Health Archives - Page 11 of 31

Glittering Night Of Music Raises Funds For CLAN

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A glittering evening of music, hosted by Aberdeen woman Carol Norrie, has raised more than £12,000 for CLAN Cancer Support.

The dinner dance, which took place at the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen, was the first fundraising event that Carol has organised for the charity.

Following the success of the event Carol said:

“My father, Dave Allan, was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. Following his diagnosis and treatment, I visited CLAN Cancer Support in Aberdeen and was really impressed by the services offered to individuals and families affected by cancer. I came away determined to do anything I could to help to make a difference.

“Many people I spoke to who had been affected by cancer were unaware of the services that CLAN offers, and some believed CLAN provided respite care. I wanted to do anything I could to increase awareness of the services offered at CLAN House and CLAN Haven.

“As a guitarist and singer from the age of 12, my father has a great passion for music so I saw an opportunity to base an event around music and invite local artists to attend. I was delighted when Oliver Richards, Colin Newbury and Cameron Jay agreed to lend their support.”

Carol’s family also has a special connection with CLAN Cancer Support, with Carol’s parents Dave and Marion having been married in Rosemount Parish Church, CLAN’s former Aberdeen base, in 1971, and both Carol and her brother, David, were also christened in the church.

Carol added:

“Our family connections with CLAN just cemented the feeling that I needed to do all that I could to support this fantastic charity. I was overwhelmed by the support from friends, family and local companies, and to raise more than £12,000 was a wonderful feeling.

“I certainly won’t be stopping there though, my husband now volunteers at CLAN and I’m already looking towards my next fundraising challenge. I don’t know what that might be but I already have lots of ideas!”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“We are delighted that Carol’s dinner was such a success and wish to thank Carol and her family for selecting CLAN as the beneficiary for the evening. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by Carol, her family and friends, towards CLAN is inspiring.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Walk With CLAN Cancer Support This Mother’s Day

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Feb 252016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is giving people the chance to come together this Mother’s Day by holding a special walk.

CLAN Cancer Support’s seventh annual Mother’s Day walk will take place within the grounds of Westburn Park in Aberdeen on Sunday, March 6.

The charity recognises that Mother’s Day can often be a difficult time for mothers who have lost a son or daughter or for individuals who have lost their own mother or wife and is giving people the chance to share part of what is a significant day for many with it.

The event is inspired by Macduff woman and CLAN supporter Marjorie Nicholson who organised a sponsored walk after losing her son to cancer on Mother’s Day in 2007. After raising more than £6,000 at the event, CLAN was inspired by her courage and began organising and hosting a similar walk in Aberdeen.

The 1km walk itself can be completed as many times as an individual chooses, with an opportunity to be sponsored to do so also available for participants.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Mother’s Day walk is one of our most touching events throughout our year-long calendar and we’d be thrilled to welcome you along on a day that holds a special place for many.

“Westburn Park is a lovely location for the walk, which is open to anyone of all ages and abilities, with many choosing in the past to walk in memory of a loved one. We want to create a day that can often be viewed with a sense of fear into something positive, with the walk able to provide comfort and support to all those who attend.”

Registration on the day will take place between 9.30am and 10am in CLAN House on Westburn Road. The walk will start at 10am and continue until noon.

If you would like to take part adults cost £5 and children are free. Please contact Darren Hill at CLAN to register on 01224 651034 or email darren.hill@clanhouse.org

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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AAM Funding Supports Expansion Of Perinatal Support

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Feb 192016

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

While EastEnders has brought the mental health of new mums into focus with the explosive story line around Stacey Branning’s breakdown following the birth of baby Arthur, a Scottish charity is continuing to build on its pioneering work that is championing mental wellbeing among new mums and families.

Aberlour in Scotland is delivering vital support to women who find it difficult to cope with the emotional challenges of pregnancy and childbirth through a Perinatal Mental Health Befriending operating in Falkirk.

