Disability Archives - Page 4 of 11

Summer Event Builds Money For Cash For Kids

Sep 092016

North-east property and construction professionals and their families came together recently for the sector’s annual summer social event and to raise funds for local charity Cash for Kids. With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

Property and construction associations build Cash for Kids - (L to R holding the cheque) Michelle Ferguson, Courage the Cat and Michelle Forth

The Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers, Aberdeen Society of Architects, Chartered Institute of Building, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Royal Town Planning Institute and Women In Property held the joint event at Woodbank House on Sunday, 28 August.

Over 100 people attended the afternoon event that featured a barbecue, children’s entertainment, a range of family activities and a raffle, for which a number of local businesses had donated prizes.

Proceeds from the raffle were once again donated to north-east children’s charity Cash for Kids.

The organising committee selected Cash for Kids to benefit from its fundraising for a second consecutive year after learning about the broad range of funding requests that the charity supports. This year, the raffle raised £515, bringing the amount donated as a result of the last two summer social events to £950.

Cash for Kids supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Alongside its annual Mission Christmas gift appeal and Coats for Kids appeal, the north-east charity operates a quarterly grant programme that provides funding to improve the quality of children’s lives across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

One of the event organisers, Michelle Forth of Safety Scotland, said:

“Our annual summer garden party is a chance for those who work in Aberdeen’s diverse property and construction sector to get together and network. The afternoon was well attended and we are very pleased to have raised over £500 for Cash for Kids.

“Our organising committee has noted the superb work that Cash for Kids does month in, month out and were keen to support the charity again this year. The quarterly grant giving programme is a wonderful initiative that benefits a diverse spectrum of children. Each of the associations involved are proud to assist families across the north-east through this scheme.”

Cash for Kids continues to see strong demand for its grant funding, with the value of applications outweighing the amount donated by the public and the business community.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“We are very grateful to the organisers for choosing Cash for Kids to be the recipient of their fundraising. Donations such as this enable us to make a positive, valuable contribution to the lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and their families who live in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. It makes grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18.

More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids, or telephone 01224 337010

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Whiteford Hails Progress With Buchan Buses

Aberdeenshire, News No Responses »

Aug 262016

With thanks to Kenneth Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford.

StagecoachPlaxton

BANFF & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has spoken following further meetings with Stagecoach managers and bus manufacturers Plaxton regarding the accessibility of the buses serving the Buchan area.
Back in May, Dr Whiteford put forward complaints and suggestions on behalf of constituents with mobility impairments, less agility, and those travelling with small children.

Representatives from Plaxton showcased design proposals which will attempt to resolve the majority of access related issues by refitting the internal stairs to ensure they are less steep and of a more uniform height and depth.

Further proposals include increasing the provision of handrails, more push bells and improved stair lighting. Once the designs are finalised Stagecoach hopes to have the improved fleet on the Buchan route early in the new year.

Speaking afterwards, Dr Whiteford said:

“I very much welcome the significant movement from Stagecoach which represents real progress. I hope that feedback from bus users, once these improvement s are implemented, will be positive.

It will make a big difference to those with mobility impairments and those travelling small children and make the buses safer for all passengers travelling on this rural route. I would pay tribute to Councillor Jim Ingram who has lobbied consistently for these improvements and thank Stagecoach and the manufacturers for listening to the voices of bus users in Buchan.”

East Aberdeenshire MSP Gillian Martin added:

“I’m encouraged to see that Stagecoach have taken on some of the comments on the new buses from our constituents, many of whom rely on the bus service as their only means of transport.

What I would like to see is consultation with users and disability lobbying groups at the design stage in future, and I was glad to hear today that Stagecoach and the representatives from Plaxton acknowledged that this was something they would seriously consider”

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£15,000 Boost For Child Protection Charity

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Aug 262016

AAM NSPCC (1) With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

A £15,000 donation from Aberdeen Asset Management is providing crucial support to extend a leading child protection charity’s work in giving primary aged pupils the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect.

The NSPCC’s Schools Service in Aberdeen sees skilled volunteers working in city schools covering the difficult subjects of abuse, neglect and bullying presented in an age appropriate way.

