Carers SPRING ROUNDUP Newsletter May 2020
Newsletter May 2020
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Newsletter May 2020
Note from the VSA Carers Team Hello everyone, The outbreak of the coronavirus is one of the most challenging situations that any of us have had to face in our lifetime. I want to take this time to reassure you all that the VSA Carers Team are here for you. All Carers Advisors are all working remotely from home – but our contact numbers and emails remain the same. Please feel free to contact your Carer Advisor for any information or advice you may be looking for. Or even if you need a chat – the team are just at the end of the phone. Please get in touch to let us know if there are any issues or problems you are having. We will do all we can to support you with this. This is a trying time and we want to be there to make sure that we are doing anything we can to support you. Full contact details for all the team can be found at the end of the newsletter. Stay safe, and wishing you and your family all the very best.
Jackie Jackie Campbell, Carers Team Manager
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Newsletter May 2020
Carers Issue: VSA Carers Team are now working remotely due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Our advisors are here to provide you with guidance and support. At VSA Carers Service we offer a range of practical, emotional and social support. The team can be contacted via telephone, video call, or email. Please see page 24 for contact details for your Carer Advisor.
Bailey Scott Age 7 with his drawing for Carers
A quick look at what this issues holds... Careers Week Schedule ....................14 Making caring visable in 2020. This year we aim to raise awareness of the fantatic work our carers do!
Emergency Plans...................................6 Are you a carer? Does someone rely on you? What would happen if you couldn’t be there?
Carer Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health.........................17 VSA Confidential Counselling Service for Carers
Carers Trust Emergency Fund ...................................8 Take time for me, Aberdeen .........8 3 good things...............................................19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)..................................9 Carers in Scotland can request personal protective equipment (PPE) to support their caring role.
A few suggestive to help encourage positive thoughts throughout these difficult times
Too busy Caring to take care of myself ......................................21 It’s important to practice what you preach and learn to look after yourself!
The Invisible Carer..............................22 VSA Carers Story.....................................10 John has been looking after his wife 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since we went into Coronavirus Lockdown.
Careers Week..................................................12 Making caring visable in 2020. This year we aim to raise awareness of the fantatic work our carers do!
Making carers Visible.....................23 Useful Links & Contacts...................24 Get involved................................................26
Newsletter May 2020
Emergency Plans Are you a carer? Does someone rely on you? What would happen if you couldn’t be there?
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Newsletter May 2020
We all think we will always be there, but what if you were ill, had a family crisis to deal with, or you were just running late? What would you do? That’s where an emergency plan could help.
who could take over their caring role if they become ill or need to self-isolate –particularly while social work services are under additional pressure. It is important to make sure you have key information about the person you care for easily available – so that anyone taking over care has all the information they need.
An emergency plan looks at the care of an adult or child in case of emergencies. It makes provision for occasions when you are unable to fulfil your caring role and sets out the practical arrangements for shortterm, unplanned periods.
Download your emergency planning toolkit here: https://www.enable.org.uk/get-support-information/ families-carers/future-planning/emergency-planning/
Having a plan in place can stop an emergency becoming a crisis and can give you and the person you care for peace of mind. Emergency planning is relevant to all carers, irrespective of the age of the carer, the age of the person they care for or the health needs or disability the cared-for person has.
If you are unable to download a plan, please get in touch with us and we will send one out to you – your Carer Advisor can support you with filling one out if required.
Carers who don’t already have an emergency plan in place may want to talk with family & friends about
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Newsletter May 2020
Carers Trust Emergency Fund
Taking time for me, Aberdeen
Both the VSA Carers Services Team and Carers Trust appreciate that for many unpaid carers the ongoing Coronavirus emergency has made an already difficult situation far worse. Carers Trust have recently released information on a Carers Emergency Fund to help support carers through the current Coronavirus crisis.
Despite the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in, it is still possible for Carers to make an application to the ‘Taking Time for Me fund’.
