Carers’ Connection
April 2023
Welcome to the April edition of Carers’ Connection, where we are getting a bit creative!
There are lots of health benefits to be gained through creative hands-on activities and a recent research paper suggested that the flow you get into when completely absorbed in something can help to increase your positive emotions and reduce anxiety.
The report also mentioned the benefits gained from repetitive activities like drawing, knitting and painting, which I know many of our carers do, and indeed several of them meet at our office on Albert Street to chat and craft together. It is suggested that this repetitive type of creative pursuit can help to flood our brains with dopamine, the feelgood chemical that helps to motivate us. For many of us, that time out also helps to calm us and, by creating something tangible, produce a feeling of achievement. These are all positives towards supporting our health and wellbeing.
We have been fortunate over the last year and a half to be able to offer carers a creative project supported by artists from Findhorn Bay Arts, covering various creative
disciplines such as drawing and painting, music and movement, embroidery, collage, and book art. This project covered all three north Quarriers carers’ services and was funded through a successful application to Creative Scotland. We have now reached the end of the funding and each of the three services have organised their own carers’ art exhibitions. Our Aberdeen exhibition took place over two days in March, and we would like to thank all the incredibly talented carers who lent us their work as well as those who came to view it. For those who were unable to attend we have included some photos of our carers’ wonderful creations in this issue, which we hope you enjoy seeing.
Stay up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ aberdeencarerssupportservice
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Joanna McPherson, Service Coordinator
Joanna McPherson Service Coordinator
Andrew Falconer Team Leader
Tel: 07917 521268
Email: andrew.falconer@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler
Digital and Community Inclusion Worker
Tel: 07917 521886
Email: susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Kyle Fitzpatrick
Senior Administrator/ Triage Worker
Tel: 07554 555027
Email: kyle.fitzpatrick@ quarriers.org.uk
Nicola Black Administrator
Tel: 07917 521879
Email: nicola.black@ quarriers.org.uk
Ann Ross Administrator
Tel: 07917 521869
Email: ann.ross@ quarriers.org.uk
Louisa Donaldson Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521885
Email: louisa.donaldson@ quarriers.org.uk
Elaine Dukes
Parent Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521852
Email: elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk
Natalia Beaton
Family Wellbeing Worker (Health and Wellbeing)
Tel: 07917 052551
Email: natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk
Teresa Massie Carer Advisor (Enhanced Carer Support)
Tel: 07917 521853
Email: teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Klaudia Szafran
Family Wellbeing Worker (Enhanced Carer Support)
Tel: 07796 966107
Email: klaudia.szafran@ quarriers.org.uk
Lauren Gardiner Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality)
Tel 07917 521874
Email: lauren.gardiner@ quarriers.org.uk
Helen Summers
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel 07917 521862
Email: helen.summers@ quarriers.org.uk
Anna Schmitt
Family Wellbeing Worker (Respitality)
Tel 07917 051489
Email: anna.schmitt@ quarriers.org.uk
Sharon Thom Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)
Tel 07939 173970
Email: sharon.thom@ quarriers.org.uk
Kath Robertson
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel 07531 193656
Email: kath.robertson@ quarriers.org.uk
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Meet the team
Welcome to the team
Kath Robertson
I joined Quarriers in February 2022 as an Administrator in our Inverurie service and re-deployed to the Aberdeen Service in April this year as a Family Wellbeing Worker. I can say without any hesitation I loved my job as an Administrator and am super excited about my new role in Aberdeen. The people I work alongside are amazing individuals who sincerely care about people and are passionate about the work they do. They are all an inspiration to me. I have been welcomed into the team wholeheartedly and my hope is that I bring the same qualities and a little bit of fun and laughter too.
Most of my career had been in the oil industry until we had another downturn in 2016, which ended in my redundancy. I then found myself in a caring support role for a young man for the next five years, which I absolutely loved, until Covid hit us all and the world changed.
Caring support services have always been a great passion of mine. My husband and I set up a community group to help support those who were marginalised, alone without relatives close by, or anyone who just needed time to be able to meet others in a safe and friendly atmosphere and place. For a few years before Covid, we raised funds and held several Christmas Day lunch events in the Town Hall in Inverurie, which was a joy and privilege to host and great fun for everybody involved.
Cuppa & Catch-Up
We are starting a new drop-in group that will offer a warm space, activities such as crafts and games, helpful books, and other resources. Cuppa & Catch-Up will begin in May, taking place from 2-4pm on the second Wednesday of each month.