The pilot project has been such a success in its first year that it is to be extended to the wider Forth Valley region, through funding from Aberdeen Asset Management and others, to provide increased numbers of parents and families with early intervention that can help them overcome challenges and support them in the new phase in their lives.

Although post-natal depression is well documented, it’s only recently that perinatal mental health has hit the headlines for being a major concern for vulnerable women and their children, with research showing that if a mum-to-be experiences poor mental health during her pregnancy, and does not receive the appropriate, timely support, she is at greater risk.

Stacey Branning’s experience of postpartum psychosis following the birth of her second child has been one of the biggest storylines in EastEnders this year and the BBC soap has received praise for well researching the issue and raising awareness of the dramatic impact that having a baby has on some women, as well as the lack of availability of mother and baby beds.

Stacey’s condition is a severe mental illness that requires specialist care but during pregnancy and in the year after birth women can be affected by a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and postnatal psychotic disorders. Early identification and provision of appropriate and timely expert care are needed to prevent illness from occurring or escalating and to minimise harm to the woman, her baby and wider family.

Statistics for Scotland show that:

Perinatal mental illnesses affect between 10 -15% of women in Scotland.
71% of health boards in Scotland do not have any midwives or health visitors with accredited perinatal mental health training.
Only five Scottish health boards (36%) have a specialist community perinatal mental health service.
Depression and anxiety affect 10-15 in 100 women during pregnancy and in the first postnatal year.

Aberlour’s assistant director Liz Nolan set up the early intervention project in Falkirk drawing on a tried and tested model operated in England by Family Action, working with women who need mild to moderate support. Central to its success has been the use of highly-trained volunteers and the positive relationships they develop with women and families, over time.

All volunteers undergo intensive training to prepare them for the role and so they understand the importance of listening and not probing, and working at the new mum’s pace. In the first year 21 volunteers were trained and have assisted 20 families in their communities, working with them for as long as their assistance is required.

Ms Nolan says that people may have heard of the baby blues and post-natal depression but there is a lack of realisation about the effects pregnancy and childbirth has on some women and how this in turn affects families.

“Society places strong demands for perfection around pregnancy and birth but things don’t always turn out as hoped,” said Ms Nolan.

“There are certain expectations on women having babies but it’s not all strawberries and cream and things can go wrong, if it doesn’t all go to plan it can have an impact on a woman and their families.

“Sometimes a woman can be worried about talking about it because they believe these are not the feelings she should have, but for some women this is a time that can cause anxiety or depression, the opposite of how they are expected to feel. Some feel isolation, are anxious about going outside the home, anxious about meeting up with other parents or about being a first time parents.

“Life isn’t perfect and it’s OK to ask for help and our volunteers understand and work with mothers and families to support them and overcome the challenges.”

Every case is different and each volunteer commits to giving up to three hours a week of their time over the course of a year, which means they can build up good lasting relationships and provide continuity of support.

With the pilot working so well, there have been requests for access to the service from the wider area and with additional funds now in place, the charity will be able to employ an additional volunteer co-ordinator, with means they can deliver training to more individuals who in turn can help families in the wider Forth Valley region from April.

Karin Hyland of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, said:

“We’re pleased to help Aberlour extend its project supporting women who have been identified of being at risk of mental health illness during the final stages of pregnancy and up to the baby’s first birthdays. By working with mums and babies during this critical time they are helping families become more resilient and active members of their communities again.”

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.

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

Campaigners Raise Awareness Of Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

Articles, Information 1 Response »

Feb 112016

There is a little-understood, little-known syndrome that strikes 1-2% of the population. Aberdeen Voice’s Suzanne Kelly, a sufferer, is joining with others around the world to raise awareness of this condition, particularly among health care professionals.

Imagine an illness that works like this. You can be fine for weeks, months, and then with less than a minute’s notice, you get hit.

If you manage to take a preventative medication at absolutely the right moment, then chances are you’ll be lucky and avoid an episode. And if you’re not lucky?

Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome attacks see sufferers vomiting for anything from a few hours to a few days.

In rare cases some people have attacks that stretch to weeks, possibly months.

