Charity - Aberdeen Voice

£50,000 Legacy Establishes Charity Carers’ Crisis Fund

Jun 142013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Social care charity VSA’s Carers Service kick-started Carers’ Week 2013 (10 – 16 June) by launching a £50,000 Carers’ Crisis Fund, available to unpaid carers aged over 18 throughout Aberdeen city and shire thanks to a generous legacy.

At a lunch on Tuesday hosted in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, speakers honoured local carers and, coinciding with the Carers’ Week 2013 theme ‘Prepared to Care,’ asked whether local carers really are emotionally and practically prepared to care, particularly in a crisis situation.

Lucy Whiteman, development manager at VSA’s Aberdeenshire Carers Support, said:-

“Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives. There are a lot of services to support the people being cared for. But what about supporting the carer when they need it most?

“VSA is absolutely delighted to receive this fund. It’s open to any carer in the north-east facing difficulty. We want to reach new carers and help those we’re already working with. It could be a broken down washing machine and a carer who needs funding for a replacement. It could fund a laundry service for an unpaid carer who’s too overworked to do it themselves.

“A family may need help covering the cost of a call support system for the house. Or it could be transport to hospital visits. Funds are obviously limited and we’ll support those in greatest need. But each case will be different but our independent panel will be open to ideas.”

Dorothy McBrearty cares for her father who has Alzheimer’s, Prostate cancer and COPD and her mother who suffers from two types of dementia:-

“This new fund would have been really beneficial for me. As their only carer, it’s difficult when suffering my own health problems too. When I had to go to the doctor, it could clash with their appointments. Having emergency help to transport them would have been brilliant.”

“Carers in the north-east must take advantage of this. Being a carer can make you tired and stressed. You don’t want any added strain on yourself or the person you’re caring for. Knowing you can call for help in a crisis would be an amazing comfort.”

Lucy continued:-

“This legacy is going to be a huge help in a time of increased crisis and panic. Carers are faced with more tough decisions that further impact on their busy and often extremely stressful lives. But having an opportunity to access a Carers’ Crisis Fund would be a massive relief during a desperate time.

“Caring for someone else can seriously impact your health, relationships, finances and career. It has a real knock-on effect. It’s not something you want to handle alone. The right support and advice is essential. By getting involved in Carers Week 2013, we can highlight and improve conditions for the 25,000 unpaid carers in Aberdeen city and shire.”

Tuesday’s event will include a speech from Len Ironside, convenor of Aberdeen City Council’s Social Care and Wellbeing Committee and a personal perspective on preparing to care from local carer Vic Baxter. There will also be information stalls with specialist staff on hand for advice, open between 11am and 3pm.

VSA’s Carers’ Service is hosting further local events to raise awareness of the support available:

VSA’s Forest Grove, a community-based facility for adults aged over 50 who are cared for at home, will host ‘Fun at Forest Grove,’ with drop-in sessions Monday to Friday between 10am and 12 noon for carers and those they care for, complete with social activities, Reiki sessions, stalls and raffles.
Fun with Aberdeenshire Carers Support on Thursday 13 June at the Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Road, Inverurie between 11am and 3pm. Expecting to attract 100 carers and includes care campaigner Tommy Whitelaw as keynote speaker, refreshments, massage, cookery, floristry, reiki and more.
Staffed information display at Bon Accord Shopping Centre, Monday to Friday during Carers Week, between 10am and 4pm.
Information display at AsdaAberdeenBeach and Sainsbury’s Berryden throughout Carers Week.

The funding is the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire share of a legacy from the late Mrs Nadia Moulton-Barrett, left to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Scotland (part of Carers Trust). The VSA Moulton-Barrett Legacy Fund, known as VSA’s Carers’ Crisis Fund, will be a responsive grant programme to fund items or services for carers facing challenges.

For more information about VSA’s Carers Services, visit its headquarters at 38 Castle Street, call 01224 212021 or visit our website at www.vsa.org.uk. For more information about Carers’ Week events visit www.carersweek.org

Nobody Loves Lucy

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jun 072013

The Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre is seeking a loving home for a young dog who has known nothing but rejection in her life.

