July 2025
Reflecting on the last few months, it has been a busy yet exciting time for the service. As many of you will be aware, we ran a charity shop during the first week of June.
This would not have been possible without your support, and I would like to thank the carers and volunteers who gave up their time to run the charity shop with us.
The purpose of having the shop was to raise awareness of unpaid carers throughout Aberdeen City, whilst at the same time raising funds towards continuing our carers’ support groups and developing new ones. If you have any suggestions for carers’ groups, please let us know.
Each year, Quarriers holds an Excellence Awards ceremony which aims to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams within Quarriers. Our Depute Manager, Ingrid, and I were both nominated and won awards, which was very humbling and unexpected.
Although we were the recipients, our success would not have been possible without all the hard work carried out by our amazing team.
I am so proud of each of them and their dedication and passion towards the service. I am sure you will all agree that they go above and beyond, and the awards really are dedicated to the entire team.
As I mentioned earlier this year when we were awarded a new contract to run the adult carers’ service in Aberdeen, we are looking to hold a
MAP and PATH session, where staff and carers can meet to share ideas about how the service may look going forward.
Following on from the session, we will strive to achieve as much as possible but will remain honest and transparent around the areas we are unable to develop or carry forward. The date and venue for the session is currently being finalised and we will let you know as soon as these have been confirmed.
This year’s Creative Breaks funding is now open for applications. We have received a major uplift from last year’s allocated funding, which will allow us to support many more carers to have breaks.
These can take the form of a weekend away, garden furniture, theatre tickets, or any number of things – anything that helps you take break from your caring role. Please contact our Short Breaks team on 01224 914036 or your Quarriers support worker for more details on how to access the funding.
As always, thank you so much for your support and input. We do appreciate it and take all your ideas on board.
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: https://www.facebook. com/aberdeencarerssupportservice
Meet the team
Andrew Falconer Service Coordinator
Tel: 07917 521268
andrew.falconer@ 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
Lauren Milton
Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)
Tel: 07939 173970
lauren.milton@ quarriers.org.uk
Ingrid Penny
Depute Project Manager
Tel: 07721 143392
ingrid.penny@ quarriers.org.uk
Emmanuel Fianko Administrator emmanuel.fianko@ quarriers.org.uk
Allyson Flockhart
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07554 555027
allyson.flockhart@ quarriers.org.uk
Anna Schmitt
Family Wellbeing Worker (Short Breaks)
Tel: 07917 051489
anna.schmitt@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler
Digital and Community Inclusion Worker
Tel: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Natalia Beaton Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07917 052551
natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk
Lauren Gardiner Family Wellbeing Worker (Short Breaks)
Tel: 07917 521874
lauren.gardiner@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Shaw
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07531 193656
susan.shaw@ 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
Teresa Massie Carer Advisor
Tel: 07917 521853
teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Shirree Smith
Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)
Tel: 07919 891453
shirree.smith@quarriers. org.uk
Excellence Awards
As mentioned by Andrew on the front page, he and Ingrid are award winners, and here’s the photo to prove it!
A huge well done to Andrew for his Quarriers Excellence in Management and Leadership Award, and to Ingrid, who received an Excellence in Inclusion Award!
Ingrid said that her award was unexpected but very much appreciated: “As Andrew mentioned, this is a team award, and the whole team should be celebrating this recognition.”
Volunteers Week
During Volunteers Week in June, to acknowledge the positive impact made by our valuable volunteers, we invited them to enjoy coffee and cake at The Terrace at His Majesty’s Theatre, where we presented them with certificates and a wee gift each as a token of our appreciation.
It was the first time the group had come together, and seeing them connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company really made the day.
Three volunteers were unable to make it to HMT, but we were pleased to be able to deliver their certificates and gifts and thank them individually for all that they do.
We are so grateful for our volunteers’ time, energy, and dedication. It truly makes a difference.
Thank you all!
Welcome, Karin!
A warm welcome to our volunteer, Karin, who sent us this lovely selfie she took in the garden with her favourite feathered friend, Ruby.
Karin said, “I decided to volunteer with Quarriers as a way of giving back after the fantastic help I received while caring for my mother, who sadly passed away in January.”
Barbara
We are sad to share the news that Barbara, who some of you will have known from our Coffee & Crafts group, passed away in April.
Barbara was a joy to know and would come along to the group bringing a selection of her delicious home bakes for everyone to enjoy.
She was also at the finishing line of last year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk to cheer on our team and her daughter Katrina, who generously gave up her time to raise money for Quarriers.
