with a zero waste social enterprise called Murtle Market, which is also situated on the Murtle Estate. It will sell organic produce, provide a refillery service, showcase the arts and crafts made by the students, as well as providing vital skills development and work experience for the young people.

The start of construction coincides with

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Màiri McAllan visits Camphill School Aberdeen's organic produce and refillery store which will form part of Murtle Market.

Alex Busch, Executive Director at Camphill School Aberdeen, said: “Many of the children and young people who come to us have struggled to thrive in mainstream education or have faced having to move to residential care hundreds of miles away from their families. In addition, we have seen a huge increase in demand for our services in recent years, so we urgently need to increase our capacity both for day and residential pupils.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our campaign so far.

However, this is only the beginning – we still have some way to go before we reach our phase one target on our way to raising the full £10 million in 10 years.”

the announcement of a significant cash injection of £250,000 to Murtle Market from Social Investment Scotland (SIS), as part of the Scottish Government’s Just

On Friday 15 September, the charity welcomed Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Màiri McAllan MSP, for a

Transition Fund to accelerate the construction of Murtle Market.

wrote a wish for the future of Murtle Market, the social enterprise which will

tour of their Murtle Estate, where she

then be buried in a time capsule at the site.

Ms McAllan said: “I am delighted to visit Murtle Market to see firsthand how this social enterprise is enabling Camphill’s young people to help shape to our journey to net zero. Supported by the Scottish Government through the Social Enterprise Just Transition Fund, I’m excited to see the positive impacts and benefits this project will bring to the community and the young people involved.”

Construction of the 11-bedroom residential house is being delivered by contractor Ogilvie with Burns delivering Murtle Market. Construction of the house is expected to be completed by Autumn 2024 with Murtle Market due to open to the public Spring/Summer 2024.

To learn more about Camphill Schools Aberdeen’s capital appeal, visit www.camphillschools.org.uk.

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ACVO News

October 2023

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Finalists announced for 2023 Celebrate Aberdeen Awards

Some of the winners from the 2022 Celebrate Aberdeen Awards.

The finalists have been announced for this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, an event which recognises and celebrates the huge contribution that the third sector makes to thousands of lives across Aberdeen City and Shire.

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his year’s event, which returns for its fourth year, comprises eight award categories, the winners of which will be announced at The Chester Hotel on Saturday, October 28th. It follows the annual Celebrate Aberdeen parade which took place on Union Street at the end August.

Thanks to the generosity and financial support of sponsors, all award category finalists and their guests, will attend the evening event for free.

Commenting on both the number and calibre of award entries

received, Celebrate Aberdeen board member Susan Crighton said: “This is our fourth awards event, we have been humbled yet again by the fact we received so many applications from such a diverse range of charities and individuals, all of whom are doing amazing things.

“Celebrate Aberdeen was created to give recognition to the many wonderful people who work in, volunteer for, and support our third sector. We cannot wait to share their successes on our awards night.”

The finalists are:

Large Organisation of the Year CFINE Sport Aberdeen The Archie Foundation Small Organisation of the Year AberNecessities Fersands and Fountain SensationALL Fundraiser of the Year Cassie McGunnigle, The Archie Foundation Rachel Macrae, Charlie House Shelly Adams, NSPCC – Childline

News 13 ACVO October 2023

Volunteer of the Year Dave Thompson, Denis Law Legacy Trust Garry Sturrock, Befriend A Child Marion Douglas, Aberdeen FC Community Trust Team of the Year AberNecessities Archway Mannofield Explorer Scouts

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Campaign or Event of the Year Archie’s Advent Calendar, The Archie Foundation Murtle Market, Camphill School Aberdeen Challenge Poverty Week, SHMU Heart of the Community Anne Bone David Forbes Jo Nicholas

Young Supporter of the Year Brodie Smart, Sunrise Partnership Izzy Noble, The Archie Foundation Shannon Dalgarno, Aberdeen FC Community Trust

More information about Celebrate Aberdeen can be found at www.celebrate-aberdeen.org.

Sportschallenge scores over £100,000 for North-east charities

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portschallenge, the

Nick Dalgarno, Sportschallenge

“We plan on using the generous

North-east’s premier

trustee and managing director of

funding from the Sportschallenge

sports-themed

Piper Sandler, said: “This year’s total

event to convert part of our premises

corporate fundraising dinner, has

has surpassed all expectations and

into a new working area. Fitted out

raised over £100,000 for five local

we’re thrilled that more charities will

with new flooring, lighting, heating

charities.

now benefit as a result.

and toilet facilities, the space will

Funds raised during the popular event

“The funds raised will help these local

allow us to run a larger number of

will be split between three worthy

charities continue to provide essential

North-east causes as well as its long-

services to the people of Aberdeen

term beneficiaries, Maggie’s

and the North-east.”

on-one time with our apprentices.”

Aberdeen and Children’s Aid

Donald Anderson, CEO at The Bread

Earlier this year, Sportschallenge

(Scotland).

Maker, said: “Fundraising events and

The event brought together 70 teams

support from the local community

of ten from businesses across

play vital roles in allowing us to

Scotland to battle it out in a Question

continue supporting people with

of Sport-style quiz for the coveted

learning difficulties to feel

Sportschallenge trophy. The night

empowered with employment

was hosted by former footballers and

training at our bakery.

sports personalities Alan McInally and Charlie Nicholas.

Funds raised will also be going to Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND), The Bread Maker and Inchgarth Community Centre.

The amount raised is an increase of at least £30,000 on the total from last year’s event.

learning and development workshops and to ensure we can have more one-

agreed to a three-year deal with Aberdeen’s P&J Live that will see the event held at the venue until at least 2025. Plans are currently underway for the tenth edition of Sportschallenge next year, which is set to be the biggest event yet.

ACVO News

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Plaudits given as chief of family charity retires Home-Start Aberdeen bids farewell to its Chief Executive, Eleanor McEwan after five years in the post.

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he board of leading local family charity, Home-Start

private and third sectors, which was attractive to us as we wanted to build on our existing networks

Aberdeen, bids farewell to its Chief Executive,

across the city.”

Eleanor McEwan, this month as she

have been wide-ranging, as Anne

retires from the role after five

continues: “Eleanor was tasked

years in the post. With a

with raising our profile in the city,

background in social housing and

promoting who we are and how we

community development spanning

make a difference for local families.

more than three decades, Eleanor

She developed evaluation and

took the helm at Home-Start

monitoring frameworks, and

Aberdeen in 2018 and successfully

introduced us to impact reporting

steered the charity through the

and the power of PR and digital

Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing

marketing to get us noticed in the

economic crisis.

city. This produced measurable

Her strong track record in

results - our social media following

delivering community-led projects and supporting the growth of empowered communities were key

Her many achievements in the post

has increased steadily and our

Eleanor McEwan.

refreshed website allows us to share more of our stories with

to her appointment, as Chair of the

more people than ever before.

charity’s board, Anne MacDonald,

Through Eleanor, we've engaged

recalls: “Eleanor has experience in

with many new partners and in

developing robust and effective

particular, our perinatal mental

partnerships across the public,

health project has led to exciting

new relationships with NHS Grampian.”

Leading a team of 13 and working with the board and partners, Eleanor oversaw the implementation of a new management information system and led the migration of the

"...years of commitment to the volunteers, the team, the Board and most importantly, the children and families supported by Home-Start Aberdeen," - Anne MacDonald, Home-Start Aberdeen Board Chair

charity’s IT systems to the Cloud.

“This allowed us to work remotely throughout Covid-19, and crucially to deliver our support to families online and eventually outdoors.

Without this, our services would have stopped entirely during the lockdown periods,” explains Anne.

News 15 ACVO October 2023

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"Above all, she loved being able to help vulnerable families, to see them build strength, capacity and confidence, to make a difference for children."