Through assemblies and workshops, and by using different tools such as mascots, posters and kits, they give essential safeguarding information in a lively, interactive and memorable way.

Children are taught to understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs of abuse, know how to protect themselves from all kinds of abuse and know how to get help, and the sources of help available to them, including the charity’s Childline service.

Aberdeen Asset Management’s support has covered the total cost of operating the Schools Service in Aberdeen City for a year, enabling over 1,600 children to be informed on how to stay safe from abuse and what do do if they have a worry.

Alice Adamson, Aberdeen Area Co-ordinator for the NSPCC said:

“We are hugely grateful to Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation for supporting the expansion of our service and this funding will support our skilled volunteers in delivering a vtial service which covers the difficult topics of abuse, neglect, bullying in a child-focussed and relevant way.

“Being able to teach children at primary school about abuse enables schools and children to identify problems sooner and ultimately make sure that children with problems in this area get the help they need to have the happy childhood they deserve.”

The charity offers the programme freely to schools to help ensure all children aged 5-11 learn essential safeguarding information and so that pupils feel empowered to speak out and stay safe as a result.

One Grampian volunteer who delivers the programme in schools says that children respond well to the approach taken and the tools provided, including a mascot and a bag of worries, are essential in the delivery to children as it keeps them fully engaged throughout.

After one recent session, the volunteer was handed a note from one of the children showing they clearly knew what was inappropriate behaviour – and would know exactly what action to take if they were in that situation.

The volunteer added:

“I admit to feeling quite overwhelmed when I read the note and I was completely reassured that this child knew exactly who their ‘trusted adults’ were and where to seek help if they needed to. This act and many other comments from children during our deliveries, keeps me passionate in my volunteering role and further cements my belief in the importance of the NSPCC Schools Service.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management, said:

“This programme uses specially trained volunteers to talk to primary school children about abuse and with £15,000 from our Charitable Foundation they will be able to extend this essential work and have the materials they need to support the effective delivery of this programme in Aberdeen city schools.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally.

The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.

A number charities supporting children have benefitted from the Foundation recently including the Northsound Cash for Kids Bed Appeal, the National Deaf Children’s Society for its work with deaf children and their families, Hopscotch which was able to provide a welcome respite holiday for vulnerable children in Middlefield, Aberdeen, and the Teapot Trust’s for its art therapy work at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Young Volunteer Steps Up For Disabilities Charity

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Aug 042016

With thanks to David Forbes.

Voluntary Disabled Charity Future Choices Celebrates it’s Eighth Year this year with the introduction of it’s youngest committee member taking up the role of Vice Chairman.

Devon Thompson (21) joined Future Choices a few years ago and then had to leave to pursue others life commitments before recently returning to help out with many of the Charity’s key projects.

He works tirelessly to make sure the members are catered for when the group meets up every Tuesday from 11-2 at their base at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee.

Charity Chairman, David Forbes explained:

“Having Devon on my management committee has been a tremendous asset to running the group and now he’s taking the role on as my deputy, he’s the perfect man for the job, young, energetic and very inspirational. In my view this is the greatest motivation to many young volunteers out there – that you can achieve success with hard work and determination.”

Devon said:

“I am deeply and truly honoured to be elected as Vice Chairman of Future Choices. I have served in the care sector for four years now and have never come across such a dedicated and hardworking Charity, with a constant hunger to grow and develop as an organisation that puts the emphasis on the well being of their members, I am truly humbled that they have shown support and faith in my abilities.”

David added:

“Devon taking up this role is very humbling to me as the Charity heads to it’s biggest milestone of 10 years in 2 years time, so to keep the group vibrant and progressive is something Devon will be involved with alongside me and the rest of my team.”

Devon Concluded:

“It is my deepest desire to rise to the challenge and develop. In my experience, collaboration is the stuff of growth and I look forward to working further with the committee to provide for our members greater choices, for the future.”

For more information on Future Choices, visit www.future-choices.org.uk

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MSP Welcomes Access To Elected Office Fund

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Aug 042016

With thanks to Alasdair Scott, Parliamentary Assistant to Stewart Stevenson MSP

SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, Stewart Stevenson, has warmly welcomed the opening of a £200,000 fund aimed at encouraging more disabled people to participate in politics and stand as councillors in next year’s local council elections.
The fund – which will help cover additional costs for accessible transport and communications support – underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for more people from under-represented groups.