Barbara had only recently signed up to volunteer with us and said she was looking forward to meeting everyone, which makes her passing all the more poignant.
Barbara’s grandson, Jamie, is carrying on her legacy and is doing a grand job as one of our volunteers. We know she would be so proud of him.
Carers’ Corner
Huge thanks to Barbara’s family for donating monies collected at her funeral to Quarriers, and to all who kindly contributed.
We will always remember Barbara with affection.
Vivian
Vivian, who we supported, sadly passed away in February and we are grateful to have been gifted the collection that was made in her memory.
Vivian’s son, David, said: “I donated to Quarriers because of the excellent care and support you provided to my dearly beloved mum. Your Carer Advisor, Teresa, was mum’s support worker, and I cannot praise her highly enough for the quality of care she gave my mum, and how attentive she was towards her. Mum used to look forward to Teresa’s visits, when she would have a blether and a laugh. These visits lifted mum’s spirits.”
Alice tells us how using the Listening Service, which is currently available on Wednesdays at our office, improved her wellbeing.
“I have met with Aileen, the Quarriers volunteer from the Listening Service, several times over the past few months when I’ve been emotionally low and have found talking to her very therapeutic. Although I have close family and friends in Aberdeen who I can talk to, I didn’t want to pass my feelings of sadness on to them, and I especially didn’t want to cry in front of them. The Listening Service appointments came up just at the right time for me. I was half an hour late for my first appointment as I missed the bus and then got lost in Rosemount, but Aileen made me very welcome. She is a really gentle and amiable lady. She listened to
my story patiently, showing understanding and sympathy. After every appointment, I felt much more relaxed. I would like to recommend this service to anyone who needs it. Just call 01224 914036 to arrange an appointment.”
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
We had great fun taking over Aberdeen City Council’s pop-up charity shop on George Street during the first week of June, raising a whopping £2,111.09 in the process!
A massive thank you to all carers, volunteers, staff, friends and family members for their help; to Colin, one of our team’s neighbours, for transporting goods in his trailer; to everyone who donated items (and in some instances, cash) and everyone who made a purchase. Every pound raised will make a difference.
An extra-special mention to our team member Susan Shaw for allowing her house and garage to be used for storage over the last few months. It simply wouldn’t have been possible without her!
Care to cook?
May saw the launch of a four-week carers’ cooking course, made possible thanks to Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership’s Health Improvement Fund. Sessions were held at Aberdeen Cyrenians, where, over the weeks, carers made a variety of delicious dishes and desserts, from chicken and vegetable tray bake to strawberry cheesecake. The sessions were an enormous success, with carers expressing how much they enjoyed connecting with one another over the mixing bowls. However, it wasn’t just those in attendance who benefitted, as carer Terri took everyone’s peelings home for her guinea pigs, Iris & Leviathan, and her dog, Gizmo, to enjoy!
At the final session, carers were surprised and delighted to receive goody bags to take home which contained a selection of kitchen-themed items including an apron, a chopping board, and a measuring jug.
Although carers were sad the course had come to an end, they expressed how much they had enjoyed themselves and how beneficial they had found the classes.
“ “ “
“I had lots of fun. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed meeting everyone. I felt included and happy.”
“A fantastic experience. I’ve gained confidence to make different cuisines, which is exactly what I wanted.”
“This was a release from my caring role. Thank you very much.”
“These have been excellent cooking classes as well as social occasions. I have looked forward to coming and learning new recipes. It has also meant I haven’t had to cook when I got home!”
“ “ “
“Thank you so much for organising these wonderful cookery classes. They were way beyond my expectations.”
“This has been a terrific experience - learning, and also meeting new people, with all of us working together in harmony.”
We hope to run more cooking sessions, should funding become available, so please contact your support worker if this is something you would be interested in.
Hello again, it’s me, and I can hardly believe we are into the summer months already! We as a family (myself, husband, and daughter with additional needs) have always enjoyed time outside. With being retired now, it is much easier for us to fit in the days that suit our daughter (a ‘less-pain day’ as we call it) and a favourite place for us, especially in the summertime, is the beach.
Whether on your own or together, the wideopen expanse of sea and the fresh air can help recharge batteries that can be a bit low. Where we lived previously, we were within wheelchair walking distance of the beach, but even now a short drive takes us there.
Last time we visited, we talked about the beautiful coastline right on our doorstep. For us, even the windfarm out in the bay has blended into the scenery.
