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

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.”

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.