Lucy, an adorable four year old female staffie crossbreed, came into the charity’s care in February when she was sadly abandoned by her previous owner.

She was rehomed but unfortunately this didn’t work out and Lucy was returned to the Scottish SPCA through no fault of her own.

Staff at the Drumoak-based centre fear Lucy is becoming increasingly stressed in the kennel environment and her desperate attempts to attract a new owner are putting people off.

Assistant Manager Debbie Innes said,

“Lucy just craves love and attention and her only real pleasure in life comes from being part of a family.

“Without this she is completely lost and just doesn’t know how to cope. Her natural zest for life is restricted in the kennel environment and it’s heartbreaking to see her in a situation which is upsetting to her.

“She becomes ecstatic when anyone walks past her kennel and will jump up and down like a jack in the box to try and attract their attention.

“However, most people find this very off-putting and assume she’s just a daft dog, while we know this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Lucy is much happier outside of her kennel and this is when she really comes into her own. She is a very active, energetic dog who will require lots of exercise and stimulation but she’s also a very intelligent girl with a great sense of humour and a natural affinity with children.

“In fact, Lucy has always shown herself to be very calm and gentle around children and we think she would do very well in a family environment.

“With the right owners Lucy has the potential to be a superstar dog who will love her family with unequalled devotion, if only someone would give her the chance.”

Anyone interested in offering Lucy a home can call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 and ask to be connected to the Aberdeenshire Centre.

Uni Students Campaign For £1 Billion For Global Fund

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Jun 062013

With thanks to Kubra Boza.

Students from the Stop AIDS Campaign Aberdeen were out on the street in city centre last Saturday to raise awareness of their twitter campaign which started on Thursday 6^th June.

Along with other Stop AIDS campaigners from across UK universities, they took pictures with the public holding up a giant #theworldiswatchingnow eyeball placard and encouraged them to tweet Justine Greening, the UK Secretary of State for International Development.

The campaign is to push the UK to increase their contribution to the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

The Global Fund is a transparent and innovative financing institution that provides funding to support programs that prevent, treat and care for people with HIV & AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria all over the world.

Currently the Global Fund needs to raise $15 billion to meet the needs for these devastating diseases for the next three years.

Azam Ismail, the president of Student Stop AIDS Aberdeen said:

“The USA has pledged to give $5 billion but only if the other countries give the remaining $10 billion.

“We realise that £1 billion is a big sum of money, but it is absolutely essential for the UK to step up their contributions in order to ensure that the USA keep their promise and the Global Fund can reach their target.

“We encourage everyone to join us in tweeting @JustineGreening on Thursday to let her know you care and that the world is watching now”

The Student Stop AIDS campaign advocates for global access to HIV medication, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.

It is a network of over 30 student societies all of which are a part of a national Stop AIDS Campaign, a coalition of over 60 UK NGOs and trade unions.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abdnStopAIDS
Twitter: @StopAIDSAbdn

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Major North East Charities Consider A Shared Future

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 312013

With thanks to Alan Reid.

Two of Scotland’s leading charities have announced formal discussions to explore joining forces.

VSA, the North East’s long established social care charity and Aberdeen Foyer, which works to prevent and alleviate youth homelessness and unemployment, are looking at proposals to come together later in the year.

In a joint statement, Kenneth Simpson, VSA’s Chief Executive and Ken Milroy, Chief Executive of the Foyer said:

“We are considering bringing our two charities closer together.

“Both VSA and the Foyer have an excellent track record and our plans will further enhance and strengthen the provision of tailored services to meet the needs of local people.”

Diving Herrons Stack Up Charity Cash

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

May 312013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

27 May – 2 June is National Family Week, and one Aberdeen family will celebrate some special birthdays with a sponsored sky dive to support causes close to their hearts, NE social care charity VSA’s Friends for Life club and PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity.

The eight-strong group will take the plunge on Wednesday 17 July at Peterlee, County Durham.