We watched it being constructed bit by bit back in 2016-2018, wondering how many windmills there would be. Our daughter is pretty up to speed with climatic situations, and I think we all agreed that it was necessary. We also agreed that with the windmills has come WINDS of CHANGE to our lives. IN our lives, even.
Aberdeen beach was largely accessible for everyone until the Covid pandemic hit, leaving problems with parking, walking, even getting out of the car due to bicycle lanes. Now, it can be tricky around the Beach Ballroom area with the major redevelopment that is under way, but you can still enjoy the beauty of the beachfront.
One day, we spent some time looking out at the sea. It was sparkling, the tide forming little ripples as it came into the shore, not a cloud in the sky, just a zephyr of a breeze, the windmills hardly moving.
It was like one of those ‘mindfulness moments’ Chris Packham talks of on the TV programme Springwatch, where you can forget some of the pressures of the day, some of what is bothering you, and focus on the beauty of that scene. Our daughter especially thinks of these as very special times!
But yes, there are winds of change all around this area, and if you are an Aberdeen FC supporter you will be hoping winning the
Scottish Cup will bring winning winds of change next season for the club!
Winds of change are going on throughout the world, with environmental issues affecting so many lives.
Powerful winds of change, bringing more and more unrest in so many countries. Fighting and warfare with such loss of life, poverty, and suffering. Man’s inhumanity to man. What we need are winds of change that bring peace and renewed hope in the future (apologies for getting on my high horse a little).
What about winds of change in our own personal lives, affecting those closest and dearest to us – financial problems or public sector cutbacks? How worried so many folks must be. Reading the previous issue of this newsletter, I found such hope and help within it – even just getting together for a blether, or someone to listen to what’s going on within us.
Whatever winds of change are in our lives, there are contacts that may help. I’m so impressed that Quarriers have made connections with Aberdeen Cyrenians and Christians Against Poverty. Well done!
I close now with my thoughts and prayers for you all, and your loved ones, and ask you, if you can, to take a few moments out of what I know is a busy day, to slow down, take time, and focus on perhaps a beautiful rose, a fluffy blue tit newly fledged, a calming sea, a starry sky, a rainbow, an evening sunset, and have your own ‘mindfulness moment’, and may you find the winds of change positive and active in your lives today and in the days ahead.
Carer Support Payment
Carer Support Payment income limits changed on 6 April 2025, meaning carers can now have a take home pay of up to £196 per week and be eligible for the payment.
The change could mean that many unpaid carers who were previously unable to access the support could now be eligible.
Find out more here: https://www.mygov.scot/ carer-support-payment/if-you-work
Vicki’s Doorstep Break
“Earlier this year, I enjoyed a spa day at Bannatyne’s, which was wonderfully relaxing.
“As a carer it is sometimes hard to get away to have ‘me’ time, so to be able to chill out was a bonus.
“Bannatyne’s was very welcoming to me, showing me around the facilities and explaining everything.
“Firstly, I went for a swim, then followed this with a visit to the sauna, then enjoyed a lovely massage and facial.
“After the treatments I had my lunch, which was included. It tasted great, and I was able to sit and relax before home time. Thank you for the experience.”
Come along for a Wee Blether
May saw the start of a new Wee Blether group in Bridge of Don, which is for our registered carers of any age and offers an opportunity to chat with others in similar situations and receive support and advice from a Family Wellbeing Worker.
What’s on offer? Hot drinks, biscuits, and company, and we can also signpost you to other groups and activities in the city.
Where? The Royal British Legion, 23 Balgownie Road, AB23 8JN
When? Every second Friday, from 11am12:30pm
Please contact Mel if you’d like to come along: 07808 241878 / mel.combstock@quarriers.org. uk
Did you know?
We offer a live chat facility online with a support worker from Monday –Friday, between 2-4pm.
Just visit https://carers. quarriers.org. uk/aberdeencarers and click on the purple and white chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Creative Breaks
Betty
“The opportunity given to me by Creative Breaks funding was way beyond expectations. A five-day Simpsons coach trip entitled “Mystery Tour” gave rise to so much fun and guesswork among my co-travellers. Having set off from Aberdeen at 7am, we knew it was going to be a long journey. It was early evening by the time we arrived at Llandudno!
“I think the most exciting bit was being somewhere completely unknown to me. What
Rebecca
“I used my Creative Breaks funding for a few different activities, which meant that as a family we could enjoy and look forward to outings that we couldn’t always afford.
