Hello, and welcome to the April edition of Carers’ Connection.
We have successfully secured funding for various health improvement projects and plan to run these over the next six months. Spaces for these are limited, so please contact your Family Wellbeing Worker or Carer Advisor to note your interest.
As part of this funding, we are partnering with Aberdeen Cyrenians to run cooking classes for carers. This will be a great opportunity to learn new skills, try different recipes or perfect your signature dish, meet new people and have fun in the process.
If you are creative, then the Aberdeen Arts project is for you. This will provide you with the opportunity to explore your creative side further, whether that be spoken word, oil painting, or you want to express yourself through another form of art. It might be that you just want to try something different, and that is ok too.
We understand how difficult the financial climate is at the moment, when debts can mount up and easily take over a person’s life. To assist people who find themselves in life-controlling debt, we have teamed up with Christians Against Poverty, who will run oneto-one sessions in a private environment to help put a plan together to free people from
the financial situation they are in. It is done in a very gentle and understanding way, so please contact us if you would benefit from this.
There will also be a group session for a course that looks at spending patterns and shows ways to make money go further. I have personally taken this course and found it very helpful.
Our Wee Blether groups continue to grow, and we can see the real benefits of these. It would be great to hear from you if there are areas within Aberdeen where groups are not being held, and you would like us to explore this further.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and amazing feedback. It is always greatly appreciated.
Andrew Falconer Service Coordinator
Stay up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page. The page is public, and you don’t need to have a Facebook account to access it: www.facebook.com/ aberdeencarerssupportservice
Meet the team
Andrew Falconer Service Coordinator
Tel: 07917 521268
andrew.falconer@ quarriers.org.uk
Emmanuel Fianko Administrator
emmanuel.fianko@ quarriers.org.uk
Louisa Donaldson Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521885
louisa.donaldson@ quarriers.org.uk
Rory Keenan
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07812 376475
rory.keenan@ quarriers.org.uk
Ingrid Penny
Depute Project Manager
Tel: 07721 143392
ingrid.penny@ quarriers.org.uk
Nicola Black Administrator
Tel: 07917 521879
nicola.black@ quarriers.org.uk
Elaine Dukes
Parent Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521852
elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk
Mairi Lorimer
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07917 521862
mairi.lorimer@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler
Digital and Community Inclusion Worker
Tel: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Natalia Beaton Family Wellbeing Worker (Health and Wellbeing)
Tel: 07917 052551
natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk
Allyson Flockhart Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07554 555027
allyson.flockhart@ quarriers.org.uk
Teresa Massie Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521853
teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Kyle Fitzpatrick Performance Coordinator
kyle.fitzpatrick@ quarriers.org.uk
Mel Combstock
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07808 241878
mel.combstock@ quarriers.org.uk
Lauren Gardiner Family Wellbeing Worker (Short Breaks)
I am Aileen McHardy, and I have been part of the Listening Service in Grampian for the last two-and-a-half years.
We can all feel low or sad, or be faced with challenges at some point in our lives where we need a safe place to talk about things. But so often, carers, due to the role they have taken on, do not want to burden their family and friends, yet don’t know where to turn.
Talking to someone outwith our personal circle can sometimes be just what is needed, and the Listening Service can offer that to you. We provide a safe, confidential space, free from judgement, for you to speak about whatever is causing you anxiety, or just making you feel low and generally getting in the way of your health and wellbeing.
Unlike counselling or other forms of psychological intervention, Listeners are
Susan Shaw
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07531 193656
susan.shaw@ quarriers.org.uk
not there to fix the problem. They are there to listen to your story, told in your own words, to allow you space to be seen, heard, and help you process what is going on for you.
The Listening Service is now working alongside Aberdeen Carers Support Service to provide this valuable service to their registered carers. This service is also available at some GP practices and at Aberdeen Health Village.
At present, I Listen on Wednesdays at 50 Gilcomston Park. If you feel that you would like to talk to me, just call the office on 01224 914036 and ask for an appointment.
Charity shop
We are thrilled to announce that Aberdeen City Council has granted us the use of its pop-up charity shop at 358 George Street during the first week of June! This will help us raise much-needed funds for the service.
Since the start of the year, staff have been clearing out at home and gathering bags of clothes, books, shoes, CDs and DVDs, toys, bric-a-brac and household items from family and friends, as well as from several carers who heard about our plans and kindly donated their unwanted goods.
