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Disabilities Charity Seeks New Volunteers

Nov 262015

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local Voluntary Charity Future Choices turns 7 years old this weekend which means they should be celebrating with joy, however the Chairman of the Charity has concerns going into the new year.

The Charity has been providing much needed social inclusion to the most vulnerable individuals across the city by providing recreational activities.

As most organisations find themselves going through hurdles like funding, transport – Future Choices is struggling with the downturn in volunteers.

Chairman David Forbes said:

“I understand and totally appreciate that people live busy lifestyles but that can prove extremely challenging for us running our group gatherings & outings, if the volunteers cannot for what ever reason make it along”.

If the charity does not manage to attract new volunteers from the ages 16+, it could mean an impact on services in the future, like how often the group runs it’s group gatherings and other outings.”

David added:

“It’s amazing to think a group which delivers so much and runs 100% voluntary is still going strong to date – however i want to still continue to deliver a voluntary service to the community in the future, so I’m making a desperate plea for help.”

If you are interested in Volunteering with Future Choices, please email them on: info@future-choices.org.uk or freephone them on 0800 5668728.

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Charity Boss Appears on STV’s Real Heroes Programme.

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Nov 102015

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local charity boss and carer David Forbes was featured on STV’s Real Heroes on Monday November 9 in the ‘Carer of the Year’ category.

David is the only person from Aberdeen to appear in the show which is in it’s third series.

The film piece showed what not only what David does for his disabled mother who he cares for 24/7 but also in his voluntary role as Chairman of Future Choices, helping to get disabled people out of their homes.

David said:

“Since being shortlisted for this special award, it’s been completely overwhelming and im so proud to be representing the Granite City in this National competition.”

Voting is still open to vote for David, either by text or for free on the stv website. To vote for David by text, text HERO 18 to 86660.

Voting for this category closes on noon, Monday 16th Nov 2015

David added:

“I’m absolutely blown away with everyones support and people taking time out to vote for me, thank you all, im truly blessed to have so much support.”

The results show will be televised in December.

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Local Carer Shortlisted for STV’s Real Heroes Award

Aberdeen City, News 2 Responses »

Aug 132015

David Forbes with his mother to whom he is full-time carer.

With thanks to Future Choices.

STV’s Real Heroes is back for it’s third series later this year to celebrate the achievements of our communities unsung heroes.

This series is set to feature an Aberdeen Charity Chief who is also a full time carer for his disabled mum. David Forbes (33) cares for his disabled mother, who suffers from short term memory loss, and has done so for over 10 years,.

David said:

“When STV rang me and informed me that I had been nominated and now ive been shortlisted, to say I was speechless was an understatement, I’m absolutely thrilled and humbled.”

STV will broadcast a special awards show at the end of the year,

David added:

“If I win the award it’s not only for my mum and I, but it’s to highlight other carers and the amazing work they do. Being a carer isn’t an easy job, so to be shortlisted is simply breathtaking. I’m representing the city of Aberdeen so want to make the city proud.”

To show your support for David and follow his amazing journey visit his facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Forbes-Carer-of-the-Year/866559560048164?ref=hl

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Young Volunteer Joins In Charity Celebrations

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

May 222015

Chairman David Forbes (left) with young volunteer, Liam McDonald.

With thanks to David Forbes.

Aberdeen based disabilities charity Future Choices will join a host of other charities up and down the country to help Celebrate Volunteers Week.

This nationwide event gives the unsung heroes of the 3rd sector important recognition – and Future Choices is determined to show their volunteers how much they are appreciated.

Volunteers week is a special moment in the diary for the local charity as it’s been recognising it’s volunteers for the last 7 years since being a completely 100% voluntary led organisation.

David Forbes, Chairman for the Charity says:

“We as a charity are absolutely reliant on those who give up their time to help others, so recognising our dedicated team during this nationwide event is hugely important to us.

“One great thing we have to celebrate this year is the youngest volunteer joining our team, 16 year old Liam McDonald, it’s people like Liam that are our future and having Liam on the team is so inspiring to others his age, making a huge difference to those who need it the most.”

Liam McDonald said:

“I personally really enjoy helping out with future choices, I feel volunteering is a good thing to do at a young age. Volunteering for future choices benefits me in more than just one way, I get to help out a good friend with his charity and I get to bring a smile to others faces too which makes me feel better about myself.

“I think it’s great that charities like future choices are there for people in need of help and care.”