You are all welcome to drop in, bringing your cared-for along with you if you wish. You can use the time and space as you want. Feel free to bring along your knitting, your crossword, or just use the time to talk to the team or chat to other carers. You can stay for the whole two hours or just pop in with a question for us. We hope to see you there!
Valentine’s crafts
Love was in the air at the office on Valentine’s Day, with carers crafting lovethemed items and doing wordsearches over coffee. They said they had great fun chatting and were going to look for a Valentine to give their gifts to! Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for news of future craft sessions.
Moving On
We have a new Moving On support group, which will run monthly until August. The group is for those of you whose caring role has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. This can be a stressful time, and the group offers an opportunity for carers in these circumstances to come together to chat with others in the same situation to gain support and advice. You will find the dates and times on pages 11-12.
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A Carer’s Journey
We would like to say a big thank you to Scott Brebber for giving his inspiring talk, A Carer’s Journey, to the gents who attended our Monday Men’s Group in February. Scott was a carer for 25 years for his wife, Kathleen, who sadly passed away in 2022, and he has made the transition from fulltime carer to world adventurer! Scott captivated attendees with a slideshow of images from his expedition cruise in Antarctica and entertained everyone with anecdotes from his trip, which included receiving a certificate for being brave enough to plunge into the ice-cold ocean! Over the last few months, he has also been motorcycling in France, Spain and Portugal, and is now planning to fish from a lodge on the beach in Ascension Bay, Mexico, and pay visits to Iceland and Greenland. All of these are bucket list items he had previously discussed with Kathleen.
As a fully qualified Angling Instructor, Scott has also carried out a volunteer role for over 20 years coaching young people and newcomers in the art of fly fishing during Ballater Victoria Week. These lessons are always very well received and usually oversubscribed, so Scott has been asked to increase his attendance this year.
Looking after Kathleen was a large and significant part of Scott’s life. When caring responsibilities come to an end, it can be hard to know what to do next. It can leave you feeling a bit lost and uncertain, with time on your hands that you’re not used to having. It affects everyone differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all, but we are heartened to see that Scott is living life to the full, keeping fit and still racing in Tough
Mudder obstacle course events. He said, “My Kathleen appreciated all I did for her. She walked in a bubble of love, care, and security provided by me. She never came to any harm in our 50 years together and I still miss her so much. I go travelling, not to run away but to honour the promises we made to each other.”
Thank you so much, Scott. We are certain that Kathleen would approve!
AGILE
The updated (2023) version of the Aberdeen Guide to Independent Living and Enablement (AGILE) is now available to view at https://orlo.uk/TyKMe
AGILE is for anyone who wants to find out about the help and support available in Aberdeen to enable an individual to stay as independent as possible in their own home. Find support from a whole range of services to support you to stay safe, stay well, stay connected, and stay informed.
A number of hard copies of the brochure are available, so please just get in touch if you would like one.
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Survey results
As a co-produced service, we want to ensure that we capture your ideas, and earlier this year we asked you complete a short survey. Your ideas have been added to our service development plan and we will be implementing as many as we can over the next year.
Thirty-eight carers would like to see a regular, in-person, warm space/drop-in group at Albert Street, with a few more preferring online groups. We also had a few requests from working carers and would like to hear from more working carers to see if an evening online group would be helpful.
Here, we have responded to as many queries as we can.
Groups you can take your cared-for to You can do this at our new Cuppa & Catch-Up group (see p3). Organisations like Aberdeen FC Community Trust also run regular events such as blethers, football memories, health walks, and dementia cafés. https://bit.ly/40QQguQ
The Living Well Project offers Dementia Cafés with safe, friendly spaces for those with memory loss and their carers and families. The cafés provide chat, fun, reminiscing, and entertainment. These are currently at Brimmond, Ferryhill, and Oldmachar Churches https://www.thelivingwellproject.org.uk/
The Virtual Village Hall is an online hub designed to help people stay physically and mentally active. Sessions are led by expert tutors and include creative arts & crafts, music, baking, exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up later at a time that suits you. http://bit.ly/3nZGc4A
A Parent Carer group that children can also attend
We submitted a grant application which, we are pleased to say, was successful and will now enable us to run an in-person group with playworkers to assist with activities for children. We will let you know more once we have venues and other details sorted out.