This Emergency Fund has been set up to provide small grants of up to £300 as quickly as possible to those who need it most. If you feel you are in need, and would like to discuss making an application to the fund then please contact your VSA Carer Advisor for more information. Please be aware that certain conditions and restrictions may apply to any application
It may just require ‘thinking outside the box’ to consider what might be available currently, that still offers you that vital opportunity to get a well-deserved break from your caring role. Why not check out the Shared Care Scotland feature on ‘Short Breaks for Strange Times’ or speak with your VSA Carer Advisor about your own ideas. https://www.sharedcarescotland. org.uk/resources/shortbreaks-for-strange-times/ The Short Breaks Fund is operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of National
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Carer Organisations and The Scottish Government. The purpose of the Short Breaks Fund is to increase the range, choice, and availability of short breaks for unpaid carers and those they care for across Scotland. In Aberdeen, VSA Carers Service manages the fund for carers of adults 21 years and over. Taking Time for Me, Aberdeen will enable carers to access funds and support to help take short breaks that meet their needs. The fund is open for new applications, subject to availability of funding. The grant aims to benefit carers and the people they care for in Aberdeen City. Applications for up to a maximum of £250 will be considered. A Short Breaks Panel will meet monthly to review applications. The panel is made up of a member of the VSA Carers Support Team, a Carer and Health & Social Care Practitioners
Find out more: www.vsa.org.uk/carers-support/ adult-carers-aberdeen-city/ short-breaks-fund/
Newsletter May 2020
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Carers in Scotland can request personal protective equipment (PPE) to support their caring role. The Scottish Government has provided guidance for carers on what PPE is needed and when.
with personal care how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Link as follows: https://www.gov.scot/ publications/coronavirus-covid19-advice-for-unpaid-carersproviding-personal-care/pages/ overview/
The information provides advice for people who visit or live with a friend or family member, providing help
If the routes you normally use to access PPE are unavailable, please contact us at the VSA Adult Carers Service and we will advise you on how to access these supplies locally. Telephone: 01224 358628 Email: carers.info@vsa.org.uk
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Newsletter May 2020
VSA Carers Story John has been looking after his wife 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since we went into Coronavirus Lockdown. John and his wife have been married 60 years and he has cared for her for the last 7 years. John said “ When Lockdown came, my wife had her day care cancelled which gave me three days a week to rest, catch my breath and look after the house and do shopping. We had carers come in 3 days a week in the mornings to support my wife. I decided because of my own health concerns, and also for the safety of my wife, to cancel the care to eliminate any risks of catching this virus. I had a stroke last year and also have COPD so I need to keep myself well to look after my wife.” Here’s what John had to say: How do I keep going? Some days are difficult – but I
have get on with it. I do find it particularly hard when I try and support my wife and she can refuse, I will walk away – count to ten and try again. One day she had her night dress on all day. I didn’t have the energy to try to change her mind and when I thought about it – it didn’t really matter as she was well. I have close family who are brilliant, they bring shopping and anything else we need and also introduced us to Wiltshire meals – I got them on a trial basis and I can’t fault them.
little conversation and this can be quite lonely for me. As my wife continues to enjoy her word search books I make sure I always have plenty to keep her going! I like to keep our house tidy – due to my breathing difficulties. I will hoover half the flat, stop for a rest then carry on. It doesn’t all have to be done in one go. I used to have a cleaner but this stopped when lockdown came about. I do miss her, for helping us keep up the house and also for her chat. She is amazing! How Do I Relax?
Day to day? My wife will sit and do Word Search books. Due to the extent of her dementia we have very
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I like to read and have plenty books, do crosswords in the evening paper, catch up in the news and watch TV.