The charity are always keen to welcome new members and volunteers so if you feel you could benefit – contact info@future-choices.org.uk or freephone 0800 5668728

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Charity Boss Needs Your Votes

Aberdeen City, Featured, News 1 Response »

Mar 052015

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

David Forbes with his mother to whom he is full-time carer.

David Forbes, Chairman of local voluntary led charity Future Choices is seeking votes to help secure him winning a very prestigious award later this month.

David has been a primary carer for his mum for over 10 years now as well as running an ever expanding charity which helps those with a physical disability get out of their homes and attend a weekly social group gathering at Inchgarth Community Centre.

He is also very outspoken and campaigns vigorously against UK Welfare Reform, more recently against the Work Capability Assessments which were carried out by French Firm ATOS.

David is very passionate about getting the best deal possible for disabled people.

David said:

“When I got the email from Wobia Entertainment House to inform me I had been nominated for such an award, I was shocked and surprised, but when I got a follow up email to inform me I had actually been shortlisted for the award for “Male Role Model of the Year”, I was in fact utterly speechless and deeply humbled, and I thank who ever put my name forward very much.”

Everyday, David works tirelessly to help not only his mum but members of the charity anyway he can by doing as much as he can to promote the charity he adores so much.

David added:

“To see my mum smile along with her chums – that’s priceless, and if I can do any more to make that continue, I will. It’s because of the public that Future Choices still exists and im so proud of my team and my volunteers.”

David needs your votes to help him secure his win, you can watch his promo video which has all the details about the upcoming event here.

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Brand New Bus Means More Future Choices

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 272014

Aberdeen Based Charity Future Choices had the best news lately. Apache Oil have donated a brand new bus. With thanks to David Forbes.

The bus donation came after the Disabled Charity was featured in a BBC2 Documentary last year called “Auction Hero”, in which Presenter/Auctioneer Andrew Lamberty went all across Europe to buy and sell antiques, then donated the profits to the Charity.

The self funding charity is run by volunteers and helps provide social inclusion and recreational activities at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee.

Representatives from Apache Oil saw the Documentary and were extremely impressed by the groups work and dedication within the community and wanted to help their cause. The new brand new 17 seater bus, equipped for disabled access, has now given Future Choices a better chance of helping more disabled people, most of whom are stuck in their homes, limiting scope for social contact.

David Forbes, Chairman of Future Choices described the news as:

“The turning point to the Charity, knowing Apache Oil has helped give us the tools to carry on with our hard work, it just means everything. So many people, especially those who just want out and have fun with friends, can now do that. Future Choices is there to help put those smiles and laughter back on the faces”

The Charity is always looking for Volunteers to help out at their group gatherings on Tuesdays from 11-2 at Inchgarth Community Centre.

If you want to become a volunteer or simply want to join the charity to meet new people, then contact David on 07821700046 or email info@future-choices.org.uk or visit their website at www.future-choices.org.uk

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Future Choices £1 Appeal To Assist With Mobility

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Feb 212013

With thanks to David Forbes.

Future Choices provides much-needed social and recreational facilities to people with disabilities, at Inchgarth Community Centre in Aberdeen.

The charity has support from many people, including Mr Paul O’Connor MBE, Dame Anne Begg MP, and Kenneth Watt, the Press Officer for Aberdeen City Youth Council.

The charity celebrates its first five years this year. However, it is in dire need of a much bigger bus to enable the folk it supports to get out and about.

Colleen McMillan, a fund raiser for Future Choices, says:

“This appeal is a massive challenge, but it’s needed as so many disabled people rely heavily on transport to get from A to B safely. To get this 17-seater bus, we’re going to have to raise approx £15,000, which is a huge project, but it can be done”

Fundraisers will be at various locations in the city to collect your cash donations. You can keep up to date at www.future-choices.org.uk .

Future Choices has also teamed up with local author Kathleen Kennedy, who has published a book describing how disability affects day-to-day lives. It can be purchased via Amazon, and it’s called ‘Yes, I Can, and I Will’. Proceeds of the book sales will go towards the Appeal. You can find it at http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Can-Will-Kathleen-Kennedy/dp/0956554822

There’s also a video on YouTube that the Charity has released to explain why this appeal is so important. It’s at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D42XOq2Jwys

Anyone interested in supporting the appeal can contact Colleen McMillan on 079 410 33205 or David Forbes, Chairman on 078 217 00046.