Cookery classes
CFINE on Poynernook Road run free Cook at the Nook sessions that are held by trained cooking instructors who can help you improve your cooking skills. http://bit.ly/3ZzPaCO
Help with basic IT skills
Silver City Surfers helps people aged 55+ with technology through free one-to-one tutoring and support with laptops, tablets, smartphones and digital cameras. Their volunteers work with you at your own pace and you can find them at various venues in Aberdeen. Visit https://www. silvercitysurfers.co.uk or call 07799 371329.
Driving theory test lessons
https://theorytest.org.uk/driving-theory-testcourse/
Your rights as a carer
https://bit.ly/40NxVPu
Self-Directed Support
https://bit.ly/3Mfosfw
The benefits system
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits and https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/benefits
Home visits
If you need of a home visit from your support worker at any time, please let them know.
A carers’ befriending service
Although we don’t have the capacity to set up our own service, you can connect with carers in similar situations by coming along to one of our groups – details on pages 11-12. For a list of other befriending services, please ask your support worker.
Help with your children at weekends while you take a break
This can be arranged if you have support through your child’s social worker. You would receive a Self-Directed Support budget that you can use to employ someone to help take care of your children, however the threshold for gaining a social worker is extremely high and they will only support a family if the child has multiple disabilities/health conditions, and if there is an identified risk.
Someone to sit with your adult cared-for to allow you to go out
Please talk to us if this is a service you require, and we can have a look at your Adult Carer Support Plan.
Anger
management
and mental health
Please speak to your Carer Advisor/Family Wellbeing Worker to discuss being referred to Avenue for support from a trained counsellor. Mental health information sessions for both carer and cared-for
Our service supports the carer, and we are looking into sourcing providers for information sessions. If you are looking for sessions to support your cared-for as well as yourself, we can signpost you to any relevant services. Several carers asked for training in manual handling and first aid. We are currently putting together a list of available training for carers. Courses are available through https:// quarriersacademy.org.uk/ - to receive a login, just get in touch with us. You can also sign up for a free SVQ Level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare. This qualification gives you the opportunity to create a portfolio of work on communication, health and safety, supporting daily activities, personal care, safeguarding, and developing your learning. An assessor will support you with guidance and practical advice. For more information, please contact CMassey@bonaccordcare.org
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Art sessions and exhibition
We recently ran online art sessions for carers, funded by Creative Scotland and in partnership with Findhorn Bay Arts. Jen Cantwell, a multi-disciplinary illustrator, artist, designer, and maker (pictured above) provided gentle tasks for participants to carry out and continue developing between sessions. Carers got involved in making paper collages with images and text, composite creatures, embroidered photos and postcards, 3D collage in matchboxes and on luggage tags, and book art. Participants reported that they greatly enjoyed and benefitted from the sessions. Here are just a few of the many comments we received:
“A great chance to meet other people and get some me-time. It’s a great feeling for that short time to not feel like the only adult in your life.”
“I have a lot of stress and anxiety, and doing the class was respite from this.”
“I feel like I’m me for these couple of hours. It’s a long time since I’ve felt like me.”
“It has been so good to meet other carers, because we all understand each other’s situations and what we are all going through.”
“Sometimes you don’t see the value of something like this until you take part. There’s such a feeling of shared experience, knowing that carers are all in the same boat.”
“The way in which these were run via Zoom was absolutely ideal as you could take part anywhere. I had time during the sessions to concentrate on something other than the numerous balls that are always having to be juggled. Very grateful for the opportunity.”
“Jen was empathetic and presented us with activities that we could enjoy irrespective of our experience and skill in art and craft. 10 out of 10. Thank you, Jen, and Quarriers.”
Carers indicated that they would be grateful if a project like this ran again, and this is something we aim to provide should more funding become available.
The creations made during the online art sessions were displayed in our office for two days in March, with carers coming along to view them over coffee and cupcakes. We have added as many photos as we can on page 7 for those who were unable to attend.
“Thank you very much for the invitation. I’ve had a lovely afternoon.”
“There are some cracking pieces of art there. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed looking around. Thank you.”
“Thank you for our lovely cupcakes. We’ve enjoyed our afternoon.”
“The exhibition is fantastic, and I’ve enjoyed the convivial atmosphere.”
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Art sessions and exhibition
No cold callers
If you or your cared-for would like one of these free door stickers, kindly sent to us by Able Community Care, please get in touch.
Essential Companion tickets
Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) can provide one free Essential Companion ticket for those who need someone to be with them in order to attend an event at one of their venues. An Essential Companion is someone who assists the customer with mobility or guidance and ensures their safety. (An essential companion is not normally someone who is only required to provide assistance with transport to the venue.)