Looking back, I see that I had very infrequent attacks for at least 20 years; I always put these down to food poisoning. Then they increased in frequency and severity, until for a fortnight, I thought I was dying. I spent a day and a half on my bathroom floor, completely unable to get up except to hunch over and be ill again. The pain was searing; then I threw up bile; then I threw up blood.

I really thought ‘this is it’ and assumed I had some kind of cancer. I was either shaking with cold or burning up, or spending hours wondering if I could manage to get up to get any water, and if so, how long I’d keep it down.

Finally making it back to work a week later, I was straight onto my doctor, then a specialist. Being into research, yet knowing the stupidity of self-diagnosis, I came across this illness called ‘Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome’ – it struck people like me, who used to experience migraine headaches (I had them as a child and they abruptly stopped).

Little was known, there was no cure.

The specialist I went to talked to me for nearly an hour – this was after all the blood work was back and had ruled out any terminal illness. He determined that it was CVS I had. The medicine I got to prevent attacks is not without potential side effects, but it seemed to work a charm. That is, if my attack was during the daytime. More often than not, this hits me between 2 and 4 am.

My first waking thought then is not to take a pill, and sometimes before I realise what’s happening, it’s too late. (I sleep with the medicine within reach, and have some stashed on me, and virtually every place I spend time).

I’m an extremely lucky person with this condition.

I’ve found a network of others with the illness. Many of them have it far, far worse than I do. I’ve never had to be hospitalised (although with hindsight, there were two attacks that I probably should have gone to the ER with). I’ve never had to be fed by IV. I’ve never had to plead with doctors or nurses for medicine, never been ridiculed, patronised or ignored.

My back teeth aren’t rotting from being ill as frequently as some of the other people I’ve come to know. And as I’m in a country with free health care (and am lucky enough to have additional health cover through my work), I’ve not had to spend thousands of pounds on treatment. And I’ve not had to have permanent feeding tubes put in me, either. And I’m not either a little child or an elderly person going through this. I am extremely lucky.

Being ignored at ER, being told ‘you’re just after drugs’, being sent home only to throw up blood on the way out of the hospital – this is how people are being treated by those in the health care profession who’ve never heard of CVS. My attacks, and most people’s attacks, have nothing to do with: drinking, emotions, stress, diet. One time I was walking down the street, felt a bit sick, and then that was that.

The worst occasion remains a quiet night in doing some work, and being sick for a week. In all of my attacks I’ve not had a care in the world, and oddly, I’ve never been sick when drinking. The worst parts of this illness is just that – no one really understands what sets it off, how to stop an attack, or how to cure CVS.

Here’s what some of the people with CVS say, and why they want to raise awareness.

“I’ve had CVS for 20+ yrs and still to this day get treated like a drug seeker. I’ve been left feeling tortured & in agony for hours laying in an ER bed more times than I can count.”
– Ryan

“Too many to count, not just medical staff, friends and family too! A few years ago, before I was diagnosed, my best friend in the whole world was bringing me to the ER in the middle of an attack and asked me if there is any chance that my symptoms were psychosomatic? It still hurts me to this day that that was a real question from her.”
– Jenna

“A specialist put me through every grueling test and when they were all negative, told me he could do nothing and I was obviously making it up to get sympathy. My daughter actually figured it out by watching Gray’s anatomy! Researched it, took it to my family Dr who researched further and here I am. Can only manage symptoms is what I get.”
– Susan

“I’ve lived in the same area (so, near the same hospital) since 2004. For 12 yrs. here in VA (20-yrs total with CVS), I’ve had to go to the ER only 2-3 times/year, and I’m STILL treated like a drug-seeker, by about 1/3 of the ER docs I’ve seen. When they do refuse my simple (approved & recommended) abort-meds, my cycle does not end. It can go for days. So, I have to return to the ER after having been kicked out 6-12 hours earlier.