The shop will be open from 10am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday and 10am - 1pm Saturday. Please come along to support us and perhaps grab a bargain or two!
Meet Jamie
In our January issue, we heard from Barbara, George, Sammy and Sylvia about why they decided to volunteer with us. In this edition, we say hello and welcome to Jamie!
“My name is Jamie, and I’m 25 years old. I chose to volunteer with Quarriers as they provide great support for unpaid carers. I have been volunteering at two different groups so far: the Men’s Wee Blether at Aberdeen North Parish Church and the Younger Carers’ Wee Blether at the Bon Accord Centre.”
Carers’ Reference Group
As part of the Aberdeen City Carers’ Strategy 2023-2026: A City for all Carers, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership created the Carers’ Reference Group. This was developed in partnership with unpaid carers so that the Partnership can regularly consult, engage and co-design on policy, strategy and services that impact upon unpaid carers. The lived and living experience that carers bring will help ensure the Partnership effectively designs those services and strategies.
To sign up to the group, or find out more, please visit https://carers-reference-group. commonplace.is/
In memory of Bella
Carol and Noel, who we support, sadly lost their much-loved mum, Bella, in January after a long, bravely borne illness. Bella lived to the grand old age of 95, and when friends and family gathered to celebrate her long, welllived life, Carol and Noel kindly organised a collection for Quarriers, raising almost £250. We extend our grateful thanks to Carol, Noel, and all those who donated.
Carol and Noel explain why Quarriers was their charity of choice: “We looked after Bella for six years through various stages of dementia, dealing with stretched care services and the NHS. We wanted donations to go to Quarriers because they were the
Musical magic
Huge thanks to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for their generosity in providing us with complimentary tickets to their Music Hall concerts earlier this year. In January, carers enjoyed Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos and music by Telemann, and in February, they went to see The Great Grumpy Gaboon, a new musical adventure for all ages. These were wonderful gestures by the SCO that brought joy and much-needed respite to those who attended.
one organisation that provided real, practical support – giving advice and sourcing funding for us as carers that we weren’t aware of. A special mention must go to our Carer Advisor, Teresa, who came to support us at difficult meetings with agency and statutory care services and was always available, with a genuine caring attitude and kind heart, making our journey bearable. We couldn’t have managed without Teresa and Quarriers.”
“A big thank you for the concert tickets. We had a super afternoon. The orchestra was first class. It lifted our spirits, and we all left feeling so relaxed.”
“Thank you so much for such an uplifting afternoon. It was such a tonic.”
“I really enjoyed seeing the musicians acting out the story and interacting with the children. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon.”
“The little ones were so happy. I was watching their faces, and they were enthralled!”
In most cases where we are offered complimentary tickets to events, it is at short notice, with a deadline for letting the organisers know how many of our carers can attend. As we are sure you will understand, this makes it difficult for us to find time to contact everyone we support. If you wish to be considered for any future tickets, please contact susan.middler@quarriers.org.uk stating your preference for adult or children’s events, and how many tickets you would be interested in. Although this is no guarantee that we will be able to offer you tickets, this will help us make the allocation process fair, with the aim being to contact different carers from the list each time.
Wee Blether groups
You may have heard of our Wee Blether groups, which aim to bring people together for company and a chat, addressing isolation and building links into communities.
These groups run in many locations across the city, including Kincorth Community Centre, Duthie Park, The Vaccination Hub at the Bon Accord Centre, and Dobbies Garden Centre.
We have recently set up some new Wee Blether groups and changed the frequency/ location of some others. We have also removed restrictions on most groups to allow more carers to attend regardless of age or the postcode area they reside in, as long as they meet any other relevant criteria.
Our Coffee & Crafts group is now a Wee Blether group, meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 11am – 1pm at Aberdeen North Parish Church, Greenfern Road. The group aims to bring together carers who enjoy crafting and being creative, however you are welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat even if crafting isn’t your thing!
Our Danestone Wee Blether, which meets every Tuesday at Danestone Community Centre, is currently full, so we are looking to start another group there every second Friday from 11am – 12.30pm. To note your interest, please contact Mel on 07808 241878 / mel.combstock@quarriers.org.uk
Our Moving On group, for carers whose loved one has passed away or is living in full-time care, has become a Wee Blether group for those aged 60+ and meets on the third Thursday of each month from 2–3.30pm at Rosemount Community Centre, Belgrave Terrace.