Newsletter May 2020
*All names have been changed
I also have a Tablet where I can keep in touch with family here and abroad, my son is in Singapore. I have Facebook, this is a great way for me to keep in touch – I also talk to them on the telephone daily and know they are always there. I couldn’t have got through looking after my wife without their support. Sometimes I fall asleep as I can get pretty tired – but she is the “love of my life” and I wouldn’t be without her. Yes it can be difficult but I am dealing with a person who isn’t there as she used to be, it could have been different – it could have been my wife looking after me and I know that she wouldn’t give up on me either. Where do I get my strength? I have always been a very determined person, maybe having illness as a boy heightened my
determination. There was nothing I couldn’t do, I built up my fitness and strength, I think that’s what keeps me going to this day. VSA Carers Service stepped in a few years ago after my daughters took me to my GP and I was diagnosed with pneumonia – the GP directed us to VSA Carers for support and I have had support ever since. They provided me with Short Break Funding which I used for fishing vouchers at Lochter. I had some amazing times there fishing with my family when my wife was at her day centre. I was a very keen fisher and really enjoyed this. I know my Carer Advisor is there and we keep in contact as the condition of my wife deteriorates and her needs change – I have the support of my Carer Advisor and
Care Management who organise my wife’s care. I want to keep looking after my wife for as long as I am able and having my family support, Care Management and VSA Carers there, I can do this! We used to have a regular carer who had built up a great relationship with my wife and since Lockdown –she had to change her working life to take care of her son. I can’t wait until all this is over to see her again! She is a godsend to me! We just need to carry on and get through this as we will get through it. It hard but if we all keep safe and stay home we will be able to see our family and friends properly again. VSA has been a huge help to me and if you need support please get in touch with them and ask.”
Feedback shows that carers love to read and hear stories from fellow carers. They tell us that the carers’ stories help them to feel less isolated. A story of triumph or adversity can give hope to others who are still struggling. A story of challenges and heartache may help others to know that they are not the only ones in a challenging situation. If you have a story to share please get in touch - it could be invaluable to others.
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Newsletter May 2020
Carers Week (8th - 14th June)
This year’s theme is Making Caring Visible in 2020 to come together and help Make Caring Visible.
Caring can be rewarding but also challenging. Many carers are currently dealing with more challenges than ever before. It is important that carers know how to look after their own health and wellbeing, and that we all recognise the contribution that carers make.
Everyone has a part to play in making sure our unpaid carers are seen, heard, and understood; and helping them to get the support they need to care. It could be each of us reaching out to our family, friends or neighbours, who we know are caring for someone, and letting them know that we are there for them too.
Its impact on all aspects of life, from relationships and health to finances and work, should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.
In these strange and difficult times let’s make sure we recognise what unpaid carers are doing.
This is where VSA Carers Resource Service can help! This Carers Week we’re recognising that now, more than ever before, it’s time for us
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Newsletter May 2020
Carers Week 2020 Virtual Events Schedule Making Aberdeen Carers Visible We may not be able to meet up as normal this Carers Week, however, we have planned a week of virtual events that are a mix of virtual social, learning, and wellbeing events. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of unpaid carers, the challenges they face and the contribution they make to society. VSA Carers Resource Service is marking this year’s theme, “Making Caring Visible”, with a series of free online events for carers from Monday 8th to Friday 12th June 2020. This is our small way of saying a big thank you to unpaid carers and more so now during COVID-19. We know this is very testing times and we want you to know that we are there for you. We are here to offer you practical, emotional and social support, please call 01224 212021 if you need any help in signing up or taking part in one of our online events.
Monday 8th June Mindfulness Adult Colouring Book for Relaxation 10am Colouring is proven therapy to help relax, de-stress and reduce anxiety. Download our new mindfulness colouring book for carers and take the time this week to enjoy colouring in the pages. Once complete we would love to see how creative you have been, send us images of your completed pages and we will print some in the next edition of our new digital carers magazine. The book can be downloaded from our social media channel and our website. If you are unable to print this at home, please let your carer advisor know and we will print and post out to you. 8th- 14th June 2020 Mindfulness Video Session 2pm Arlene Malcolm is a qualified counsellor with the Carers Resource Service. The Team regularly hear stories from the unpaid carers they support of resilience, strength and courage yet carers can sometimes lose sight of these qualities, as the ups and downs of being a carer take its toll. This exercise reconnects you with qualities and strengths you already have and hopefully feel more able 14
to cope with the challenges you may face as a carer. This video will be available across our social media channels and our website. Fiona’s Kitchen Concerts! 6pm Join VSA’s Honorary President Fiona Kennedy and tune into her Teatime Concert Live from her Kitchen. This concert is being streamed via Fiona’s social media page on Facebook. We will share the link to the concert on the main VSA Facebook page.