Free SIM cards
We have received a number of free SIM cards from Vodafone UK as part of their everyone.connected campaign. If you are struggling with the cost of mobile data, please get in touch to see if we can help. The free SIM might not suit everyone as it could mean switching to the Vodafone network, but you would benefit from 40GB of free data for the first six months before being offered a £5 deal. Information on the campaign here: http://bit.ly/40Ri5mL
Sleepio
Sleepio is an NHS-funded, evidencebased, digital cognitive behavioural therapy programme to help tackle poor sleep and insomnia, which is available at no cost to those aged 18+. To get started, visit https://www.sleepio.com/
Learn more about safety and suitability at https://www.sleepio.com/suitable
Daylight
Daylight is a free, NHS-funded digital programme to help those aged 18+ tackle anxiety and worry. Clinically proven to help, 71% of participants reported being less anxious as a result of using it. Check it out here: https://www.trydaylight.com/nhs
Feeling anxious or struggling to cope?
Visit www.clearyourhead.scot and www.nhsinform.scot/mindtomind
APA are pleased to accept your loved one’s bus pass if it has a ‘+1’ symbol (or equivalent) as entitlement to a free Essential Companion ticket. Please show the bus pass (or equivalent) to the Box Office, where staff will either create or update your cared-for’s customer record with Essential Companion status, valid for three years. Then, whether tickets are booked by phone or online, one ticket will be discounted automatically at checkout.
If you are the Essential Companion, APA recommends that you:
• Familiarise yourself with the venue, and the location of services and facilities
• Speak to the Front of House team to discuss evacuation procedures
• Let the team know of specific needs
If your cared-for’s bus pass does not have a ‘+1’ symbol, Aberdeen City Council can issue an updated one. This is called a Companion Concessionary Card, and your cared-for should be entitled if they:
• Receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
• Receive the standard or enhanced rate of daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
• Receive Attendance Allowance
• Are registered as blind
• Receive War Pensions Scheme Constant Attendance Allowance
If you require support from Aberdeen City Council regarding this, you can ring their Customer Contact Centre on 03000 200 292 (option 5 then option 5).
If you need help or information from Aberdeen Performing Arts, please contact the Box Office on 01224 641122 and they will be happy to assist.
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Carers’ Corner
We have been sent this lovely photo of a sunset at Port Beach near Fremantle, Australia, taken by carer George Lindsay’s granddaughter, Eilidh. She lives in Perth, Western Australia, and enjoys capturing sunrises and sunsets, chatting with her mum about the time difference between Perth and Aberdeen. Sunsets bring community and family together and are often a time to sit and reflect on the day that’s been and gone.
If you have anything you would like us to feature in a future edition, whether it’s a photo, poem, useful info for other carers, or anything else carer-related, please send it to susan.middler@ aberdeencarers.org.uk.
Barney Crockett
At our Monday Men’s Group in March, we were pleased to be joined by Cllr Barney Crockett, who came to the office to give a fascinating talk about growing up in Aberdeen from the 1950s to the 1970s. We were all ears, and it was great to reminisce about old times!
“The talk by Barney Crockett was high quality. He knew his subject. Excellent presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed it!”
“We had a great time at Barney Crockett’s talk and were well entertained. The history of Fittie was very interesting, and his photos were all well explained. It would be nice
Funding news
We have been awarded over £4,000 through the Better Breaks funding programme of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. This will be used for Parent Carer groups.
We are also delighted to announce that we have been allocated just over £78,000 of Time to Live funding for 2023-24. This funding has been made available by the Scottish Government and is open to all carers, including young carers, to allow them to have a Creative Break. This could be a weekend away, a trip to visit family or friends, a pampering session, a laptop, holistic therapies, garden furniture, restaurant or theatre vouchers, or materials/equipment for a hobby. Whatever gives you, the carer, a break from your caring role.
If you feel rested and relaxed, this can have a positive impact on your relationship with your cared-for and either directly or indirectly improve their wellbeing as well as yours.
For more information or to apply for a Creative Break, contact aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk / 01224 914035.
to get him back, as I could listen to his stories again. Thanks.”
We are happy to report that Cllr Crockett will return during Carers Week, the annual awareness campaign to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers. This year, it takes place from 5-11 June and Cllr Crockett has kindly agreed to give a talk at our office on Monday 5 June from 11am –1pm. This will be about Aberdeen in days gone by. Places are limited, so please be sure to book ahead by contacting teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk / 07917 521853 if you wish to attend
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ScotSpirit breaks
Carer Aileen (on the left) enjoyed a ScotSpirit break to Edinburgh with her friend Carol and sent us this lovely message.