We would like to gauge interest in a Moving On Wee Blether group for carers who are under 60 years of age. If this is something you feel you would benefit from, please contact Louisa on 07917 521885 / louisa.donaldson@quarriers.org.uk
A Younger Carers’ Wee Blether has been set up for our carers aged 18-24. The group meets every second Thursday from 1–2.30pm at the Bon Accord Centre’s ReCHarge Café.
You are welcome to bring your cared for to most of the groups – please check with the relevant member of our team before attending (details on pages 11-12). We hope to see you soon!
Here’s what some of our carers had to say:
“It was good to get out and come to the Wee Blether group. I would have just been sitting at home wondering what I was going to do next.”
“This is brilliant! I feel so lucky to be treated to coffee and a chat every month.”
“This is good for my wellbeing. Lovely people come here, and I’ve made good friends.”
“I enjoy coming to the Wee Blether group because it’s in my local community. I care for my husband so it’s sometimes difficult to get out of the house. Coming here means I get to speak to people. Everyone is friendly and it gives me a warm feeling.”
“I really enjoy coming to the Wee Blether group. I think it’s really good that it’s in my area and that I can manage to come along every week. Long may it continue!”
Clan Cancer Support
Senior drivers’ assessments
At a recent partnership working meeting, staff from Clan Cancer Support shared that they often have conversations with people who support a friend or family member with a cancer diagnosis, yet don’t recognise themselves as carers. As a result, they have invited us to run sessions at Clan to explain our service to those affected. From 6 May, a member of our team will be available at Clan, 120 Westburn Road, on the first Tuesday of each month from 12noon – 2pm to offer guidance and support to anyone who may find themselves falling into the role of an unpaid carer.
In addition, to coincide with Carers Week 2025, we will run two drop-in awareness sessions at Clan to promote the support we can provide to unpaid carers. The sessions, which are open to the general public, will take place on Thursday 12 June from 10-11am and 2-3pm.
To learn more about Clan, visit www.clancancersupport.org
Epilepsy Support
Do you live with epilepsy or support someone who does?
A new online toolkit from Quarriers offers practical tips and inspiring stories from people across Scotland who know exactly what you’re going through. The Epilepsy Self-Management Toolkit has been developed by experts at the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre to help people with epilepsy take control and live life to the fullest.
Explore the toolkit at https://toolkit.quarriers.org.uk/
A pilot scheme has been set up to give vulnerable road users within Aberdeen the opportunity to take part in a medical fitnessto-drive assessment.
The scheme, set up by Police Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Driving Assessment Service and Transport Scotland, will see assessments carried out by doctors and occupational therapists, and will involve cognitive tests, eyesight tests and an on-road driving assessment in a dual control vehicle.
The project, aimed at drivers over the age of 70 living in the AB postcode area, hopes to improve road safety for all users by ensuring that they are still fit to drive.
Anyone who wants to take part is asked to get in touch with officers, their doctor or the DVLA, who can, if appropriate, refer them for the assessment.
Epilepsy Support Group
Did you know that Quarriers Epilepsy Community Outreach provides an online peer support group on Monday evenings? If interested in joining, please email ECO@quarriers.org.uk
Sergeant Sarah Ritchie from the North East Road Policing team, who is leading the project, said, “This project is not about removing driving licences from older drivers; it is an opportunity for them to ensure that they are still safe to be driving and about providing them with the tools to continue doing so. It can be a very difficult conversation for any family member or friend to have with their loved ones. However, officers are here to have that conversation, and I would encourage anyone who has concerns over someone’s fitness to drive to contact us confidentially.”
Anyone looking for more information or to refer someone can call 101 or email SeniorDriverEvaluate@scotland.police.uk to get the referral process started.
Aberdeen Care & Repair
The team at Aberdeen Care & Repair can give advice and practical assistance to elderly and disabled people living in the city to allow them to continue to live within their own homes as independently as possible. They offer free Home Safety visits, and if you or the person you care for would benefit from some safety or security equipment, this can be provided free of charge if the need is identified during the visit. Staff can provide advice on all aspects relating to housing, as well as carrying out benefit entitlement checks.
Banking fraud
In January, an 84-year-old woman in the Mastrick area of Aberdeen received a call from a scammer, claiming to be from a local housing association. They told her she had overpaid her rent and that a housing officer would shortly visit her at home.
A man arrived at her address and offered to facilitate the refund, asking for her card and PIN. Afterwards, the victim became suspicious and contacted a family member, however a four-figure sum had already been withdrawn.