“You must go back; dehydration is no joke. I’ve had to call an ambulance for some of these return trips when I’m completely disoriented. I don’t see how a hospital can bill you for the 2nd stay when treatment was REFUSED during the 1st stay. I’ve fought that before & won – I think everyone should contest billing for any repeat-visits that are due to malpractice: neglect of duty.

“They see me coming back, the nurses at least recognize me, and viola(!) the new doc is suddenly ready to take things seriously. I have much less trouble if someone is with me, “vouching” for me. To summarize, I am luckier than some patients who have more frequent episodes. But, only 2-3 trips to the ER per yr & they think I’m drug-seeking?! (Yes, I’m a 3-time-a-year addict. So dumb!)

“I’m a 40 yr old mom, nothing “wild” looking about me at all. (Not that it should matter, but some advice to others: I’m treated like a drug-seeker more often if I look really messy/out of it. I actually prepare an outfit & hair ties, etc. every night before bed in case an episode starts & I have to go to the ER.)

“I had an episode last weekend & encountered a doc I’ve had the misfortune of seeing in the past. He has a line he loves to use, and he YELLS, no, BELLOWS at me:

“I’m not going to distribute narcotics as they are not indicated for CVS!!!!!”

“The nurses stare in horror at HIM. My preventative meds are anti-anxiety meds. At the ER, to abort an episode, I need 2mg (yes, only 2!!) dilaudid, 25-50mg phenergan (over time), & Ativan or similar & at least 1 bag of fluids. Dr. Pain here should be avoided at all cost. I went back the next day with my father, and there was no delay in giving me that exact Rx to stop the episode. I was very dehydrated by then, however, so the IV was extremely hard to establish & left 10+ huge, black/purple bruises all over my arms & hands.

“I’ve had the great honor of emailing with Dr David Fleischer, “The Father of CVS.” He expressed to me in 2010 that my episodes seemed to require very little to abort, & he added that dilaudid is preferred over morphine bc it is not likely to create nausea – like morphine does.

“I was diagnosed by a GI in Manhattan after every test known to man & even gall bladder removal. I was referred by him to a Neuro back here in VA, who then passed me off to a shrink who only did my Med. Mgmt for anti-anxiety meds & then said I should just have my Primary taking care of this. My Primary is pretty lazy about it, though. On occasion the ER has tried to contact her by her emerg svc, but she’s not very forceful in her care of me, her patient. None of them care!!”
– Emily

The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness in the medical profession of the seriousness – and painfulness of this condition.

A support group is there to help. Colleen from CVS Speaks said:

“CVS Speaks actively works raising awareness and helps support Facebook support groups. We currently have 14 groups teamed up helping suffers in the day to day struggles. We have groups by age kids thru adults, caregivers to suffered only, men’s groups, women, mothers. You name we probably have a group to fit sufferers diverse needs.

“CVS patients often need safe place to feel validated, accepted and learn from others what helps relieve symptoms. Medical professionals often do not have much experience with CVS. So along with groups like CVSA www.cvsaonline.org, we help get them in touch with the most up to date treatment options and research to talk with their providers about.”

More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/CVS.Speaks/

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City Woman Aims To Strike A Chord For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jan 282016

Carol Norrie and CLAN chief executive Dr Colette Backwell at CLAN House in Aberdeen.

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

An Aberdeen woman is to hold a charitable dinner dance next week
after her musical father’s cancer diagnosis moved her to organise an event.

Carol Norrie will hold The Allan CLAN Red Carpet Charity Ball, in aid of CLAN Cancer Support, at the Chester Hotel, Aberdeen on Friday, Feb 5.

The night, which will include a three-course dinner and live performances from local artists Oliver Richards, Colin Newbury and Cameron Jay, has been devised by Carol after her father Dave Allan was diagnosed with lung cancer in June.

Dave’s diagnosis was then followed by a bout of pneumonia before further tests showed he required a double heart bypass before he could properly start his cancer treatment.

With her Dad’s cancer treatment now underway, Carol felt that she needed to focus on something that was positive and was looking for a distraction. She struck upon the idea of organising a charitable event and on recommendation from her friends, she visited CLAN Cancer Support at its CLAN House base in Aberdeen to see first-hand the work they do with individuals and families affected by cancer.