- Anne MacDonald, Home-Start Aberdeen Board Chair An easy-going nature and a

well-deserved retirement,” says

commitment to doing a good job

Anne Donaldson, while Rob

helped Eleanor excel in the role,

Burnett adds: “ Eleanor has done a

according to Anne: “Eleanor is easy

fantastic job leading the charity in a

to get on with and will do whatever

very challenging time and leaves us

it takes to get a job done. Like me,

in a strong place, better equipped

she likes a good rant but

than ever to help Aberdeen

professionally she’s unflappable.

families.”

She was keen that her team

The entire team at Home-Start

develop themselves professionally, and trusted them to thrive without constant supervision and direction.

Eleanor was an effective and trusted chief executive - the hub that allowed the spokes to move freely. Above all, she loved being able to help vulnerable families, to see them build strength, capacity and confidence, to make a difference for children.”

Anne is confident Eleanor’s retirement won’t be a quiet one: “I know she’ll enjoy this time to the full. I’ve no doubt she and her husband will be setting out on many new adventures together and some trips are already in the diary!”

Fellow board members add their tributes to their well-liked Chief Executive: “After years of commitment to the volunteers, the team, the Board and most importantly, the children and families supported by Home-Start Aberdeen, Eleanor has earned a

Aberdeen expresses its profound gratitude to Eleanor for her five years of devoted service and wishes her all the best for a wellearned retirement.

For over 30 years Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting vulnerable families across the city to prevent family crisis and breakdown. These families have at least one child under the age of five and are typically affected by social isolation, bereavement, relationship problems, illness, disability and financial hardship.

Home Start Aberdeen positively welcomes and seeks to ensure we achieve diversity. We encourage interest from all regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.

For more information on HomeStart Aberdeen visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

ACVO News 16 October 2023

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Asthma and Allergy Foundation unveils new city centre office in Aberdeen The Asthma and Allergy Foundation is thrilled to announce the successful opening of its state-of-the-art City Centre office at Admiral Court, Poynernook Road, Aberdeen.

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his momentous occasion represents a significant milestone in the charity's

unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support to individuals living with asthma and allergies.

Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, the newly established office signifies a remarkable stride forward in the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for those affected by asthma and allergies. By establishing a central presence, the foundation has taken a bold step towards extending its reach and ensuring that vital resources and support

are easily accessible to those in need, regardless of their background.

Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, Chief Executive of Asthma and Allergy Foundation, says: "I’m so delighted and very excited that we have been able to open this brilliant facility at the heart of the city so that we can reach more people to support them with their asthma and related health conditions."

Dr. Abdulrauf Waziri, Health Promotion Manager at the foundation, says: "We are thrilled to introduce our new City Centre office, as it signifies a significant advancement in our ongoing commitment to improving the

well-being of individuals grappling with asthma and allergies. This strategic move enables us to better serve the community by providing education, support, and resources to empower people in managing their conditions effectively."

To commemorate the grand opening of the City Centre office, a heartwarming ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, followed by guided tours of the facility, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with the foundation's staff and volunteers.

The event garnered significant public interest, allowing individuals to gain deeper insights into the foundation.

News 17 ACVO October 2023

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Archie abseilers raise more than £41,000 for local sick children Daredevil fundraisers have raised more than £41,000 to support local sick children and their families after taking part in a thrilling abseil down one of Aberdeen’s tallest structures.

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total of 96 supporters took part in the abseil down the King’s Church Tower in

Bridge of Don, including Spiderman, Super Girl and 007 himself, James Bond.

They bravely stepped over the edge to abseil 128ft to the safety of the ground.

The proceeds from the money raised from entrance fees and donations will go directly to Archie to support sick children and their families at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

Cassie McGunnigle, fundraising manager at The Archie Foundation, said: “Our abseil was a huge success, with 96 of our incredible supporters raising more than £41,000 to help us provide tangible support for babies, children and their families.

“It was fantastic to see a mix of participants on the day. Some of those who took part had personal motivation for doing so, while others simply took part to support our cause.”

The Archie Foundation exists to transform experiences and

outcomes in healthcare and bereavement for babies, children and families across North Scotland, including Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverness and Dundee.

The charity’s vision is that all children in the region will have equal access to world-class healthcare and bereavement support, delivered in a childappropriate environment and manner.

Visit www.archie.org/getsupport for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.

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Bon Accord Heritage - Third Sector Survey

Absafe – The Board G charity launch crowd

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ocal charity, Absafe, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo

for their latest life-saving project; Absafe – The Board Game!

Bon Accord Heritage is continuing to progress steadily towards reopening Bon Accord Baths on Justice Mill Lane as a community-led facility, restoring the building and giving people the opportunity to once again swim in the Uptown Baths.

Based on the results of a recent feasibility study they are now working on their business plan and are keen to engage with the third sector to ensure that they are meeting the needs of all sections of the community.

To help with this process, Bon Accord Heritage would very much like your help and would be grateful if you could spend ten minutes completing their short survey.

The results will be used to shape activities within the building to best meet community needs.

If you have any questions about the survey or want to discuss how your organisation might get involved, please contact anne@indigops.com.

View the survey and have your say at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BABTS2023

ACVO News 18 October 2023

The campaign went live on 22nd of August 2023 and will remain open for 60 days, until the 22nd October 2023. Absafe are aiming to raise £4750 to fund the production of the first batch of their game and are reaching out to the business community in Aberdeen to ask for their support on this project

Absafe, use a variety of engaging and fun methods to educate and empower young people to keep themselves safe. They teach all things health and safety, from road and water safety, to cyber security and mental wellbeing, with the aim of preventing accidents, reducing crime and promoting mental health within their community. This is normally done from the Absafe Community Hub but in order to reach a wider audience and make a bigger impact, the Absafe team are designing and producing a series of board games; the first of this series is the Water Edition!

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Game: North East dfunder campaign “Absafe – Water Edition” involves a day at the beach; players must navigate their way to the end of the beach day, the first player to the end wins – simple right? Not quite! They must complete a series of tasks, avoid hazards, make good decisions, spot objects, and answer trivia questions to make it through the day – but they should watch out, “red zone” behaviour might leave them back where they started.

for more accidental fatalities annually than fire deaths in the home, or cycling deaths on the road. It is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14, and globally claims the lives of 372,000 people each year.

Absafe want to educate children from as young as possible about the risks of water, so they grow up with an appreciation of the dangers and a respect for water.

And they need your help!

Absafe have decided to focus on water safety for their first edition as drowning in the UK accounts

Visit the Indiegogo campaign page at igg.me/at/absafeW-E/x#/ to support the project!

Aberdeen family raises more than £13,000 for Charlie House with 10x10k running challenge A local family supported by Charlie House has helped raise £13,055 for the charity, having completed 10 challenging 10k runs across consecutive Saturdays throughout the summer months.

Originally setting a target of £2,500, Jill Cameron who works for Charlie House, planned the ambitious fundraiser in recognition of her son Harris turning 10 this year. Harris lives with a condition called Pfeiffer Syndrome, is registered blind and also has epilepsy and hydrocephalus.

Jill’s aim was to raise money for the Buy a Brick campaign, which Charlie House launched in 2022 to help raise £1m for its Big Build Appeal, an initiative to develop a dedicated support centre in Aberdeen for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

The original £2,500 target would allow Harris’ Running Heroes to purchase 10 virtual bricks at £250 each, but with the final total smashing the target by 522%, the team was able to buy 40 virtual bricks instead, which also helped Charlie House reach a major milestone of more than 500 brick purchases.

Find out more about the Buy a Brick campaign and make a contribution at bigbuild.charliehouse.org.uk/buy-a-brick

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ACVO News 20 October 2023

Your Neighbourhood, Your City, Your Plans: What matters to you?

Do you care about Aberdeen and your neighbourhood?

Community Planning Aberdeen want to hear from you!

Community Planning Aberdeen is your local partnership of public, private and third sector organisations and communities all working together to improve people’s lives across Aberdeen City.

With Locality Empowerment Groups and Priority Neighbourhood Partnerships they are refreshing the City’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan and the Locality Plans for North, South and Central.