Aberdeen Care & Repair can also help people applying for a Blue Badge. They can arrange an appointment where a member of staff will visit you in your own home and assist with the application.
It is worth chatting to one of their experienced team to discover how they can best help you. Contact them on 01224 625822 / gencareandrepair@castlehillha.co.uk
Carers’ Corner
Carer Alice recently spent some time with family in her native Hong Kong while her husband was in respite in Aberdeen, and she sent us these gorgeous photos, taken during a trip to Yokohama and the Mount Fuji area of Japan. How lovely that people we support think of us even when they are thousands of miles away!
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@quarriers.org.uk
Crime Reduction Officer PC Irvine said, “These fraudsters are heartless and have no conscience. They prey on the most vulnerable people in our communities and steal their savings. I would urge everyone with an elderly relative or neighbour to make them aware of this type of fraud as soon as possible. These scammers use sophisticated tactics and go to great lengths to appear legitimate. They may have personal details including your address. Any true caller will never ask for your bank card or PIN, or ask you to disclose personal financial information. If you receive a call of this nature, do not engage with the caller, and hang up – it’s a scam. Do not allow unexpected visitors into your home. If you are unsure, take a few moments to think. If you have any doubts, end the call and ask a friend, relative or the Police for advice.
“Anyone with information or concerns regarding calls they have received should contact 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Carer Jo* has kindly agreed to write a quarterly carer’s blog for us, starting with this edition. We loved reading her blog and can’t wait for the next one! (*Carer’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.)
Spring was later in appearing this year – cold winds, low temperatures, dull days with little sunshine – but it has been so good to see the first snowdrops fighting their way through the soil, with daffodils not far behind.
Over several weeks, wild geese in their hundreds were flying this way, then that, sometimes breaking their familiar V formation – confused with which way to go by the weather perhaps, as unsure of the future as is our world at this time. I always remember that if you watch geese flying overhead, they are always together, you never see one on its own. If one seems to be lagging, two or three others stay with it until they rejoin the flock.
It has been quite a confusing – even unsure –time for the family (myself, husband and daughter, who has mobility problems and severe chronic pain to cope with). Retiring and moving house takes a bit of getting used to, especially with our daughter’s support needs. We found a bungalow away from the centre of town, with a small garden suitable for our daughter’s wheelchair, and we have never felt alone. Like the wild geese, there has been support and care around us from the medical and local authorities. Also, our neighbours have been very friendly, welcoming our daughter especially into the community.
Our daughter, like so many with additional needs, is an example to others – never asking for much. Happy with her new home with suitable access and exit. When moving, all she asked for was to have her own bird table to watch and count the various birds who visit it. We now have a bay leaf tree in a large pot, given by a neighbour, which plays home to many different species, and our daughter –a keen photographer – can take pictures from her window or outside. I have included one of her photos: a goldfinch and sparrow having a few words with each other.
We as a family have always loved nature and the outdoors, and here we have appreciated the seasons first-hand and are so grateful for time together. Summer, with swifts and swallows swooping down over the rooftops. Autumn, with its kaleidoscope of colours
and trees – beech, larch, and horse chestnut within reach. We, or I, can go out and hug one of these beautiful trees if I have the inclination. Our daughter disowns me, but what a lovely warm feeling you get – you must try it sometime. Winter, with snowflakes as big as your hand and spring here now with its message of new life (and hope in the future).
There are, of course, stresses and pressures of caring for our loved ones and their health and wellbeing on a daily basis; the ups and downs, good times and not so good times, and our family situation is no different, but we give thanks for the time we have at this moment. We know also that we are never alone or isolated; there are folks at hand, both lay and professional, in a support mechanism that we could not manage without.
And for us, if we can see the smile on our daughter’s face, the happiness in her eyes and the knowledge that she is loved, it makes everything worthwhile.
We do think of all carers at this time who never spare themselves with those they are entrusted with, and I urge you if you happen to see a flock of geese flying your way, remember you are never alone – there is always someone, others within reach, right with you every step of the way.
Creative Breaks
Jenny
“I had a lovely four-day break to Fife with my mum. We visited lots of interesting places, including St Andrews, Crail and Anstruther, where the fish and chips went down very well! The weather was good to us. Our B&B, Monturpie, was excellent, with lovely views and great breakfasts. We stayed in Upper Largo and had a great evening meal in a hotel in Lower Largo. Thank you so much for allowing us to have a lovely relaxing break.”