After being so impressed by the facility and the services the charity provides, it was an obvious choice for her to link-up with for her special evening.

Carol said:

“Dad has had a bit of a tough time of it recently, overcoming both pneumonia and a heart bypass in the days and weeks after being diagnosed with cancer in June last year. It’s been difficult for him and our family but his strength has been amazing. He’s managed to remain so positive throughout it all.

“With this in mind, I was looking for a bit of a distraction to take my mind off things. Some friends told me about CLAN and on learning more about the charity, I was immediately taken in by its spread of services and comfort and care it provides to people affected by cancer. It just seemed right to hold an event on its behalf.

“The night itself will have a strong musical element which was a key consideration given my Dad’s love for music throughout his life so far. He has played in various bands from the age of 12 up until a few years ago and we’re still hopeful that he might be able to play a song on the night; we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Ticket sales for the dinner dance have been strong, with all funds raised set to go towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. Monetary donations are still being sought to help cover lighting and sound costs.

Carol added:

“The support we’ve had from friends, family, members of the public, my work and local businesses such as The Chester Hotel itself and SIGNAL2NOISE has been fantastic so far and it really has helped create a feeling of positivity around something which is undoubtedly a tough time for us all. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the support network that my Dad has had so the work of charities like CLAN can bring an added importance to many.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the charity with the event and we can’t wait to invite attendees to a night of musical fun.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“Carol’s enthusiasm and passion for helping CLAN is there for all to see and we’re so delighted to have been selected as the beneficiary for what is sure to be a fantastic night of entertainment.

“CLAN is there to help all those affected by cancer; whether it is the person directly affected, a family member, a friend or even a carer. Carol, her Dad and their family have an obvious close bond and for them to turn what is sure to be a difficult time into something so positive is testament to their character and approach to life.”

Those interested in getting involved with the evening or those who would like to donate funds to the night are asked to contact Carol Norrie on carol.norrie572@btinternet.com

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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ACSHA On Track To Hit Fundraising Target

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire No Responses »

Jan 282016

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

A group of Aberdeen hoteliers has been working tirelessly to raise funds for a leading dementia charity, and is set to reach a five figure fundraising goal. Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association (ACSHA) has raised over £13,000 for Alzheimer Scotland so far, and is confident that it will increase this to £20,000 by its AGM in April.

As part of its fundraising effort, ACSHA recently auctioned a bottle of Pol Roger Vintage Cap 1943 champagne for an impressive £800.

The prize, which also included a meal at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa and a bottle of White Label Pol Roger, was won by Calum Richardson, who runs The Bay Fish & Chips, Stonehaven. After placing the winning bid, Mr Richardson offered an additional lot comprising of outside catering which raised an additional £1,000.

Mariner Hotel owner Mike Edwards, who donated the champagne, is spearheading ACSHA’s fundraising effort, and believes the organisation is well on its way to reaching its target. He says,

“It’s incredibly heart-warming to see so many hoteliers working together to raise funds for a cause as worthwhile as dementia care and research.

“We are delighted to have raised so much money from auctioning the champagne, and hope to continue in a similar vein as we push closer to our £20,000 target over the next few months.

“I hope that Calum enjoys the champagne, and that he celebrated his winning bid in suitable style – with fizz and chips!”

ACSHA will continue its fundraising efforts over the coming months, starting with a 24 hour endurance relay on static bikes which will take place in a number of hotels across the region. The organisation has also partnered with the Deeside Brewery to create a specially labelled lager which will be sold in local hotels with all profits going to Alzheimer Scotland.

Alzheimer Scotland is ACSHA’s nominated charity for 2015/16, and it is hoped that the money raised will go some way to funding its operations in the north east, including a newly opened resource centre in Aberdeen city centre. In addition to monetary donations, a number of ACSHA members have joined the Dementia Friends initiative, which seeks to make all venues more welcoming and hospitable for those with dementia and their carers.