They would like all residents of Aberdeen to help shape plans and participate in a short exercise to discover what things that are good now and improvements you think should be prioritised to work on together to make our city and our neighbourhoods better in the future. The engagement is open to any resident of Aberdeen City.

You can participate by completing the online tool open from Friday 6 October until Sunday 5 November 2023. Scan the QR code below or follow this link - bit.ly/whatmatterstoyouAberdeen Community Planning are also hosting in person events around the city - see the listings on the right to find out when and where Sharing your views about what is good now, and what could be better, can help Community Planning Aberdeen make good decisions to target resources where they are needed most.

Scan the QR code or follow the link above to take part in the survey from Friday October 6th

News 21 ACVO October 2023

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AberNecessities Raises Over £56,000 at 'Catch a Falling Star' Birthday Ball to Support Local Children

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berNecessities is proud to announce that it raised over £56,000 at its 'Catch a Falling Star'

Birthday Ball, generously sponsored by Stork, a fluor company. The spectacular event took place on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at Union Kirk, and it was attended by more than 200 guests, including corporate supporters, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and members of the Aberdeen community.

The evening kicked off on a magical note with a captivating performance by the immensely talented Rock Choir, which instantly set the stage for an unforgettable night. The event, hosted by the renowned Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay, not only

brought people together but also achieved an incredible feat— raising crucial funds for AberNecessities through the kindness of donors.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the wide array of auction and raffle prizes that showcased the incredible generosity of our attendees. Their willingness to contribute, whether through donations or participation, was nothing short of heartwarming. These invaluable contributions will go a long way in providing essential support to local families and children who are currently grappling with the harsh realities of extreme financial hardship.

Currently, 1 in 5 local children in Aberdeen is living in poverty, and

AberNecessities is dedicated to alleviating the financial pressure on these families, ensuring that children have access to the necessities they need to thrive.

The theme of the night, 'Catch a Falling Star,' was inspired by the knowledge that 33% of children living in poverty fall behind in their education. The event aimed to ignite hope and aspirations, reminding us all that children's dreams know no bounds.

AberNecessities extends its heartfelt thanks to Stork and all the attendees and supporters who made this event a resounding success. The funds raised will have a profound impact on the lives of local children and families in need.

ACVO News 22 October 2023

L-R: Kim McRobbie and Katrina Carr.

Keeping The Promise: Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE Project

S

port Aberdeen’s SPACE project supports care experienced children and young

people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and enhance key life skills through the power of sport and physical activity.

Established in 2020, the project strives to follow The Promise, Scotland’s guarantee to ensure all care experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected.

Kim McRobbie, Active Schools & Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, and Katrina Carr, Active Schools Coordinator, shine a light on the work of the SPACE project, how they support care

experienced young people through sport and physical activity, and how they adhere to The Promise as a framework for the project

“The SPACE project evolved from the Looked After project which began in 2016,” says Kim. “After gathering feedback from young people and taking The Promise into account, where the importance of terminology is so key, we changed the name of the Looked After project in 2020 to SPACE – Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced.

“SPACE has a real focus on care experienced young people and their wellbeing. The core value of SPACE is about a child-centred approach, providing bespoke, oneto-one support for each young person, allowing their voice to be heard throughout all areas of the project.”

“SPACE has a real focus on care experienced young people and their wellbeing. The core value of SPACE is about a child centred approach, providing bespoke, one-to-one support for each young person, allowing their voice to be heard throughout all areas of the project.”

Kim McRobbie, Active Schools & Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Sport Aberdeen

News 23 ACVO October 2023 Based on understanding that relative poverty adversely impacts on health and wellbeing, Sport Aberdeen provides free memberships to all care experienced children, young people and a member of their support network.

The membership provides access to a variety of activities including swimming, ice skating, golf, padel, tennis, tubing and more. Sport Aberdeen works collaboratively with Aberdeen City Council’s Virtual School, using the power of sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of children.

Katrina explains the Virtual School further: “It is essentially a tool that assists all schools in the local authority area to support care experienced children and young people.”

Through the bespoke support provided, the children and young people have the freedom to choose the sports or activities they participate in as part of their sessions through SPACE.

Becoming a positive role model and developing an effective relationship with our young people is key.

If they enjoy engaging in SPACE, this can give them just that little extra push to stay in school and continue their education, improving their attendance as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing Katrina Carr, Active Schools Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen

“The sessions are completely led by the young person we are supporting,” says Katrina.

“For secondary school pupils, these sessions are built into their school timetable and tailored to the timings which suit them best. For example, if they struggle to attend school after lunchtime, we provide our activity session with them at this time. This extends their school day by an extra 45-50 minutes, which is a huge accomplishment for the young person.”

In addition to the practicalities of the sessions, Katrina expresses how important it is to build relationships with young people.

“Becoming a positive role model and developing an effective relationship with our young people is key. If they enjoy engaging in SPACE, this can give them just that little extra push to stay in school and continue their education, improving their attendance as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

One of the key foundations of The Promise states that it is crucial to listen to the child or young person’s voice, allowing them to be involved when decisions are made regarding the project.

Kim explains that the project outcomes of SPACE are aligned with the needs of the young people, always putting them first and ensuring their voices are heard.

“Our project activators work with care experienced young people on a one-to-one basis, and the support provided is tailored to their individual needs.

“We lead by example, ensuring that even in meetings where the young person is not present, their voice is still heard.”

ACVO News 24 October 2023

The SPACE project team are vocal about the impact that their work has on young people. The project is award-winning and as helped to change the lives of many young people who have participated.

Katrina says: “With the sessions being fully led by the children and young people, it’s really great to see them have the freedom to decide what they would like to do.

“Compared with a set timetable at school, young people have the independence to choose their sport or physical activity, as well as when they would like to do it within their day.”

“In our team, we tend to see parts of the young person that perhaps school or social work don’t see,” Kim adds.

“With the sessions being fully led by the children and young people themselves, it’s really great to see them have the freedom to decide what they would like to do.”

“We are able to see the impact that the project has on a young person first-hand as a result of empowering them through having a voice.”

Katrina agrees, circling back to the relationship building with the young people: “We always take a child-centred approach which helps to develop trust with our young people.

“Some of our young people like horse-riding, whereas others like boxing or playing tennis or football. We also engage with our young people through community-based initiatives such as walks and talks and accessing local green spaces.

“SPACE is a life-changing project and it is always rewarding for us to recognise that our one-to-one support is making a real difference.”

News 25 ACVO October 2023

“It’s a privilege to be part of a nation-wide commitment for our care experienced children and young people.”

Katrina Carr, Active Schools Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen When asked about how useful The Promise is for the SPACE project, Katrina explains: “When we look at the foundations, and review these against the SPACE project, it’s really helpful to have The Promise as something to strive for.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a nation-wide commitment for our care experienced children and young people. With SPACE, we are always looking to introduce new ways to support our young people, so I’d say The Promise is really influential in our project’s work.”

Kim says: “As a result of The Promise, we are able to provide valuable support for our care experienced young people.

“We use the framework for self-evaluation of our work, and this is beneficial.

“Looking ahead to the future of SPACE, we will continue to give young people a voice to shape the project as it is always evolving

L-R: Kim McRobbie and Katrina Carr.

Earlier this year, we hosted family fun days at a couple of Sport Aberdeen venues, and we hope to organise these again.

“The days provided an opportunity for care experienced children and their families to come along for an afternoon of fun and food and enjoy different activities including basketball and football.

“Our passion and desire to give care experienced young people the opportunities they deserve will continue, and we look forward to helping to change more lives.”

For further information about Sport Aberdeen’s SPACE project, visit the website at sportaberdeen.co.uk/activeschools/projects-and-events/space.

To find out more about The Promise in Aberdeen, visit ACVO’s dedicated webpage at acvo.org.uk/thepromise

ACVO News 26 October 2023

News 27 ACVO October 2023

ACVO News 28 October 2023

What was the inspiration behind starting ACE Voices?