Nicola
Nicola used her Creative Breaks funding for a valuable trip to Arrochar, a village that sits at the head of Loch Long in Argyll and Bute, surrounded by wonderful Highland scenery.
“I went to Arrochar for five days, with two of those days spent travelling as I don’t drive. There is absolutely nothing there – no supermarkets or retail outlets. Very basic. At that time of year, there were no tourists, just peace, quiet and forest walks, no hustle or bustle, and the residents were really friendly.
“This break wasn’t a getaway. It wasn’t about living it up and being dressed to the nines and going out. What I’m trying to say is that you don’t need all the trimmings to have peace and me-time. All I did was go for forest walks through the day, where my only goal was to find out which view was awaiting me around the next corner, and then immerse myself in a book at the hotel at night. I didn’t have the pressure of waking up and thinking about what I had to do that day and what demands would be made of me. I could wake up when I wanted to (the room had a bath, so I had a soak in there), and take my time to get ready, take a long walk with my music on, then come back and read my book. Music, walking and books are my escape. There was hardly anyone around on my walks – that’s how quiet it was.
My headphones were on while I was walking, and during that time all I thought about was the music, nothing else. I have a “rage” music playlist, and that was played most of the time to get the anger and frustration out of me, but on the last day I managed to put on another playlist and the song I Am Here (Live) by Pink came on. At the start of the song, she states that if there’s anything you need to let go of, this is the time –so I sang (loudly and badly) and danced down the hill to that song, shouting out “I am here”. In that moment, I felt free – a child again with no cares at all. And, most importantly, I had the realisation that there is hope and that buried deep down inside me I am still in there; I am still me. I thought I had gone away; that I was lost and wasn’t going to get me back. I felt refreshed from the break. I can’t thank you enough for that realisation and knowledge that I am still in there. I told my friends about dancing down the hill, and they said they could imagine me doing that. They just haven’t seen that side of me for a long time. You don’t realise how powerful your mind is. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving my mind some relief, and the knowledge that I am not completely lost, just buried within myself.
“This break was so beneficial for me, and I will be forever thankful.”
Missed an edition?
Backdated copies of Carers’ Connection are available to read via our Virtual Carers Centre: carers.quarriers.org.uk/aberdeen-carers
Jenny’s break
Nicola’s break
Carers’ groups
Under certain circumstances, we may have to cancel or make changes to the groups listed below, so please get in touch with the named contact in advance to ensure the group is running and to confirm your attendance. Thanks – we hope you can make it along!
Group Criteria
Where?
When?
Bon Accord Wee Blether Anyone resident in Aberdeen City Aberdeen Vaccination Hub, Bon Accord Centre Fridays 11am-1pm
Coffee & Crafts Wee Blether Registered carers who enjoy crafting
Connexions Registered female carers in need of mental health support
Danestone Wee Blether (Tuesday)
Danestone Wee Blether (Friday)
Aberdeen North Parish Church, Greenfern Road, AB16 6TR
TBC
Registered carers Danestone Community Centre, Fairview Street, AB22 8ZP
Registered carers
TBC – gauging interest meantime
Dobbies Wee Blether Registered carers Dobbies Garden Centre, Lang Stracht, AB15 6XH
Duthie Park Wee Blether Registered carers
The Japanese Garden, Duthie Park, AB11 7TH
Kincorth Wee Blether Registered carers Kincorth Community Centre Hub, Provost Watt Drive, AB12 5NA
First & third Tuesday of each month 11am-1pm
Last Wednesday of each month 11am-1pm
Tuesdays 11am-12.30pm
Every second Friday 11am-12.30pm
Third Wednesday of each month 11am-12.30pm
Every second Tuesday 12noon –1.30pm
Every second Thursday 11am – 12.30pm
Kinship Carer Support Group (in partnership with Family Learning) Any Kinship Carer resident in Aberdeen City Manor Park Hub, Danestone Circle, AB16 7YB Mondays 10am-11.30am (except school holidays/inservice days)
Men’s Wee Blether Registered male carers Aberdeen North Parish Church, Greenfern Road, AB16 6TR
Contact
01224 914036 aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk
Louisa Donaldson: 07917 521885
louisa.donaldson@ quarriers.org.uk
Teresa Massie: 07917 521853
teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Mel Combstock: 07808 241878
mel.combstock@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler: 07917 521886 susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