“Carol and I would like to convey our sincere thanks to you for encouraging me to apply for our short break stay in Edinburgh. We had a lovely time relaxing in the Apex Hotel, visiting Mary King’s Close, shopping, and getting a style and beauty makeover courtesy of John Lewis. It really was just what we both needed and was of immense benefit to us both. Thank you very much for all you do to help me –it’s sincerely appreciated.”
Margaret and her husband had a two-night ScotSpirit break to Inverness, travelling up and back by train and staying at the Glen Mhor Hotel. Staff were lovely and the breakfast was excellent!
Margaret reported that they had great weather during their stay and enjoyed bus tours to Culloden and the area around the Caledonian Canal. They also spent a good bit of time in Inverness itself walking around looking in shops, with a particular favourite being an old-fashioned sweetie shop. The trip was around the time of their anniversary, and they marked the occasion by having a lovely meal.
Creative Breaks
Creative Breaks funding allowed June (on the right) to visit Edinburgh for two nights, and she sent us some lovely feedback.
“Thank you very much for the money to help me celebrate a trip to Edinburgh. Whilst there we went to the Edinburgh Playhouse to see The Bodyguard. It was such a great time and was a muchneeded respite break from my husband. I really appreciate getting the money. Thank you again.”
Young Carer Aiden was able to purchase a bike for himself using Creative Breaks funding, and his mum said:
“Aiden got the bike he had wanted with the Creative Breaks funding. Today, he was able to head out for an hour’s cycle, get fresh air and clear his head. He absolutely loves his new bike and can’t wait to get out on regular cycles to improve his health and wellbeing. Honestly, he is so happy. Thank you.”
We are so pleased to hear this. Happy cycling, Aiden! Scott used his funding to pay for personal training and has emailed this great photo to us.
“My personal training with Rhiannon Paterson is under way. It’s so beneficial. Thanks so much.”
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Carers’ groups
We are running a variety of groups for carers – details below. Some of the groups will be face-to-face and others will be via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. If you are interested in joining any of the sessions, please let us know. If you have any questions about joining or accessing the online ones, please just get in touch and we can support you.
Date and time Session
May
Monday 1 May 11am - 1pm
Monday Men’s Group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation. In person. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend
Tuesday 9 May 10–11am
Tuesday 9 May 2–4pm
Wednesday 10 May 2-4pm
Wednesday 24 May 11am - 1pm
June
Monday 5 June 11am - 1pm
Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other online. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.
Moving On - A group for those whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. In person. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Cuppa & Catch-Up - Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Connexions – A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.
Carers Week Event – Councillor and former Lord Provost Barney Crockett will talk about Aberdeen in days gone by. In person – limited places available. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Tuesday 6 June 10–11am
Tuesday 13 June 2–4pm
Wednesday 14 June 2-4pm
Wednesday 28 June 11am - 1pm
Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.
Moving On – A group for those whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. In person. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Cuppa & Catch-Up – Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Connexions - A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.
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Date and time Session
July
Monday 3 July 11am - 1pm
Monday Men’s Group – A group for those in an unpaid caring role who might wish to meet others in a similar situation. In person. Contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Tuesday 4 July 10–11am
Tuesday 11 July 2–4pm
Parent Carer Café – For parents supporting a child with additional needs to share information, skills and knowledge and support each other. Over Zoom. Contact Elaine Dukes on 07917 521852 if you wish to attend.
Moving On – A group for those whose caring relationship has changed, perhaps due to the person you cared for passing away or moving into full-time care. In person. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Wednesday 12 July 2-4pm
Wednesday 26 July 11am - 1pm
Cuppa & Catch-Up - Pop in and see us any time between 2-4pm for a cuppa, a warm space, activities, helpful books, and other resources. Bring along your cared-for if you wish. Contact 01224 914036 / natalia.beaton@quarriers.org.uk if you wish to attend.
Connexions - A closed group for women in need of mental health support. In person or over Zoom. If you wish to attend, please contact Teresa Massie on 07917 521853 / teresa.massie@quarriers.org.uk to discuss the criteria.
Your preferences
Would you prefer to receive this newsletter via email? Let us know by getting in touch via the contact details below.
Aberdeen Carers Support Service
37 Albert Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1XU
Tel: 01224 914036
aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk
carers.quarriers.org.uk
Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity No SC001960