The idea first came about in 2010 when I took part in a clowning course run by Nose to Nose called ‘Courage to Be’. The course was all about embracing uncertainty and connecting with your inner clown and inner child, stepping out of your comfort zone.

It is something that really inspired me, and that I have always incorporated into my work; often as practitioners, if you don't regularly have experiences where you're pushing yourself to explore new ideas and experiences, then you can lose a sense of how scary it might be for other people taking part in activities within unfamiliar settings.

It was a week-long intensive course with 12 participants and 2 tutors. It was quite overwhelming at the beginning; we were constantly being asked to do things which were really quite nerve-racking like walking on stage in front of others and taking part in improvisations with no planning.

Undertaking the course gave me the confidence to enjoy those uncertain moments more, and also gave me the push to leave my job teaching singing and choirs in Aberdeen City schools – my career for the previous five years – in order to pursue a new direction: Going freelance with the aim of creating

something that brought people of all generations together in lots of different creative ways, and that also facilitated a stronger connection between people and the wider natural world.

Also, as part of that, I wanted to establish something that could help inspire others to have more confidence in themselves and want to do the same for other people within their local communities. So that’s where the idea of ACE Voices came from.

What kind of activities and work do ACE Voices do?

When we first started off, a lot of what we did was around singing and community choirs because that was where my main strength lay at the time. As things progressed, I wanted to weave in storytelling, outdoor learning experiences and intergenerational work.

Over the years we have continued to expand our reach, the experiences we offer and have continued to explore different ways of bringing, not just children together with each other, but also with groups of elderly people, and all ages in-between.

Leadership mentoring has also always been a big part of our work and something I consider very important.

Over the past 13 years, we have provided personally tailored mentoring opportunities, which have been undertaken by volunteers from ages 8 to 90!

News 29 ACVO October 2023

Increasingly, it's becoming about facilitating that experience with people who want to do some volunteering but don’t yet have the confidence to jump in, and we really see the benefits that can bring to both individual growth and the positive impact they can then have on the lives of others.

Why do you think connecting people with their communities, both in the sense of people and place, is such an important part of your work?

I think so many of us have lost touch with what we're a part of. If we think first about the idea of connection with the outdoors and the physical landscape, it’s quite sad in a way that we need to facilitate simple forms of outdoor play, but I appreciate there are many fears around being in outdoor spaces.

In terms of people connecting on a personal, human level with each other, often there's a perception that children are just going to want to be in front of a screen all the time. From my experience, I’ve found that it’s not necessarily always true. Instead, it is often the case that the online sphere is one of the places in which young people can create a meaningful connection with their peers, and if meaningful alternatives within communities were provided, where face-to-face interactions could take place, that these would also be used.

It seems to be the case that each generation is growing up with less space, less time and less permission to go off and be independent. Alongside that, we are also gradually creating generations of children who don't have those role models who encourage engagement with the natural environment.

There aren’t really many places where young people and teenagers can be without stigma – playgrounds are often designed with very young children in mind, and so much negativity is placed on teenagers hanging around in these areas. I think if a sense of community interest and ownership is fostered by giving more opportunities to people within this demographic, through providing more spaces for them to meet and to just be without judgement, and also through ensuring their voices are valued and genuinely heard, then we can start to plant the seed of real change for generations to come.

Having experiences like these are important for personal growth but also have wider impact; it’s becoming increasingly important to look at the effect our actions have on the world and the implications these have for our future. I feel, without nourishing that interest, it’s going to become increasingly difficult to engage with people and encourage understanding over how valuable our natural world is with subsequent generations.

We have seen this happen through simple approaches like Tesco’s collaboration with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Police Scotland, Aberdeen City Council Youth Work team and other partners to provide a public space in the Summerhill area of Aberdeen, with the needs of young people at the centre – places to sit, artwork, Wifi connection, activities and mentorship – which has had a huge impact and reduced antisocial behaviour by around 90% within the community.

ACVO News 30 October 2023

"Although there is a lot of negativity flying around there is lots of fantastic work around Aberdeen and the North East going on which is helping to celebrate the wonderful achievements of young people, and we are pleased to be part of that movement."

You mentioned that as well as working with groups of young people, you also undertake intergenerational work. Could you tell us a bit more about what this involves?

I think over the past few decades - not just as a result of COVID - but over a long period of time, for many different reasons, we aren't as in touch and connected with each other as we used to be. Although the digital sphere brings a certain degree of connection, I think it also causes separation and inequalities.

Firstly, many people, especially those within the older demographic, don't have access to digital opportunities so they can miss out in that way as we become increasingly reliant on technology to connect with one another.

I have often felt that in using digital technologies to replace face-to-face interactions, we start to see almost invisible elements of our social fabric disappear without us knowing until years down the line, we find ourselves in a situation where we start to wonder, “Why do I feel lonely? Why have I lost my sense of meaning?”

This idea was one of the driving inspirations behind the formation of our intergenerational projects. When I was teaching singing, in my previous job, I started exploring bringing older and younger children together, for example, a primary seven class and a primary one class, and it did feel like bringing two distinct, separate communities together.

Initially, they felt really awkward together, but through simple singing games, storytelling activities and team building challenges, you would start to see the gradual process of two communities becoming one.

From there, that element of our work grew and we started to expand on the idea that there was real value and opportunity in bringing distinct groups together to connect and learn from one another.

To give an example, March 2023 was the sixth birthday of one of our original intergenerational projects that started with Heathryburn Primary School in Northfield. Back in 2016, I developed an idea which would see the whole school given an experience of working with a group of elderly people with dementia. A lot of the inspiration behind the project came from my own journey and my experience as a child.

News 31 ACVO October 2023

My Grandfather had dementia, and I didn't really know how to communicate with him, but music became the key pathway for our connection – he would sit and listen as I played the piano, and I came to realise the effect that could have on someone with his condition. It also helped increase my understanding of how to be present with someone who has dementia.

Kingswood Day Centre of Bon Accord Care in Mastrick very kindly agreed to host the sessions, and I worked with children in P1-7, teaching lots of different games and sharing personal stories all with the aim of breaking down that stigma of communication with those with dementia, and every class enjoyed working with their new Kingswood friends. Singing was very much the vehicle for that relationship-building and the project really benefitted both the young and old people alike.

That work then inspired a longer term project with Aberdeen International Youth Festival which was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and saw Heathryburn’s Vocal Squad undertake weekly visits to Kingswood Day Centre over a whole year. That was a massive learning curve for me, but led to so many positive ripple effects in terms of personal impacts on the children, the elderly and the staff. The project inspired the ongoing work between Heathryburn and the local community as well as other similar intergenerational projects which we undertake around the city and beyond

What kind of impacts do you see from the projects ACE Voices undertake?

I think our work establishes really valuable connections between individuals and community groups; over the years I’ve seen real growth in the people we have worked with. Through our leadership mentoring programme, I’ve seen confidence build within our mentors which has then been passed onto others as the cycle continues.

Seeing people who previously were far too nervous to sing a song in front of others or lead an activity come out of their shell and do that with ease it’s in these moments when I see the positive impact of the work we do.

I think one of the reasons I always aim to support people with confidence building is that it’s something I have personally struggled with over many years. Music was a major part of my childhood and I think that’s why I see the value in its ability to bring people together. I sometimes found other social settings difficult to fully engage with and I think that’s why I gravitate towards supporting people who are coming from a similar place, whether that's through social anxiety or social isolation.

I think it’s about creating a really open, trusting, brave space. There have been so many stories of people coming to our groups who really lacked confidence. So many people think they can’t sing for example, and that is often the result of what they have been told as a child when taking part in the choir or when trying to sign their favourite pop song.

When you think you can't sing, it’s often because the pitch range of a song - the lowest note to the highest note - doesn’t necessarily match your own personal pitch. When you give people the tools, the understanding and the confidence they can overcome that barrier, start to connect with the music and actually enjoy what they are doing.