Mr Edwards’ father, David, was once a familiar face in the hospitality trade in Aberdeen, and was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2008 at the age of just 59. There are currently around 90,000 people across Scotland diagnosed with dementia, including around 3,500 under the age of 65. In Aberdeen alone there are almost 300 people living with dementia under the age of 65.

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association represents 49 independently operated hotels and conference venues, along with a further nine associate members. These hotels provide around 4,500 bedrooms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. ACSHA is committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel services and to furthering the overall standards of excellence and hospitality within the region.

To make a donation to ACSHA’s fundraising pot for Alzheimer Scotland, visit www.justgiving.com/ACSHA

For more information about Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association, visit www.aberdeenhotels.org

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Play Me, I’m Yours Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Jan 282016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

Music could be found in unexpected places in Aberdeen later this year thanks to a leading business organisation.
Aberdeen Inspired is spearheading plans to bring a popular street pianos project, which has been touring cities globally since 2008, to the Granite City.

The Play Me, I’m Yours initiative is the brainchild of British artist Luke Jerram and has reached more than 10 million people worldwide.

From New York to London, over 1,500 pianos have been installed in 50 cities across the globe, all bearing the message “Play Me, I’m Yours”.

Aberdeen Inspired will bring the global phenomenon to life in the city centre if voted through for another five-year term. A renewal ballot will open on February 04 and will run until March 17, with city centre businesses with a rateable value above £27,500 invited to vote on whether the organisation continues to deliver city wide benefits and improvements.

The exhibition will consist of a minimum of 10 pianos, which will be brightened up and imaginatively decorated by students at the North East Scotland College. They will then be placed in a range of prominent city centre locations available for anyone to tinkle the ivories for two to three weeks. The project aims to encourage people to engage with their city by providing a resource for the public to express themselves and interact with each other.

Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said:

“The Play Me, I’m Yours project is a fantastic one which has achieved worldwide recognition and one we are hoping to bring to Aberdeen. The level of engagement it has brought amongst people in other cities is incredible and something we wish to replicate here.

“It is about bringing the Aberdeen community together through music and is a great way to utilise and brighten up spaces in the city centre for residents and visitors, with an open invitation for anyone to enjoy them and try their hand at playing something.

“This is a project everyone at Aberdeen Inspired is very passionate about and hope to bring to life for the people of the Granite City. We are asking anyone with an old piano they are willing to donate to get in touch with us and if we are voted through for another term, we will make Play Me, I’m Yours a reality.”

“In the meantime, we are looking for organisations to host the pianos during their display, covering them if it rains and taking them inside at night, so if your business is interested in this please let us know.”

At the end of the street pianos event in Aberdeen, a number of the pianos will be auctioned off. All proceeds will go to local city centre charities; Grampian Society for the Blind, British Heart Foundation, Barnardo’s, Befriend a Child and Cancer Research UK.

Aberdeen Inspired is appealing to anyone in the Aberdeen area who is willing to donate an old but still playable upright piano in relatively good condition to email info@aberdeeninspired.com. If successful in the renewal ballot, the organisation will get in touch soon afterwards to test suitability and arrange uplift. Gordon Bell of Gordon Bell Pianos has offered his expertise in examining the pianos and tuning them if needed.

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com

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Mental Health Charity Forges Unique Relationship

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jan 282016

Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has forged a link with an innovative charity which offers a therapeutic animal service. With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

The leading north-east charity recently visited The Owl and The Pussycat Centre in Maud, which gives people the chance to have a positive experience with birds of prey, including the owl stars of Harry Potter, Eral and
Hedwig.

Service users in MHA’s Companions Befriending Service and their companions had a magical time on the visit, which was used as an opportunity to get out and about in the community, have fun and build relationships with peers.

Flora Todd, manager of MHA Companions Befriending, is currently looking for volunteers to take on a befriending role within the charity.