Tuesday 9th June Meet the team - Q and A with a Carer Advisor 10am Listen to one of our Carers Advisor’s as they speak more about their role and how they can help. This video will be loaded to our Social Media Channels and our website. Taking Time for Me Carers ToolKit- 3pm The aim of this toolkit is to help you look at how this might be possible for you. It provides you with information about helpful ways to reduce stress and improve your physical and mental health and
some ideas of how you might be able to make some changes that help you to take better care of you. You can also get in touch if you would like further support from a Carer Advisor who can provide additional information and advice.
Thursday 11th June
You will be able to access this digital toolkit via our website or via our social media pages.
Thursday 11th June Meet the Team- Q&A with a Carer Advisor 10am
Wednesday 10th June
Listen to one of our Carers Advisor’s as they speak more about their role and how they can help. This video will be loaded to our Social Media Channels and our website.
Launch of our New Digital Carers Card - Making Carers Visible VSA launches a new carers identification card to ensure unpaid carers are recognised and are easily identifiable by NHS professionals, Health and Social Care professionals and others as an equal and valued partner in care across Aberdeen City. To order your carers card- please speak to your carers advisor. More information will be shared across our social media channels on Wednesday. Virtual Carers Cafe, 2.30pm Last week we invited all Carers registered with our service to join your carer advisor for a cuppa tea at 2.30pm. To take part in virtually connecting with your carer advisor and other carers via zoom,
please contact your carers advisor -contact details can be found on our website, or in our new digital newsletter.
Looking After Your Back Toolkit- 3pm Newly designed carers toolkit to help you with manual handling in your caring role. This toolkit will be available across our social media channels and our website.
qualities and strengths you already have and hopefully feel more able to cope with the challenges you may face as a carer. This video will be available across our social media channels and our website. First Aid for Carers Toolkit 3pm Newly designed first aid training tips for Carers. This new toolkit will be available across our social media channels and our website.
Carers Week 2020 Online Resources: Website: www.vsa.org.uk/carers Facebook: Support VSA Instagram: @supportvsa Twitter: @supportvsa #VSACARERS #CARERSWEEK #MAKINGCARESVISIBLE #VSA150
Friday 12th June Visualisation with Arlene Malcom 10am Arlene Malcolm is a qualified counsellor with the Carers Resource Service. The Team regularly hear stories from the unpaid carers they support of resilience, strength and courage yet carers can sometimes lose sight of these qualities, as the ups and downs of being a carer take its toll. This exercise reconnects you with 15
IF YOU CANNOT ACCESS ANY OF THESE RESOURCES PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR CARERS ADVISOR WHO WILL HELP
Newsletter May 2020
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Carer Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health VSA Confidential Counselling Service for Carers Ever felt like no one listens to you? That you can’t talk to family or friends about how you feel regarding your caring situation? That your wishes and needs take second place to those of the person you care for.
With the Counsellor’s support you will have the opportunity to gain better understanding of your issues and how you might deal with them. If you are interested in finding out more about this free VSA Carers service, then please contact your Carer Advisor.
Counselling gives you a chance to deal more effectively with your situation by providing an opportunity to talk through your thoughts and feelings with a trained counsellor.
(NB Currently sessions must take place by phone or video call)
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Newsletter May 2020
‘ Today is a good day, to have a good day’ - Ben Francia
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3 Good Things... Research suggests that as humans we are programmed to look for the “bad stuff” -things that are dangerous, cause us harm etc. During this Coronavirus Lockdown there is so much that is negative coming at us from all directions, TV, radio, social media conversations with family and friends …. The list is endless
At first it might be difficult to find 3 things but usually we find we start to pay attention and ‘look out’ for things so we can write them down later. And you may start finding more and more positives? The added bonus is by doing this last thing you end your day on a positive note and by the end of days you will have a whole list of positives for the week!