Disabled people are significantly under-represented as local councillors – and the fund will back up wide-ranging support to help correct this imbalance.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

“Everyone should have equal access to politics, no matter their own personal background or whether they are disabled or not – and this funding will help ensure this is the case by alleviating some of the additional costs that disabled candidates can encounter.

“It is vital that barriers are broken down to encourage people from all areas of society to get involved in politics – which will help make policies more representative of society as a whole. The fund isn’t about giving anyone an advantage, but rather levelling the playing field and making it fairer for everyone.

“I hope people from across Aberdeenshire access this funding. It will help create equal access to politics for disabled people who wish to stand for selection or election in next year’s local government polls.”

The £200,000 is be used to help to cover additional costs for accessible transport or communications support for disabled people who wish to stand for selection or election in the 2017 local government elections. This also includes £40,000 delivery costs.

For further information and details on how to apply – http://inclusionscotland.org/information/employability-and-civic-participation/access-to-politics/aeofs/

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Chapelton Builders Get On Their Bikes For Charity

Aberdeenshire, Charity No Responses »

Jul 212016

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

Chapelton builders are to swap hard hats for helmets as they gear up to raise money for local charity

Four housebuilding and development firms are gearing up to take part in the Chapelton Bike Ride on Sunday September 4 to raise money for North East Sensory Services (NESS).

Builders from ZeroC, AJC Homes, Elsick Development Company, and A&J Stephen, will be competing against one another at the Chapelton Bike Ride to raise funds for NESS.

North East Sensory Services (NESS), which has offices in Aberdeen, Dundee and Elgin, supports over 4800 people in the North-east who have sight or hearing loss. By providing both social work and life-enhancing services, NESS is able to help those with a sensory impairment overcome challenges and achieve independence.

All three of the teams are hoping raise a substantial amount of money for NESS by taking on the 42-mile bike ride, which will raise vital funds for the charity, which helps those with sight or hearing loss achieve independence.

This is the first year that the Chapelton Bike Ride, formerly the Great Stonehaven Bike Ride, has taken place in the new town, which is situated near Newtonhill.

Starting and finishing at Teacake coffee shop in Chapelton, the bike ride takes cyclists into the seaside town of Stonehaven, through Fetteresso and Durris Forests’, before leading them towards Maryculter and the picturesque banks of the River Dee, then looping back round towards Chapelton.

Caroline Fife, the Duchess of Fife, landowner and developer of Chapelton, said:

“All three housebuilders working on Chapelton are really committed to making the bike ride a big success and putting it on the map.

“Each is gathering a team together for a good-natured competition, so there will certainly be a great deal of secret training involved. There’s a lot of friendly banter between the groups, but it’s all in jest as the real reason they’re all taking part is to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

“Chapelton residents have also expressed an interest in registering for the ride to raise money for NESS. It’s great to see so many people getting involved in the bike ride to fundraise for such an important charity.

“The Chapelton Bike Ride is going to be the first in a long line of community events, so we’re all thrilled to see the housebuilders really taking an interest in the area by signing up for the event. They’ve all really risen to the challenge and it’s so inspiring to see building companies get involved with local communities and causes.”

Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator at NESS, said:

“We’re so thankful to the teams at Stephen, ZeroC, and AJC Homes for getting on their bikes to raise money for NESS. Their fundraising enables us to continue providing much-needed support and assistance to people with sight or hearing loss.

“All of us at NESS are really excited about the new route and all the events available on the day. There will be something for everyone, from cyclists and walkers, to foodies and music fans. We hope that lots of people come along to either participate in the bike ride, or help cheer the riders on and enjoy the variety of food and drink, crafts, and music on offer.”

The Chapelton Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, September 4. Cyclists have the choice of either a 42-mile or 12-mile bike route, whilst a three-mile walk is also available for those wishing to participate without having to get on their bikes.

Registration costs £15 per person for the 42-mile route, £5 per person for the 12-mile route, or £10 for a team of four for the 12-mile cycle.

North-east Sensory Services (NESS) promotes the needs of people with a sight or hearing loss.