She said:

“Our service users and their companions thoroughly enjoyed themselves at The Owl and The Pussycat Centre, and we would like to thank everyone there for making us so welcome. We would love to repeat visits like this as they are so beneficial in helping our service users combat feelings of isolation and embrace day to day life. Interaction with animals and birds is a great tool for improving a person’s wellbeing.

“Companionship can make an incredible difference to a person’s wellbeing and it was fantastic to see our befrienders and service users interacting with the owls and having such a good time. We are currently on the look-out for volunteers to join our pool of befrienders in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, Turriff and surrounding rural areas. It is a fantastically rewarding role to take on and while it has its challenges, the transformation it can bring about to someone’s life is incredible.

“Volunteers befrienders can help in so many different ways, from going out for coffee, helping build their self-confidence and learning new skills to attending local activities such as exercise classes and arts or cultural groups. They are also very much a listening ear. We would urge anyone interested to get in touch with us and find out more about becoming a befriender.”

A committed network of befriending volunteers has served the north-east through MHA for a number of years but the charity is working to expand the service.

Full training is provided to all volunteers, who must be aged 18 and over, and the charity has an experienced team leading the programme. All out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and the next induction training course will begin in February.

MHA was founded in 1950 and provides support services, counselling and advice to people affected by challenges related to mental health and wellbeing. Services are available for children from the age of 12 and adults. The organisation was among the first to provide community care – with its first residential project, a group home for discharged psychiatric patients, opened more than 35 years ago. MHA has also been providing day services continuously for over 60 years.

For more information on the befriending scheme and volunteering opportunities contact Flora Todd on 01779 470122 or visit www.mha.uk.net.

For more information on The Owl and Pussycat Centre visit www.owlandpussycatcentre.co.uk

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Medical Cannabis Oil Assistance Scheme Launches

Articles, Information 10 Responses »

Jan 212016

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Scottish Cannabis Oil Assistance Programme is a new entity that will help people with medical conditions purchase CBD oil. CBD oil is now legal in the United Kingdom, and worldwide evidence is mounting that oil may be beneficial to sufferers of conditions such as ME, Fibromyalgia and Epilepsy.

The founders are keen to stress they make no promises to alleviate or disease. They merely want to help people who want to use CBD oil but who cannot afford it.

It is up to anyone with an illness to make the decision to use any oil themselves and/or with their medical practitioner. The THC in cannabis, which results in the ‘high’, is removed from CBD oil products.

Details of the scheme can be found here: http://scoap.yolasite.com/

Donors are sought; regular donations or one-offs are welcome. Those who already know they benefit from CBD oil are able to register, and those who want further information will find some answers on the website as well.

The scheme was started after one of the founders, Suzanne Kelly, found that some of her acquaintances were unable to afford CBD oil, but that oil had a very positive impact on these people’s health. Initially helping a few people, it is hoped that more donors will come forward.

Kelly said:

“Research and anecdotal evidence certainly seems to indicate that people with severe medical conditions or with severe nausea (whether from illnesses such as CVS or from medical treatment) are benefiting from cannabis oil use. Quality oil is however very expensive to produce and sell, or import, and is out of reach of some people.

“I hope that we will recruit more sponsors to help people. One person I know with a debilitating disease tells me oil use decreases their pain and increases their mobility. There are three founders; none of us will take any payment, expense reimbursement of any kind – 100% of donations will be going on purchasing and delivering cannabis oil to those who need it.”

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Of Cairn Or Tree

Creative Writing, Environment 1 Response »

Jan 212016

By Tom Shepherd.

I‘m often at my best when I’m alone
A cairn or tree behind my back my throne
The sun to be my hearth and to my ears
Soft wind amongst the grass gathered courtiers.
.
It’s here I best hear both my mind and heart
To be myself, not play another’s part
Where racing thoughts can finally be stilled
And a desire of peace truly be filled.

Bird song the brightest natural fanfare
Breezes bring gifts of nature scented air
A changing tapestry of life is shown
Each day to me as I sit on my own.
.
But should the black dog herald gathering cloud
And silence alarm by growing ever loud
The arms of friends and of my family
Can shelter me more than could cairn or tree.

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