Seeing people on that journey of discovery is something I’ve always loved about the work we do.

NEWS

ACVO News 32 October 2023

What are your plans for the coming year?

During the past two years we have been working with Torry Development Trust, Old Torry Community Centre, RGU, Tullos School and Grace Banks of Silverhaar on a new intergenerational project called Torry I-GEN, but the name is likely to change as the project develops.

Academy supporting secondary students of various ages; neuro-inclusive Umbrella A Cappella community singing group for adults; and preparing to rekindle our Creative Play Days youth leadership project, and running an event called ‘Marshmallow Town’ at Marischal College Quad!

The project sees us working with a primary five class/cohort at Tullos School in Torry over two and a half years on a weekly basis, helping them connect with the natural world in and around the area. It also involves the creation of an adult group of all ages who can help nurture this group, and foster that sense of interest as the group of children move towards secondary school; opportunities for local secondary school pupils to volunteer; accredited community placements for students of different disciplines from RGU; collaborating with Generations Working Together as we incorporate their new primary school intergenerational module into the project; and getting involved in Tall Ships initiatives in 2024/25 when the Tall Ships return to Aberdeen in Summer 2025.

On a personal level, I’ve been part of The Multiplier programme, a national leadership mentoring programme hosted by The Cares Family, an incredible network of charities which, at their core, is about bringing younger and older neighbours together through social clubs and other activities, and supporting a plethora of communities and organisations as they strive to create a better world for all.

In April 2023 during Global Intergenerational Week, we launched our ACE Voices Intergenerational Choir, open to people of all ages and free to take part, in partnership with Heathryburn Primary School and Twisting The Rainbow; held our first performance alongside Madison Girls Choir (Wisconsin, USA) at APA’s Light The Blue Festival, thanks to Amanda NicLeòid of St Andrews Voices; and we’ll be performing as part of WayWORD Festival in September.

Other current projects include the 10th Year of our multidisciplinary partnership with Heathryburn School; the 6th Year of our whole-school outdoor learning project with Abbotswell School; outdoor play and leadership work at St Joseph’s School; a multitude of leadership mentoring/volunteering opportunities for many ages; intergenerational minibus trips to BOLD Scotland partner, Kirrie Connections; a new collaboration with Portlethen

I was the only person from Scotland to take part in the programme in 2021/2022, and it was such a transformative experience. It lasted for nine months, and in that time you work with a community of leaders from around the UK, all sharing their own challenges and successes during monthly gatherings. Through this network we learnt about different aspects of running community enterprises such as funding, community building, storytelling, vision and strategy, leadership development and the potential impact they can have.

Taking part in the programme has inspired me in so many ways, in particular to build longer term visions of establishing the means for communities to connect with each other and run their own leadership hubs and projects – watch this space!

If you are interested in the work of ACE Voices, you can find out more by contacting Alec Thompson-Miller at alec@acevoices.org and 07422 575711, or by visiting their social media pages: Facebook: www.facebook.com/acevoices Twitter/X: @acevoices Look out for their new website, which will be ready just before Christmas!

ACVO News 34 October 2023

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering October update from ACVO's Volunteering Services Manager, Mike Melvin Find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk

Students in Aberdeen making a difference with volunteering

A

CVO is delighted that students at schools, universities and colleges in the North

East continue to provide such tremendous support to volunteering and the community.

As part of our work supporting and building the wonderful volunteering we have in Aberdeen, ACVO has been very busy since the new terms and semesters at schools, universities and colleges commenced. This included a great Super Charge Your Skill Set – Volunteering Session at Cults Academy organised by the Developing the Young Workforce North East with ACVO, Aberdeen

Cyrenians and Inchgarth Community Centre and stalls at university and college Freshers and Volunteering Fares which were all very popular and successful.

ACVO highlighted the fantastic opportunities there are for students to volunteer, make a real difference, gain important recognition through awards such as the Saltire Awards and how volunteering can assist and complement studies, help build skills and provide excellent, positive experience linked to courses and student’s future career aspirations.

ACVO look forward to continuing

our great links with local city schools, RGU/RGU: Union, the University of Aberdeen/Aberdeen University Students’ Association, the North East Scotland College/NESCol Students Association and Scotland's Rural College.

For the latest ACVO news and volunteering opportunities in Aberdeen please visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk and acvo.org.uk/volunteering For information about Saltire Awards (for volunteers aged 1225 years) please visit: volunteeraberdeen.org.uk/volunt eers/young-volunteers/ and saltireawards.scot

News 35 ACVO October 2023

VOLUNTEERING

Fantastic evening at Spirit of the Community Awards 2023

A

CVO were delighted to attend the excellent and inspiring Margaret E Morrison Spirit of the

Community Awards organised by the always brilliant Inchgarth Community Centre.

Seven marvellous people were presented with awards in recognition of the tremendous help they provide people and the community. The event was superbly compered by Kenny Luke.

Inchgarth Community Centre Manager and Chair Paul O' Connor MBE provided an overview of the amazing work and volunteering at Inchgarth and exciting plans for the future. Mike Melvin extended ACVOs congratulations to recipients of the Margaret E Morrison Spirit of the Community Awards and gave a heartfelt huge thank you to Inchgarth Community Centre for all they do. A fabulous evening of community recognition and celebration was rounded off with great music from Maree Adams.

With over 120 guests in attendance, the event harnessed the spirit of the community and was a fantastic celebration of community heroes who make a real difference in the community and for the lives of so many others.

For more information about Inchgarth Community Centre please visit inchgarth.co.uk

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

ACVO News 36 October 2023

Health & Social Care Updates

Let's Be Heard: Sharing Scotland's COVID Experience

Let's Be Heard: Sharing Scotland's COVID Experience is the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry's listening project.

Everyone who was in Scotland between 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022, or was affected by decisions made in Scotland during this time, is being invited to share their experiences of the pandemic with Let's Be Heard. The project is also keen to hear about what lessons should be learned and will be accepting responses until 20 December 2023.

You can take part in Let's Be Heard by visiting https://lbh.covid19inquiry.scot. Paper copies of the submission form are also available at GPs, community pharmacies, libraries and other community buildings across Scotland.

A paper copy can also be requested by emailing LetsBeHeard@covid19inquiry.scot The listening project is the main channel to contribute to the Inquiry's investigations and help inform its reports.

News 37 ACVO October 2023

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE UPDATES

Aberdeen Carers Support Service achieve Carers Trust's Excellence for Carers Quality Award

A

berdeen Carers Support Service are proud to share the exciting news that they

have achieved the Carers Trust's Excellence for Carers Quality Award. This is given to partner charities within the Carers Trust Network that are able to demonstrate an existing excellence of service to unpaid carers and a culture that fosters continuous improvement. Carers Trust developed the award so that charities within its Network are continually evaluating and improving the quality of services, thereby improving the quality of life for unpaid carers across the UK. The award follows a rigorous assessment of Aberdeen Carers Support Service’s support to

unpaid carers, as well as the quality of their leadership, staff, internal processes, and engagement with key local partners and stakeholders.

Charities achieving the Carers Trust standard must demonstrate quality of service to unpaid carers across ten key areas, including signposting to sources of support and information, formal and informal advocacy, peer support and emotional support, and working with and on behalf of carers.

When making the award, Carers Trust said in its report that: “The service is relatively new, having launched comparatively recently and having dealt with challenging circumstances in relation to the pandemic. The team have done an incredible job of building the

service to where it is. They demonstrated a really positive approach to staff wellbeing, and there is a shared learning culture and a good support structure for all staff.

“Whilst there was a recognition that resource does place limits on the service, it was very evident that the team have ‘big dreams’ and want to do the very best that they can for carers.

“As well as signalling the quality of its services for unpaid carers, the Aberdeen Carers Support Service award means its partners, and stakeholders commissioning services from the charity, can be confident they are partnering with an organisation that has best practice hard-wired into its organisational DNA.”