Joanne Herron said:

“Our family has had a lot to celebrate recently. So, we decided to come together for something I never thought I’d even consider – jumping out of an aeroplane. At first it sounded crazy, but in the context of doing it to raise money for charities that mean a lot to us, it didn’t seem so unachievable after all.

“My dad, John, has always wanted to do a sky dive. Last year he not only turned 60 but got married to Christina in October. So, with my new step-brother Scott MacIver, an Olympic Torch bearer for VSA and BP, turning 21 and my thirtieth in May, we thought what better way to celebrate than jumping out of a plane? We roped in another four too, making it a proper family outing.

“We’re paying for the jump out of our own pockets so every single penny we raise will go to VSA and PDSA. VSA has been a part of our lives for years now. My dad worked with VSA’s Friends for Life club for 14 years and now Scott, who used to attend the club due to his disabilities, is a volunteer there.

“Our fundraising will make sure others like Scott can have the amazing experience he did. For children with additional support needs, mainstream youth clubs are often not an option due to their condition. But why should they miss out? They still need to socialise, be themselves and have fun.

“Without this club, many children with disabilities in Aberdeen wouldn’t have any friends. Friends for Life makes sure these amazing children and young people can find and keep friends in a safe, happy and fun environment. They love it. It also gives their parents or carers well-deserved and much-needed respite. But, more importantly, lets them see their children happy and playing with friends, just as it should be.”

Elaine Michael, a day care manager for children with special needs and manages the Friends for Life clubs, said:

“I’m delighted that John and his family feel passionate enough about Friends for Life to jump out of a plane on our behalf. We’re so lucky to have some amazing fundraisers behind us at VSA. Without the support and enthusiasm of our local community, we wouldn’t have Friends for Life.”

The Friends for Life clubs will share the funds with PDSA. Christina has worked in the Aberdeen PetAid Hospital for nine years. The charity cares for the pets of people in need by providing free veterinary services for their sick and injured pets.

The group of eight is, John Herron, his wife Christina MacIver and Christina’s son Scott MacIver; John’s daughters Joanne Herron and Lynsey Norrie; his son Craig Herron, Craig’s wife Lisa and John’s niece Jenni Nicolson.

You can sponsor the family at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TheHerronsTakeFlight

Record Breaking £15,000 Raised At Charity Spring Fair

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

May 242013

With Thanks to Claire McBain.

After welcoming almost 3,000 visitors to its spring fair at Easter Anguston Farm on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th May, social care charity VSA raised £14,581 at an event which marked the re-opening of the farm for the summer.

This figure is significantly more than ever raised before at either their spring fairs or the charity’s VSA Days which were previously held in Duthie Park.

While the farm’s new donated pygmy goats – which can be seen on YouTube at http://ow.ly/kz3Nf - were the highlight of the day, visitors were also kept entertained by Segway experiences, a bouncy castle, face painting and games.

VSA services also hosted stalls, spreading the word about the good they do and fundraising for their individual causes.

Staff and service users from VSA’s Arrdeir House, a long-term residential support for adults with varying degrees of mental health difficulties who would struggle to cope alone in the community, focused their efforts on fundraising for a trip of a lifetime to Disneyland.

By working in the Farm’s café on both days, the group exceeded their target and will be able to send two long-term service users on their dream holiday.

Doreen Murray, team leader at Arrdeir House, said:

“It’s fantastic!

“Elspeth [Donald] and Richard [White] have been with VSA for 21 years but neither of them have been on an aeroplane, or even been out of Aberdeen.

“Now they can!”

Debbie Fotheringham, event and fundraising co-ordinator at VSA, said:

“Of course, the most important thing about the day is the cause behind it.

“VSA is the largest charity in the north-east, an umbrella to more than 30 life-changing social care services.

“VSA supports thousands of the most vulnerable people in the community, reaching out to newborn babies, children with additional support needs, young and adult carers, adults with mental health difficulties and older people.

“The services include a nursery, school, play schemes, respite, advice, care homes, day care, respite opportunities, a bookshop and, of course, the farm.”