NESS supports people with serious sight or hearing loss to overcome practical and emotional challenges and achieve independence.

Formerly Grampian Society for the Blind (GSB), North East Sensory Services (NESS) works with over 4,500 people with a sensory impairment in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross.

Awards:
2016: Winner, IIP Award Excellence in Third Sector
Finalist Elevator Awards and Trend Awards.
2015: Winner, Elevator Award, Winner, Trend Award.

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Finalists Announced For North-east’s Friendliest Community

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Charity No Responses »

Jul 142016

With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

A north-east children’s charity has announced the finalists in its search for the most neighbourly community in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Cash for Kids has revealed that communities from Portlethen, Stonehaven, Torry and Turriff have been shortlisted to vie for the title of north-east Scotland’s happiest street.

The four community groups will now look to raise as much money as possible for the charity over the coming month in order to win a party for their local community.

The community-focussed charity launched its Happy Street initiative with the aim of celebrating local community spirit, something that is often thought not to be as strong today as it was decades ago.

Cash for Kids supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The charity provides grant funding to individuals, families and community groups to support these children and help to improve their quality of life.

The value of applications received usually outweighs the amount donated by the public and the business community.

All of the money raised by the four groups will be used to fulfil grant applications in the charity’s next funding round. Submissions for which must be made by Friday, 29 July and should be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor. Funding for successful applications will be distributed in August.

The community that raises the greatest amount of money for Cash for Kids will receive an action-packed party for their local neighbourhood that will be staged on Sunday, 21 August. North-east entertainer Lisa Lollipop, magician Gary Seagraves and the team from Denis Law Streetsport will be on hand to provide lots of activities for all ages.

Aberdeenshire restaurant Eat on the Green will serve up canapes, The Store Farm Shop will cook up burgers on a barbecue and Summerhouse Drinks will supply luxury lemonade. Music will be provided by some of the region’s best-known radio DJs.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager (pictured), said:

“It is often reported that Britain is losing its sense of community spirit, but these four groups show it is alive and kicking in neighbourhoods across the north-east. We are really excited to be working with each of the finalists, supporting them with ideas and advice as they set out to raise as much money as possible for Cash for Kids. All of the money raised will benefit children here in the north-east.

“Happy Street would not be possible without the generous donations that we have received from local businesses. The community party is set to be a fantastic day packed with brilliant entertainment, delicious food and great music.”

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Aberdeen Asset Management Helps Families Sleep Easy

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Jun 302016

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A bed may seem like a basic home requirement, but sadly in some households in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, children are sleeping on broken, inadequate beds or have shared sleeping arrangements with siblings or their parents, or are sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

Aberdeen Asset Management has given £5,000 to purchase a mix of single beds, cots and bunk beds for disadvantaged families in the North-east.

The money from the firm’s Charitable Foundation has provided 45 children with a comfortable night’s sleep through the Northsound Cash for Kids Bed Appeal.

A lack of proper bedding is an indication of the growing scale of childhood poverty that exists in the region, said Michelle Ferguson, the charity’s manager.
For the past three years Cash for Kids has run its Bed Appeal to raise money for new children’s beds in order to keep up with the ever increasing number of requests being made by social workers and other professionals to help give children and young people a good night’s sleep.

Michelle said:

“The number of disabled and disadvantaged children in Aberdeen and across the North-east who simply don’t have their own bed to sleep in is quite alarming. We’ve helped more than 350 children since we began the appeal three years ago and the positive impact that these beds have on the lives of these children and their families is very significant.

“We’ve seen a child aged six still sleeping in a cot for a new baby, and parents not being able to afford the basics for a new baby. We’ve also bought bunk beds for families where their homes are overcrowded or where children are sleeping on broken and unfit beds.

“One application was for two brothers whose bunk beds had collapsed, the top bed landing on the one below, breaking the arm of the boy sleeping in the bottom bunk. Aberdeen Asset Management’s contribution goes a long way to bringing a good night’s sleep to young people living in the North-east.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation said:

“A good night’s sleep is a basic fundamental requirement that most of us take for granted. Through its Bed Appeal, Cash for Kids is not only highlighting that that there are children living in the North-east who have inadequate sleeping arrangements but helping them to become better rested by providing appropriate beds to families in need.”

Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. It seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity, making grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the station’s transmission area. Money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18.

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Langstane Press Name Their Charity Of The Year

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

May 162016

With thanks to Susan Wood.

Langstane Press Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent office products company have chosen Aberlour Children’s Charity as their charity of the year.
Langstane have regional offices located close to a number of Aberlour services and are keen to help the local communities in which Aberlour works.

To launch their partnership, Langstane began collecting books and Easter eggs.

The staff had a huge uptake and delivered many boxes of books to Aberlour Family Service in Old Aberdeen.

The local service supports children and their families where parents may have learning difficulties or be socially isolated as well as supporting families affected by parental drug and alcohol use. Enough books and eggs were collected to be spread across services in Aberdeen, Dundee and Moray.

Colin Campbell Managing Director at Langstane Press said:

“We are proud to be supporting Aberlour this year and being able to help, not just the local services within the Aberdeen area, but also the services that support the communities close to our regional offices in Dundee and Livingston”

As well as donations like the books and eggs Langstane will be supporting Aberlour throughout the year, through in-house fundraising activities, taking part in events and volunteering.

Lydia Fyall, Regional Fundraiser said:

“I am looking forward to working with Langstane this year, the staff all really care about the work that we do. A number of brave employees have put themselves forward for individual events already and staff across all sites have lots of great fundraising ideas.”

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Ballater Café Comeback Serves Up Improved New Look

Aberdeenshire, Articles 2 Responses »

May 132016

With thanks to Gemma Setter, Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A business owner who was forced to close her Ballater café after it was affected by flooding has taken the opportunity to improve access for disabled customers during its refit.

Karen Gerrie, owner of the Brown Sugar Café, is working alongside builders to install features that will make it easier for all to access the popular Bridge Street café.

It’s a case of turning a negative into a positive, and ensuring that when the flood- hit premises makes its comeback in June, it’s even better than before, with a new disabled toilet and level flooring throughout.

Despite the café undergoing a major refit, it will retain many of its familiar features which will be revealed when the premises make their comeback in mid-June.

Brown Sugar Café first opened in 2009 and was taken over by Karen in July 2011, since then it’s become a well-known hangout for residents and tourists, best known for its homemade sandwiches, soups and homebakes as well as its cosy atmosphere.

Karen stresses that her café and the wider village of Ballater have not been beaten by the floods and that there is lots of positive action to show the area is still open for business.

Brown Sugar Café will have two stalls at the Aboyne Rotary Duck Festival on Sunday May 22 when they will be selling gifts and traybakes – including their much-loved millionaire’s shortbread – to remind the public about what they do best.

After overcoming the initial shock of having to temporarily close her business, Karen focused her energy on getting the café back up and running and she admits to being overwhelmed by the offers of help that came in from both locals and visitors.

Karen says,

“The support we received from far and wide meant a great deal to us, as it was a very dispiriting time. The staff and I all decided that we weren’t going to give in easily, as you can sit around and cry or you can pick yourself up and get on with it. We chose to get stuck in with the work, and that really kept us going.

“Since then, we’ve come a very long way and I’m just so thankful to everyone who has got in touch to let us know that we’re in their thoughts. It’s been so exciting watching all the refurbishments going on throughout Ballater and knowing that we’re another business on its way to reopening.

“There has been a real silver lining to the floods in the sense that the community has really come together. The Business Association has been great at providing information to all the businesses’ involved and there has been lots of positive communication between everyone. There’s a real community feel to it all, it’s such a great feeling to see everyone get back on track.”

Brown Sugar Café is one of a number of Ballater businesses which will be back in business for the summer. This is extremely positive news to the area, as the aftermath flooding of Storm Frank meant that many homes and businesses had to be evacuated back in December.

Richard Watts of Ballater Business Association says,

“To see another business on track to reopen in the next month is such a boost for the whole of Ballater. Everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure that the village remains open for residents, as well as the many tourists which visit throughout the year.

“We’re really pleased that Brown Sugar Café will be back up and running again very soon, and it’s fantastic that improvements are being made that will make the café more wheelchair friendly.”

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