Opportunities

ACVO News 38 October 2023

ACVO Opportunities

Community Spaces Discover community & third sector venues in Aberdeen and

find the perfect space for your meeting or event

find more venues and submit yours for free at acvo.org.uk/spaces

Inchgarth Community Centre Find out more at acvo.org.uk/spaces

Cost to hire: £10-£25 per hour Room Capacity: 15-300 capacity range We have a wide range of spaces available, including our main hall, small hall, conservatory, stage, pool hall and cabin.

We also have a music room for hire for bands looking for a practice space.

Room hire costs range from £10-£25 per hour depending on size of room.

Please call us on 01224 325191 if you’d like to arrange a full tour of our facilities. More information and photos of the rooms available are on our website.

Facilities

Getting there

Room Capacity: 15-300 capacity range

Car parking: Free Onsite parking available

Facilities: Wide range of amazing facilities including music room, fitness gym, cafe, playpark, meeting rooms, event halls and more

Public transport: No 1 & No 2 public bus

Catering: In house or own catering available, the cafe serves hot food until 3.45pm, hot drinks, snacks etc. available at other times

Accessibility Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, changing places, adaptable toilet

Availability Normal opening hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm (unable to open outwith these times)

Aboyne Place, Garthdee, Aberdeen, AB10 7DR

7 days a week (get in touch with the host directly to discuss this in more detail)

Opportunities

News 39 ACVO October 2023

Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Scottish Government | ACVO TSI Apply for up to £15,000 to support the delivery of activities and projects that improve mental health and wellbeing in communities across Aberdeen.

Building on the success of year one and year two, this vital financial support will enable the third sector to deliver new and existing activities and projects that improve mental health and wellbeing in communities across Scotland. The Fund will again be distributed by Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) to community groups and organisations.

A total of £1,341,000 has been distributed by ACVO TSI to support 168 projects and activities during 2021 and 2022 across Aberdeen City. ACVO is again delighted to be managing the distribution of £567,000 this year.

The ambition of the Fund is to support initiatives which promote mental health and wellbeing at a small scale, grass roots, community level, no matter how small or inexperienced the organisation may be. National organisations undertaking initiatives in Aberdeen City are not excluded to apply, however they are not the focus.

Although the Fund officially must close by March 2024, last year the majority of funding had been distributed within eight weeks of being opened so please don’t delay in applying to avoid disappointment.

Community Funding Available: Up to £15,000 Applications close when all funds are distributed - don’t delay!

Find out more at acvo.org.uk/opportunities

Creative Funding – Pilot Seed Funding Opportunity Aberdeen City Council New Creative Funding Pilot Seed Funding Opportunity 2023-24 This pilot funding opportunity is to offer support to organisations in Aberdeen who work with underrepresented individuals and communities and who have not received Creative Funding previously or in the last 5 years, for example since 2018/19. It is to fund small scale events, workshops and innovative ideas with or for underrepresented individuals and communities.

Arts & Culture Funding Available: Up to £2,500 Applications close: 15/10/2023

Organisations must have not-for-profit status, such as a registered charity, volunteer association, social enterprise or community interest company.

Commercial or for profit businesses are excluded.

There are 6 Awards available, and organisations can submit one application in this round for a maximum of up to £2,500. No match funding is required to apply.

Find Findout outmore moreat onacvo.org.uk/opportunities ACVO Events

Funding discover more funding opportunities collected with Aberdeen's third sector in mind on our funding portal at

acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding

Opportunities

ACVO News 40 October 2023

Volunteering Get involved with your community in Aberdeen find more opportunities and submit yours at acvo.org.uk/volunteering

Future Choices Aberdeen Volunteers Future Choices Future Choices is a local voluntary charity which supports physically disabled adults by providing a range of social inclusion and recreational activities.

Volunteers help greatly at the local voluntary charity supporting disabled people though providing social inclusion and recreational activities at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee on a Tuesday morning between 11am-2pm.

We have exciting opportunities for volunteers to come along and assist disabled members with various activities. This includes arts, crafts, games to mention but a few. We also require/have opportunities for more volunteer drivers to help us.

You will be made to feel very welcome as we are a very friendly, dynamic group and greatly appreciate all help that volunteers give.

This is a great, enjoyable opportunity to help in the local community, make a positive difference and also the opportunity to develop new skills.

Please contact us for more details at email info@future-choices.org.uk or through our website www.future-choices.org.uk

Find out more info@future-choices.org.uk

View further details online

Shop Volunteers Oxfam Chapel Street Join the Oxfam community - As a Retail Volunteer you will learn all about what goes into making our fantastic shop thrive. You can keep busy in the stockroom sorting and checking donations or be on the shop floor, serving customers and putting stock out on sale.

Whatever suits you! Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

Find out more givetime@oxfam.org.uk View further details online

About this role - We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

You can focus on any part of volunteering that interests you the most. As a Retail Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence. Why not try a bit of everything?

Sorting donations including checking and pricing; Serving customers on the till; Create stylish window displays; Keeping the shop fully stocked; Helping donors as they come in.

Volunteering that works for you - Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

For more details and to apply online please visit: volunteering.oxfam.org.uk/opportunities and oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/ If you can’t apply online, please visit the shop at Chapel Street, Aberdeen for a paper form or contact us at email: givetime@oxfam.org.uk

Opportunities

News 41 ACVO October 2023

Aberdeen Day Project Volunteers The Breadmaker The Breadmaker is part of the Aberdeen Day Project – a registered charity, successful social enterprise, artisan bakery and coffee house.

We are seeking volunteers who would like to help in a coffee shop/bakery environment and also volunteer with a team to provide training and support for adults with learning disabilities in a working Coffee shop and Bakery environment.

We are also looking for volunteers who might be able to assist with outings , social events 1 to 1 peer support An exciting and fantastic opportunity to volunteer in an award winning bakery and help make a real difference for people we support as well. Excellent training and support is provided to all volunteers and all help is greatly appreciated.

For more information please contact Alistair Reid, CPD Manager at email alistair.reid@thebreadmaker.org.uk or tel.: 01224 641520.

Find out more Alistair Reid, CPD Manager

alistair.reid@thebreadmaker.org.uk 01224 641520

View further details online

Volunteer Drivers Aberdeen Cyrenians Why we want you - At Aberdeen Cyrenians, we are really fortunate to have the support of the local community who donate clothing, food and other goods to support those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in Aberdeen City and Shire. We need volunteers to help us collect these donations from throughout the community.

Find out more volunteering@weareac.org View further details online

What you will be doing • Driving the Organisations vehicle • Collecting donations from drop off points • Occasionally collecting donations from peoples homes • Supporting in moving items from different office locations The skills you need • Shares our values and willing to work within our procedures • Willingness to help • Positive attitude • Clean UK drivers license *What’s in it for you • Learn new skills • Opportunity to be part of a friendly team A fantastic opportunity to help. All volunteers make a real difference and are greatly appreciated.

For more information please email us at volunteering@weareac.org

Trustees Bon Accord Heritage Are you passionate about preserving a piece of Aberdeen’s history while shaping its future? Bon Accord Baths is looking for dedicated individuals to join our board of trustees.

As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in revitalising this iconic building, driving the project forward, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

If you have expertise in governance, finance, operations or a deep love for heritage, we’d love to hear from you.

A fantastic opportunity to be part of an exciting project to shape the future of the beloved Bon Accord Baths. All help is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Ross McKirdy, Trustee at email: ross@bonaccordbaths.org.uk

Find out more Ross McKirdy, Trustee

ross@bonaccordbaths.org.uk View further details online

Opportunities

ACVO News 42 October 2023

Social Media and Marketing Volunteers Aberdeen Blueberry Wellness Aberdeen Blueberry Wellness is a Community Interest Company which exists to work with communities to improve key health and fitness concerns, via education and employment.