“One of the places I took my two boys (aged 7 and 2) was Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling, which is home to more than 300 animals.
a beautiful part of the country. We had trips to Chester, Caernarvon Castle, and Anglesey – all very impressive with beautiful Victorian buildings, and so well maintained.
“Once home again, I felt that the break had had such a relaxing effect, as well as improving my geographic knowledge. There was so much more to enjoy – beautiful weather, good company, etc.
“All in all, I felt it was a wonderful change. Thank you so much.”
“If I were to ask the boys what their favourite bits of the park were, alongside the animals, I’m sure they would say the massive play-on pirate ship and the Jurassic World exhibit where there were giant dinosaurs that moved and roared.
“We took a picnic with us, as that meant the boys could snack as and when they were hungry, and they didn’t have to take too much time away from playing!”
Missed an edition?
Backdated copies of Carers’ Connection are available to read via our Virtual Carers Centre: carers.quarriers.org.uk/aberdeencarers
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
Bridge of Don Wee Blether
Coffee & Crafts Wee Blether
Registered carers
Registered carers who enjoy crafting
Danestone Wee Blether Registered carers
Royal British Legion, 23 Balgownie Road, AB23 8JN
Aberdeen North Parish Church, Greenfern Road, AB16 6TR
Danestone Community Centre, Fairview Street, AB22 8ZP
Contact
Every Friday, 11am-1pm 01224 914036 aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk
Every second Friday, 11am12:30pm
Mel Combstock: 07808 241878 mel.combstock@ quarriers.org.uk
First & third Tuesday of each month, 11am-1pm 01224 914036 aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk
Every Tuesday, 11am-12:30pm
Susan Middler: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Dobbies Wee Blether Registered carers
Kinship Carer Support Group (in partnership with Family Learning)
Any Kinship Carer resident in Aberdeen City
Men’s Wee Blether Registered male carers
Middlefield
Wee Blether (Monday)
Anyone aged 55+ living in the AB16 7 postcode area
Dobbies Garden Centre, Lang Stracht, AB15 6XH
Manor Park Hub, Danestone Circle, AB16 7YB
Aberdeen North Parish Church, Greenfern Road, AB16 6TR
Third Wednesday of each month, 11am-12:30pm
Every Monday, 10am-11:30am (except school holidays/inservice days)
The first Monday of each month, 12noon – 2pm
Middlefield Community Project, Manor Avenue, AB16 7UR Mondays 12noon – 2pm
Susan Middler: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Elaine Dukes: 07917 521852
elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk
Teresa Massie: 07917 521853
teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Middlefield Wee Blether (Wednesday)
Anyone of any age living in the AB16 7 postcode area
Moving On Wee Blether (60+) Carers aged 60+ whose loved one has passed away or moved into fulltime care
Middlefield Community Project, Manor Avenue, AB16 7UR
Rosemount Community Centre, Belgrave Terrace, AB25 2NS
Every second Wednesday, 11:30am-1pm.
The third Thursday of each month, 2pm – 3:30pm
Susan Shaw: 07531 193656 susan.shaw@ quarriers.org.uk
Natalia Beaton: 07917 052551 natalia.beaton@ quarriers.org.uk
Group Criteria
Online Evening Group Registered carers
Parent Carer
Wee Blether
Registered Parent Carers under the age of 55
Online over Zoom
Peterculter
Wee Blether Registered carers and relatives of those living at Coronation Court
Younger Carers’
Wee Blether Registered carers aged 18-24
Donbank Room, Tillydrone Community Campus, 52 Hayton Road, AB24 2UY
Coronation Court, Peterculter, AB14 0SH
ReCHarge Café, Bon Accord Centre
The third Tuesday of each month, 6pm7:30pm
Every second Tuesday, 10:30am –12:30pm (except school holidays/ in-service days)
Every second Monday, 2pm –4pm
Teresa Massie: 07917 521853
teresa.massie@ quarriers.org.uk
Elaine Dukes: 07917 521852
elaine.dukes@ quarriers.org.uk
Lauren Milton: 07939 173970
lauren.milton@ quarriers.org.uk
Every second Thursday, 1pm –2:30pm 01224 914036 aberdeencarers@ quarriers.org.uk
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Feeling anxious or struggling to cope?
Visit www. nhsinform.scot/ mindtomind
50 Gilcomston Park, Aberdeen AB25 1NX
Tel: 01224 914036 aberdeencarers@quarriers.org.uk carers.quarriers.org.uk/aberdeen-carers