For the last six years the charity has taken over Duthie Park for the VSA Day, but this year the Peterculter-based farm incorporated the landmark event with its annual spring fair, raising awareness of the local work which VSA does in looking after thousands of people, and celebrating those who have supported the charity over the past year.

Easter Anguston Farm will now be open daily throughout the summer, from 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m., when visitors will find all the usual attractions – the coffee shop, education centre, farm shop and garden centre – in full swing.

For more information about VSA and other events visit www.vsa.org.uk or www.youtube.com/supportvsa

Torry Tales And 24 Hour Art For Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 172013

Oil and Glass was opened in Torry in May 2012 when it was chosen as a winning business in Aberdeen City Council’s Retail Rocks scheme. After a very successful first year, Shelagh Swanson, the studio’s owner and artist in residence, has taken on the retail unit in her own right. Included in her plans to expand the business is the development of additional studio spaces for artists.

To celebrate the studio’s first birthday, Shelagh will be undertaking a marathon painting and glassmaking session from 1000 on 23 May until the same time the following day.

Other artists, working in a variety of media, will be joining Shelagh in creating work, to be sold by silent auction to raise funds for their chosen charity, Momentum Aberdeen Brain Injury Services.

The public will be able to pop in at any time during the event to watch the artists at work and follow progress.

Finished creations will initially be made available for bid via the Oil and Glass Facebook page, but the culmination will be a silent auction at the birthday party on Saturday 25 May from 1900-2200, when all the artwork made will be exhibited.

During Shelagh’s marathon, Hidden Aberdeen Tours will be providing free storytelling sessions Tales of Old Torry from 1500 to 1700, and Terror Tales of Old Torry between 2300 and 0100 – not for the faint hearted!

Shelagh decided to support Momentum Aberdeen Brain Injury Services when the lovely Rhian Johns, who has been helped enormously by the charity, was taken to the studio by her mum Iris to commission a painting.

Rhian’s story is featured on the studio’s webpage where there’s also a preview of a further fundraising event, Top Hats and Tiaras Grand Ball, due to take place at the Hilton Treetops on September 14^.

Rhian and Iris will be joining Shelagh in the studio during part of the event and will be available for photographs.

Oil and Glass
64 Victoria Road
Torry
Aberdeen
AB11 9DS

Tel: 01224 905134

Email: shelagh@oilandglass.co.uk
Web: www.oilandglass.co.uk
Twitter: @oilandglass
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oilandglass

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Gorgeous Goats To Woo Guests At VSA Spring Fair

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

May 092013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

This weekend, social care charity VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm will host its biggest event to date – a Spring Fair to mark the re-opening of the farm for summer.
Thanks to significant local donations, this event will be complete with new developments including the first public unveiling of a pair of adorable pygmy goats that can be seen on YouTube at http://ow.ly/kz3Nf

For the last six years, the charity has taken over Duthie Park for its family fun day, but this year the Peterculter based farm will incorporate the landmark event with its annual Spring Fair, raising awareness of VSA’s local work in looking after thousands of people, and celebrating those who have supported the charity over the past year.

Fiona Davidson, farm operations manager, said:

“It’s an ideal occasion for people in Aberdeen and the shire to have fun while supporting their local community.

“Attractions include segway experiences, a bouncy castle, face painting, games, jewellery, craft and gift stalls and refreshments. VSA services will host stalls too, spreading the word about the good they do.

“There will singers, dancers and a childrens’ talent show, urging budding singers, dancers and comedians to show their community their hidden abilities. Of course, the farm’s usual attractions – the coffee shop, education centre, farm shop and garden centre – will be in full swing too.

“The brand new pygmy goats are a story in themselves. Donated by two local men who wanted to make a difference to the farm in a way other than the usual sponsored run or cycle. They’ll be joined by mini-donkeys in the next month. And there are other developments since last year too. The farm shop has been refitted and we have a revamped education room and new machinery workshop thanks to £50,000 from Aberdeen Airport’s BAA Community Fund.

“But the most important thing about the day is the cause behind it. Easter Anguston is a peaceful spot where adults with learning difficulties get valuable support and training.