We would be delighted to receive applications for our volunteer position at Aberdeen Blueberry Wellness to support us with our social media and marketing plans. You will oversee all marketing activities as directed by the CEO. Please help us develop awareness of our programmes to meet this much needed community wellness offering and support delivery in line with objectives of ABW. These objectives have been developed in line with the Aberdeen City Council Local Outcome Improvement Plan, the relevant locality Plan and the Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan for the City building a more vibrant and healthier city.

ABW also supports the aims and principles of the Community Planning Aberdeen Engagement, Participation and Empowerment Strategy which promotes working together with a variety of different community groups to improve outcomes for all people, places and Aberdeen’s economy. Groups such as Shmu and Turning Point and many more. We want to work together on the stretch outcomes identified in the above plans.

The role involves: -Maintaining the website, ensuring all content is up to date and updated regularly -Managing all social media channels within brand guidelines -Creating content for digital and print channels within brand guidelines -Identify local marketing groups such as community facebook groups, magazines, and local notice boards -Designing, creating and managing all print materials ensuring any marketing spend is maximised -Monitoring effectiveness of all marketing activities and spend including Google analytics, post campaign reviews etc.

-Supporting CEO with PR activities -Any other visibility tasks and storytelling as required

Find out more Laura Walker, CEO

you@blueberrywellness.co.uk 07773 021851

View further details online

For more information please contact Laura Walker, CEO at email: you@blueberrywellness.co.uk or telephone: 07773021851.

Canine Therapy Volunteers Pet and Companion (PEACE)

Find out more Georgie Treharne-Hulks, Volunteer Manager

georgie@petandcompanion.com

View further details online

Do you have an interest in pastoral care, some free time and a lovely, gentle dog? Then volunteering for Pet and Companion (PEACE for short) could be for you and your furry friend!

PEACE is a charity providing Canine Therapy along with Pastoral Care for people in need of support and companionship, particularly: the elderly; patients receiving end of life care; students during stressful periods; and vulnerable women.

Pastoral Carers and their therapy dogs (PEACE Teams) visit people in need of support and companionship in various locations, including: Care Homes; University and College campuses; and community hubs. Ideally, PEACE Teams will volunteer for a couple of hours a week/fortnight in order to build relationships with the people they visit.

The PEACE dog helps to provide a relaxing environment (the basis of canine therapy), while the Pastoral Carer offers both a listening ear and a means of support, happy to talk through any concerns or fears a person may have (pastoral care).

The role of a PEACE Pastoral Carer is similar to that of a befriender. All Pastoral Carers are therefore Christians, and are comfortable praying and/or discussing their faith with the people they visit, if requested.

All PEACE Pastoral Carers receive training in Mental Health First Aid, attentive listening and dementia awareness. Volunteers will also become members of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme.

Opportunities

News 43 ACVO October 2023

Kindness Volunteers Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland We believe everyone has the right to live life to the full following the diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, stroke or Long Covid.

The care and support we deliver every day ensures everyone can live the life they want to. Across Scotland, we provide vital advice, information, and support through our No Life Half Lived strategy.

Join our amazing team of Kindness Callers, who provide a listening ear to people who have had one of our conditions via a weekly telephone call to reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness.

For more details and to register your interest in volunteering please visit: volunteer.chss.org.uk/opportunities/51993-kindness-volunteer-area-wide-2023-08-15 or email the CHSS Volunteering Team at volunteering@chss.org.uk

Find out more volunteering@chss.org.uk

View further details online

Volunteer Trustees Grampian Women's Aid

Find out more Aileen Forbes, Manager Grampian Women’s Aid aileen.forbes@grampianwomensaid.com

View further details online

Grampian Women’s Aid (GWA) is recruiting Trustees to join our Board. GWA is a charity based in Aberdeen, with over 45 years’ experience providing information, support and safe accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic abuse across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The role of Trustee is a unique voluntary opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds who have expertise, time and are committed to making a real difference to the lives of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

As a member of GWA Board, you will play a key role in the strategy of GWA and overseeing its governance to ensure it can continue to provide high quality services to women, children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. You don’t need to be an expert in domestic abuse, but you do need to have an understanding of the impact it has on women and children and be committed to GWA’s vision and values.

GWA would particularly like to recruit Trustees who have experience in any of the following areas: Human Resources, Finance, Housing Management or have a Legal background. However please don’t let this put you off applying if you don’t have experience in these areas, GWA are committed to representing the diversity of our service users on our Board and welcome applications from all women. Grampian Women’s Aid strives to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. Women only need apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. The role will also be subject to PVG scheme membership.

The Board currently meet 6 weekly via virtual platforms, the frequency and the method of meeting will continue to be reviewed regularly to meet the needs of the organisation.

Board members are also invited to join one of our sub-committees to accelerate progress on important topics such as fundraising or strategy, driving forward key actions between Board meetings. Although this fantastic volunteering opportunity is unpaid, travel expenses are available for Board members to attend meetings.

As well as benefitting from being part of a talented and supportive team of Trustee’s, you will also receive a comprehensive induction plan and ongoing personal development and support.

Volunteering get involved with your community in Aberdeen, find more opportunities and submit yours at

acvo.org.uk/opportunities/volunteering

Opportunities

ACVO News 44 October 2023

Events Events in October

7th & 8th

6th

11th

MHAsterminds Dinner Quiz 2023

Friskis Aberdeen – Free Exercise classes - “Kick Off” Weekend

Co-production, Co-design and Youth Engagement

The Mental Health Aberdeen team is excited to announce their second fundraising dinner on 6th October 2023!

Friskis Aberdeen provides fun, high quality exercise set to great music. Our annual Kick Off event gets everyone moving again after summer!

Enjoy a fun-filled black-tie dinner and quiz night filled with food, fizz, and fun! You’ll compete for fabulous prizes in 10 carefully curated rounds.

We have four great exercise classes for you to enjoy and all for Free. Try one or all four – it’s up to you!

These are buzzwords which we are hearing and seeing everywhere at the moment.

But what do they actually mean? Are we all talking about the same thing? What do we mean to young people?

Reboot Aberdeen would like to invite you to a series of roundtables on all things youth engagement.

It will be an exchange of experiences, ideologies, research and opinions and hopefully ultimately we will CO-DESIGN (pun intended) a living framework around all of this.

We are planning between 3-4 roundtables to develop this framework and will use the first session for all of us to plan out our journey together, including fixing dates for the other roundtables.

These events are for anybody who is interested in approaching Youth Engagement from a collective viewpoint and who wants to give young people a voice in anything that affects them. Professionals, community members and young people are all welcome!

Our services are in high demand, and with your support, we can continue breaking the stigma around mental health and providing free counselling to adults and children.

We would be delighted to have you as part of this exciting event, which can really make a difference.

If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with fundraiser@mhaberdeen.org

Saturday 7/10/2023 – 10am to 11am – Master Class by Christina -our guest leader from Oslo. A great chance to experience a class led by a master – one of our educators from Norway Saturday 7/10/2023 – 11am to 12pm – Exercise class by Ashwini – a new programme from one of our local leaders Sunday 8/10/2023 – 9am to 10am – Circuits Class by Rosey – a new programme from one of our local leaders Sunday 8/10/2023 – 10am to 11am- Master Class by Kristin – a guest leader from Oslo. A great chance to experience a class led by a master – one of our educators from Norway

Date

October 6th 2023

Date

Date

October 11th 2023

Time

6:15pm - 1:00am

Time

Various times

Time

10:00am - 1:00pm

Cost

£10

Cost

Free

Cost

Free

Organiser

Mental Health Aberdeen

Organiser

Friskis Aberdeen

Organiser

Aberdeen Foyer

Venue

The Chester Hotel 55-63 Queens Road Aberdeen, AB15 4YP + Google Map

Venue

Find out more and book via ACVO Events

October 7th and 8th 2023

Cults Sports Complex Quarry Road Aberdeen, AB15 9TP United Kingdom + Google Map Find out more via ACVO Events

Venue

Aberdeen Foyer Marywell Street Aberdeen, AB11 6JF + Google Map

Find out more and book via ACVO Events

News 45 ACVO October 2023

Sensory Awareness (Sight Loss and Hearing Loss) Training NESS’s Sensory Awareness Training provides a comprehensive overview of the practical and emotional impact of sight and/or hearing loss, including Deafness. By the end of the training, participants will also be much more aware of the many ways that someone with a sensory impairment might maintain their independence and will start to consider issues relating to making services more accessible.