New pla nt!
Here is a little exercise that can help us focus on the “good stuff”-we are actually training our brain to pay attention to the positive, no matter how small that is! Simply every evening write down 3 positive things that you have noticed during your day and do this each day. It could be the birds singing outside your window. Or the joke your friend told you when she called. Maybe that great cup of coffee you were able to enjoy in the morning. Whatever comes to your mind.
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Why Not Give It A Go –and see if you feel more positive? We would love to hear how you get on so we can share your ‘3 Good Things’ with other carers.
song e t i r u o v Fa adio on the r
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Letter from
a friend
Newsletter May 2020
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Too Busy Caring To Take Care Of Myself! Sound familiar? Even prior to the current Coronavirus Lockdown the majority of carers accessing our VSA Carers Service experience a negative impact on their health and wellbeing as a result of their caring role. Caring takes priority over their own needs –carers may give up hobbies and interests, socialising, relaxing and exercising. And sometimes even cancelling their own crucial medical appointments and operations due to their caring role.
activities that are possible at the moment but it’s still very important to carve out a little time each day to take time for you. There are lots of helpful resources available and if this is something you’d like to know more about then please do get in touch -we can provide you with both information and advice on how you can practice self-care during Lockdown.
These are all examples of mindful activities –try anything that focuses your attention and that you enjoy.
Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
For many the current situation has had an even greater impact on their health and wellbeing, as their formal and informal supports are not currently available due to Shielding and Self-Isolation or because of the imposed social distancing measures.
Make sure you are taking time to eat properly and stay hydrated -think of yourself like a battery and keep yourself fully charged rather than grabbing things on the go. Make this a priority.
Watch how much news / social media you are exposed to and maybe have a day or two where you ‘switch off’ from it completely.
However, during this time, it is even more important for those who have a caring role to take care of themselves too.
Do a mindful activity each day for mindful meditation - try yoga, colouring, doing a jigsaw puzzle or reading a book as well as gardening.
It may be that you have to be a little creative in the self-care
If you have a smart phone try the Headspace or CALM app.
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Use a visualisation - create a detailed picture in your mind of a calm / relaxing place. What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Bring this image into your mind when you want to feel relaxed
Connect with family and friends as much as you can – but also be aware of some of the people who might be draining you. Remember it’s ok to limit contact with those individuals at the moment. Pamper yourself with nice handcream, moisturiser, bubbles in your bath or invigorating shower gel.
Newsletter May 2020
The Invisible Carer I am a carer but I am still me Don’t be fooled by what you see My happy smile my cheerful wave You wouldn’t know I am just being brave I didn’t choose this life I had no choice! My overwhelming stress is not given a voice Giving up my job to provide mum with care Yet sometime professionals act like I’m not there I am a carer but I am still me Don’t be fooled by what you see My happy smile my cheerful wave You wouldn’t know I am just being brave My health is deteriorating I have lost touch with my friends Sometimes it feels like these tasks never end! I am a carer but I am still me Don’t be fooled by what you see My happy smile my cheerful wave You wouldn’t know I am just being brave If you want to help me the most important thing you can do Is be sure to let me know I am not invisible to you I am a carer but I am still me Acknowledging my existence is so important to me So give me a smile and give me a wave Show me you understand I am being brave
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Newsletter May 2020
Making Caring Visible PHOTO COMPETITION We want carers in Aberdeen to know that they are not alone. We understand the additional pressures carers are under due to the coronavirus outbreak and we know that there are challenging moments but also there are wonderful moments too. Carers should be celebrated for the vital work that you do every day for your loved one (s)
special moment that makes you smile between you and the person you care for you. Send us your image via email or text direct to your carer advisor (details at the back of the newsletter) to be in with a chance of winning one of three ÂŁ50 vouchers.