“For the service users, the farm’s meaningful, vocational work can provide security of long-term employment or a stepping stone to the potentially intimidating mainstream job market. And, for visitors, the playful, vibrant atmosphere created by the dedicated staff and service users keeps them coming back time and time again.”

VSA’s Spring Fair is being held at Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, between 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th May, 2013.

Entry to the event, which is sponsored by CNR, is free but funds raised on the day will be used directly to support the local community.

For further details about the event e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk or call her on 01224 358617.

For more information about VSA and other events visit www.vsa.org.uk or www.youtube.com/supportvsa

Guardianship For Carers

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 022013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Dr. Peter Kiehlmann who is Aberdeen’s GP cluster lead, encouraged unpaid carers in the North East to plan for the future of the person they care for if in a worst case scenario, something should happen to the carer. Three in five people in Aberdeen will be carers at some point in their lives.

This was at an event organised by Aberdeen City Council and Voluntary Service Aberdeen’s (VSA) Carers’ Service, on the 1st of May.

Wilma Collie and her husband care for their 42-year-old autistic son Martin. She outlined the importance of decision-making on his behalf, urging fellow carers to follow suit:

“As morbid as it sounds, we’ll all die one day. It’s something you have to face as a carer. But it’s a huge benefit knowing that if anything happens to us Martin’s future is as secure as it can possibly be. I know he’ll be cared for, and I know it will be a simple process for our family to handle.

“I’d been to meetings through the years and heard the word ‘guardianship’ but thought nothing of it. Why would I need to be my son’s guardian? I’m his mother. But I realised having guardianship gave me legal power and a boost to my confidence when discussing Martin’s welfare.

“The process took over two years but it was well worth it. I’ve noticed the difference already when dealing with Martin’s affairs. It may seem like a daunting process but it’s not. Legal experts are there to help. Carers need to take advantage of their expertise. Don’t let potential costs hold you back either. Everyone’s circumstances are different but it is possible to do the process for free.”

Lesley Gray, the team leader at VSA’s Carers’ Service, said:

“Unpaid carers do an amazing job. But they have insanely busy lives and may not have time to delve into planning for the future. What if something was to happen to the carer? Cared-for people must have their future safeguarded. We want to get people thinking and planning.

“We all hope it won’t happen but prevention is better – and easier – than cure. In a time of crisis and panic, they would be faced with a lot of decisions. We want to make life easier now and in future. It’s so important to give carers an insight into what’s available.”

The event included a welcome from Len Ironside, convenor of Aberdeen City Council’s Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, a personal perspective on planning from Wilma Collie and presentations on power of attorney and guardianship. Relevant services including Aberdeen City Council’s Welfare Rights and Transitions Teams, Advocacy Aberdeen and Alzheimer’s Scotland were represented with information stalls.

Further information: according to Carers UK, there are nearly 6 million carers in the country. The Scottish Household Survey, conducted by The Scottish Government in 2010 reported 657,300 carers north of the border.

The Scottish SPCA Needs You

Featured, Information No Responses »

Apr 122013

With thanks to Mike Flynn.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to animal lovers to shake a collection tin at their local Tesco store between Friday the 3rd and Sunday the 5th of May.

Taking part is a fantastic way to help Scotland’s animals, even if you can only spare a few hours.

The fundraising team will provide everything you need to get started, including a Scottish SPCA tabard, a collection tin and stickers to hand out.

The Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said:-

“Last year we cared for a staggering 13,327 animals and 2013 is proving to be just as challenging.

“Honey, an extremely thin and injured lurcher, is just one of many animals we’ve rescued this year. This remarkable and brave girl was extremely frightened and needed urgent veterinary care when she was found.

“We were delighted to find Honey the loving new home she deserved after helping her recover from her terrible ordeal. As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding and rely on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work.

“Even if someone can only spare an hour or two to shake a collection tin, their time and efforts would be hugely appreciated. Every pound and penny raised really does make a difference and gives animals in need of our help a second chance in life.”

Anyone who would like to help can contact our fundraising team on 03000 999 999 or email.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Older Entries