This training is suitable to anyone working in health and social care, anyone working in a public facing environment and anyone who is exploring how to make their services more accessible to someone with sight loss, hearing loss, someone who is Deaf or deafblind.

The training takes place in two parts, with the first part being e-learning, which provides all of the background information and theory about sight loss, hearing loss, Deafness and deafblindness.

The second part of the training is an interactive session on Microsoft Teams, during which you will discuss the practical and emotional impact of sensory loss in big and small groups.

Opportunities

Aberdeen’s Third Sector – Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum

Supporting the digitally excluded in Scotland

ACVO have long hosted regular and various fora to support and inform the third sector, particularly as we continue to navigate our way through the current crises. Change is constant and continues at such a pace, that it can be difficult to keep up.

We are inviting our third sector colleagues to our next one on Thursday 12th Oct. 2023, from 10.00am – 12.00pm. This is to be an in person meeting at Legends Lounge, Richard Donald Stand (RDS) Pittodrie, 30 Pittodrie St, Aberdeen AB24 5QH. ( parking in Golf Road car park, entry at RDS main reception). At this meeting you will, amongst other things Meet Steven Stark , Service Manager Mental Health and Substance Misuse (Acting), ACHSCP . Steven is based in Royal Cornhill Hospital and keen to meet Third Sector organisations working in the field of mental health and welling .

Hear about the latest key developments at ACH&SCP ( Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership) and CPA (Community Planning Aberdeen).

Find out more about the work of Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT ), Fountain of Love and Healthy Minds

In this Money Guiders Scotland network event learn how you can help others get online and improve their digital skills and confidence.

Many of your clients or customers may struggle to access the online world’s useful sources of information, fill in application forms or conduct financial transactions.

In this session we’ll hear from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and Good Things Foundation about some of the activities that can help you support the digitally excluded.

What will be covered?

The digital divide and fixing it Sources of learning for those with no or low digital skills Data and device poverty and initiatives aimed at tackling them Scotland’s Digital Participation Charter Digital inclusion support and digital champions You’ll have a chance to put your questions to our speakers during this event.

Speakers - Phil Fothergill, Community Engagement Manager, Good Things Foundation; Darran Gillan, Digital Inclusion Development Officer, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

Date

October 12th 2023

Date

October 12th 2023

Date

October 24th 2023

Time

09:30am - 11:30am

Time

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Time

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Cost

Free for public/third sector, £40 for private sector

Cost

Free

Cost

Free

North East Sensory Organiser Services (NESS)

Organiser

ACVO TSI

Organiser

Money Guiders Scotland

Venue

Venue

Venue

Online

Microsoft Teams

Find out more and book via ACVO Events

12th

Pittodrie – Legends Lounge 30 Pittodrie Street Aberdeen, Aberdeen City AB24 5QH + Google Map

Find out more and book via ACVO Events

12th

Find out more and book via ACVO Events

24th

Discover more events from and for Aberdeen's third sector and add yours free of charge to our public calendar at

acvo.org.uk/events

Opportunities

News 47 ACVO October 2023

Find a rewarding career within Aberdeen's third sector- keep up to date with recent vacancies at

Vacancies

acvo .org. uk/

vaca ncie s

Substance Use Worker Alcohol and Drugs Action From £24,657 per annum Aberdeen

Full Time

Closing date: 06/10/2023

37 hours per week

Permanent

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

ADA is an award-winning charity, delivering specialist services to reduce harms and promote recovery of individuals and families affected by alcohol and drugs use in the North East of Scotland.

We are excited to be able to offer new Substance Use Worker roles based in our Aberdeen City Recovery Service due to a new long-term contract award and further funding announced for new innovative Project work.

We are looking for candidates that have a background in Community Learning, Nursing, Social Work, Counselling, or other related field/s. To be successful you must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the needs of those affected by alcohol or drug use. Ideally, you will have experience of working with substance users and knowledge of effective interventions. ​PVG membership is essential for this post.

If you’re passionate about enabling recovery then we need you.

Closing date: Friday 6 October 2023, with interviews to be arranged following the closing date.

Domestic Abuse Counsellor Pathways £23,175 pro rata Aberdeen

Part Time

22.5 hours per week

Closing date: 06/10/2023

Fixed Term

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

We currently have a vacancies for 2 x Counsellors to work with women who have experienced domestic abuse, 22.5 hours per week, funded by the Lottery and Robertson Trust Counsellors required to work with women who have experienced domestic abuse in Aberdeen City and Shire.

Duties include providing 1-2-1 and telephone counselling, completing and maintaining confidential client notes, delivering group work courses to improve confidence and completing necessary reporting information.

Applicants should be fully qualified, enthusiastic, able to motivate others, have good communication skills and an ability to work both on their own initiative and as part of a team as well as experience of delivering group work.

Experience in a similar role preferred but not essential.

Contact: Christine Herron on 01224 682939 or submit CV and covering letter to: Christine Herron, Pathways, First Floor, Powis Community Centre, 11 Powis Circle, Aberdeen, AB24 3YX. This post is subject to PVG Disclosure. Women only need apply. This post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010).

Opportunities

ACVO News 48 October 2023

Welfare Rights Officer Kincardine and Mearns Citizens Advice Bureau £15,288 per annum Stonehaven

Part Time

21 hours per week

Closing date: 20/10/2023

Fixed Term

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

The successful applicant will deliver a welfare benefit advice service to clients completing benefit checks, assessing benefit entitlement and assisting in the completion of forms, where appropriate. The postholder will also be expected to appropriately refer onwards for further specialist advice, for example, debts.

To be successful in the role you should have a desire to help individuals and families who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis and will need to be well organised with good planning skills with a well-disciplined approach to work.

Experience of working in an advice-giving capacity and/or a knowledge or interest in the social security system would be advantageous but not essential.

Group Co-ordinator Home-Start Aberdeen £21,895 pro rata Aberdeen

Part Time

10 hours per week

Closing date: 10/10/2023

Fixed Term

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

Home-Start Aberdeen is one of Aberdeen’s leading family support charities. We support around 200 families with young children (under 5) every year across the city, through one-to-one volunteer support and groups. We help parents cope with the challenges and stresses of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength to give their children the best possible start in life.

We are excited to be recruiting a highly motivated Family Group Coordinator to join our small team. Taking a strength-based and family centred approach, you will plan, manage and deliver our three family groups. You will also provide support and supervision for our Play Leader and group volunteers.

You will be an excellent communicator and quickly able to establish and maintain effective relationships with families and volunteers. You will have a strong understanding of children’s early years development, the importance of attachment and bonding and the potential impact of trauma on children and their parents. You will be flexible in approach and able to multitask with good organisational skills. Experience of working with families is essential (paid or voluntary) and experience of working with volunteers would be an advantage. There will be an opportunity to undertake Peep Practitioner Training as part of the role.

This post is funded by Children in Need and is offered on a part time basis until November 2025. Any extension will be subject to funding.

The post is subject to a PVG check at enhanced level.Position is part time 10 hours per week, including Friday mornings with a salary of £21,895 pro rata (full time hours 35 per week)

Looking to reach Aberdeen's third sector community with news of your vacancy?

ACVO can help you find your new team member! Advertise your vacancy with us and have it featured in our ACVO Opportunities bulletin, our digital magazine ACVO News as well as on our site and shared via our social media feeds.

ACVO Members enjoy a discounted advertising rate of £25*. Not a member? Join now for as little as £25 per year. *Regular advertising charge for non members £100 per advert

visit acvo.org.uk/vacancies for more details

acvo.org.uk