Over the month of June, we want you to send us an image of what means something special to you. This could be a picture of the sunrise, a picture of a flower or perhaps a
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We will print a selection of the images received in the next edition of our new look and feel digital carers magazine. The top three images will receive a ÂŁ50 voucher that you can spend in various locations. Making Caring Visible Photo Competition
Newsletter May 2020
Useful Links & Contacts NHS inform NHSinform.scot
Mental Health Aberdeen: 01224 590510
UK Government gov.uk/coronavirus
Penumbra, First Response Team: 0800 234 3695
Aberdeen City Council COVID Crises Helpline 0800 0304 713 (Mon - Fri 8am - 6-pm) aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/people-andcommunities/coronavirus-covid-19
NHS Grampian Healthpoint: 08085 202030 MIND Have produced a helpful guide to offer support to people around taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during this time. Find out more here: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Grampian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance Hub 08081963384 (8am-8pm) gcah.org.uk NHS Grampian 0345 456 6000
Mindfulness Local mindfulness teachers live sessions on Facebook to help cultivate a sense of community. Five broadcasts a week: Mon/Weds/Fri 8pm (30 mins) and Tues/Thurs at 6.15pm (10 mins). Or catchup: www.facebook.com/Grampian-MindfulnessCollective-100679641617121/
Community Meals (Through Bon Accord Care) bonaccordcare.org/what-we-do/home-support Coalition of Carers www.carersnet.org/2020/03/covid-19-advice-forcarers/ Carers UK www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronaviruscovid-19/coronavirus-covid-19 Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership www.aberdeencityhscp.scot/our-news/covid-19coronavirus-updates/
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VSA Carers Service’ Team Contact Details: Jackie Campbell, Carers Service Manager 01224 358628 | Jackie.Campbell@vsa.org.uk Judith Watt, Carer Advisor Team Leader 01224 358539 | Judith.Watt@vsa.org.uk Arlene Malcolm, Carer Advisor 01224 358135 | Arlene.Malcolm@vsa.org.uk Donna Lawie, Carer Advisor 01224 358545 | Donna.Lawie@vsa.org.uk Elaine Dukes, Carer Advisor 01224 212021 | Elaine.Dukes@vsa.org.uk Hazel Reid, Carer Advisor 01224 358629 | Hazel.Reid@vsa.org.uk Louisa Donaldson, Carer Advisor 01224 358546 | Louisa.Donaldson@vsa.org.uk Teresa Massie, Carer Advisor 01224 358627 | Teresa.Massie@vsa.org.uk Helen Donald, Carer Contact Centre Enquiries 01224 358631 | Carers.info@vsa.org.uk Yvonne Matthew, Carer Administrator 01224 35853 | Carers.info@vsa.org.uk
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Our Locations VSA Aberdeen locations 1. Airyhall 2. Arrdeir House Care Home 3. Broomhill Activity Centre
Dyce
4. Broomhill Park
Aberdeen Airport
5. Craigton Grove 6. Cloverfield Grove 7. Crosby House
Bridge of Don
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8. Easter Anguston Farm 10. Linn Moor Residential School
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11. Maisie’s Children’s Centre
Northfield
12. Mercat Bookshop
er
Bucksburn
n Do
9. Linn Moor Campus
Riv
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13. Millbank House 14. Northfield Lodge
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
15. Richmondhill House 16. Ruthrieston House Care Home
University of Aberdeen
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Woodend Hospital
17. St Aubin’s
20 Rubislaw
18. Westerton Crescent
North Sea
19. Woodside Activity Centre
13 Ferryhill
20. VSA Head Office
Balnagask
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8
Kincorth
Cults
9 5
Cove Bay
Peterculter
Get Involved: vsa.org.uk
vsa aberdeen
@supportvsa
@supportvsa
Support
Registered in Scotland as Aberdeen Association of Social Service operating as VSA Company Registration Number 18487; Registered Scottish Charity Number SC 012950 Head Office: 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5YU