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Fantasy Predicshuns Fer 2013

Aberdeen City, Satire and Humour No Responses »

Jan 142013

By Bob Smith.

Lit me say richt awa,there wull be blue sna
Afore ma fantasy predicshuns cum richt
Bit lit us aa pray, there wull cum a day
Fin warld poverty’s nae langer in sicht

The Donald wull state,”Michael Forbes a’ll nae hate”
“An at winfairms a’ll nae hae a glower”
Afore is cums true, naebody’ll be on the broo
An hell itsel wull freeze ower

The Dons’ll aye win, their fan’s wull aye grin
In Europe Man Utd they’ll crush
Their play wull be racy, fin they sign Lionel Messi
An the green an white hordes they wull hush

Gaza Strip wull hae peace,an Israelies they’ll cease
Tae bigg on Palestinian grun
Fowk wull feel better, an guns winna maitter
An fae shell’s young bairns winna run

In oor Aiberdeen,the cooncil cums clean
An tells us aa fit’s gyaan on
Nae diggers wull dig tae bigg a new brig
Throwe the streets o puir Tillydrone

Sir Ian wull depart, in the puff o a fart
Wi his 50 odd million in a hurry
He’ll dee much mair gweed, if Africa’s hungry he’ll feed
An aboot webs an gairdens nae worry

Fit the future micht be, we’ll jist wait an see
Wull ony fantasy predicshuns cum true?
If only een wis fulfilled, a wid be richt thrilled
So a’m hopin the sna wull turn blue

A ‘Gift Horse’ for Charity?

Aberdeen City, Charity, Information No Responses »

Nov 162012

A Charity Race Night will be held in The New Greentrees pub, Dyce on Friday 23rd November to raise funds for Future Choices. With thanks to Aaron McIntosh

Future Choices celebrates its 5th birthday in 2013, having provided the disabled community with social interaction throughout this time. The services now offered range from arts and crafts to sports games, alternative therapy and singing.

The charity is about to open a new office where it can build on current success and hopefully provide more classes in the near future.

Sixteen year old Aaron McIntosh, Future Choices’ Chief Fundraiser told Aberdeen voice:

“The charity helps the disabled community gain much needed social inclusion and recreational activities.”

Key to social inclusion is the recent purchase of a minibus enabling members to travel safely and attend organised events and activities, as well as carrying out tasks that able bodied people take for granted.

Several months ago the charity launched an appeal called Cash For Cans which successfully raised the cost of the minibus. Funding the upkeep of the vehicle has been more problematic, however.

As Aaron explained:

“We were struggling financially a while ago then we launched ‘Cash For Cans,’ asking members of the public for their empty used drink cans which we then exchanged for cash.

“That gave us the financial backing to go and buy a bus and then keep the appeal going to fund the maintenance, but due to the decline in metal price, we had to sadly terminate the appeal.

“My job as Chief Fundraiser for the charity is too raise as much money as possible, which is why we’re putting on a Charity Race Night.

“Everyone loves giving, especially at this time of year, and having a flutter and a boogie along with a raffle makes a cold evening joyful as the money raised helps the people who need it most.”

For those who haven’t been to a Charity Race Night, they are exciting events which give members of the public the opportunity to place a small bet on a filmed horse race, with a percentage of the winnings going to the charity in question – in this case, Future Choices.

The event will be held in The New Greentrees pub, Dyce on Friday 23 November from 19.30pm until midnight, with tickets £7 per person. There will also be stovies, a raffle and disco.

To buy tickets, please contact Aaron directly on 07591 598480

Signed Steve Redgrave T-Shirt Auctioned For Charity

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Aug 242012

Future Choices, a charity which provides disabled people with safe and social inclusion, is holding a special auction on Ebay. The article being auctioned is a framed T-shirt, signed by Sir Steve Redgrave, for which bids can be submitted here.

The work of Future Choices, which was set up following the closure of the Choices Day Centre, has changed the lives of many of Aberdeen’s disabled people through offering them opportunities for social interaction in a safe and friendly environment.

It also offers opportunities for a range of other activities, including formal and informal education and access to services towards employment, training and income-generation.

The charity, which has many high profile supporters including Dame Anne Begg MP, Paul O’Connor MBE and Peggy Finnie MBE, is run exclusively by volunteers and its funding comes purely from its own fundraising efforts.

The bidding for Sir Steve’s signed and framed T-shirt ends on Saturday 25th August, 2012.

For more information please contact David Forbes, Chairman, on 07821 700046

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