Health Archives - Page 16 of 31

Mini Donated To Clan Cancer Support Annual Raffle

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire No Responses »

Jun 192015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Domino’s Pizza has made a delivery with a difference by donating a brand new Mini to a leading north-east charity’s fundraising campaign.

CLAN Cancer Support had initially appealed to businesses to sponsor the car by taking up five advertising slots before the fast food outlet generously stepped in to support the charity.

The public will be able to get a slice of the fundraising action as the Mini will be driven to a wide range of shows, exhibitions and shopping centres across the length and breadth of the north-east before being raffled off for CLAN.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“We were absolutely delighted when Domino’s Pizza came forward with the Mini. It is such a generous gesture which means a lot as the raffle is a hugely important fundraising event for us which gets a lot of support from the public.

“The car will soon be going on a fantastic tour of the north-east to sell tickets for the raffle, which will also be available to purchase from CLAN House or from our range of charity shops across the north-east.”

The draw will also be supported by the area’s Rotary clubs who have helped conduct an annual car raffle since 2000, helping raise over £500,000 for a variety of local causes in the process.

Ian Smith, owner of the Domino’s Pizza Franchise in Aberdeen and Inverurie said:

“CLAN is a charity that is very close to my heart. The staff at CLAN House do an amazing job supporting people affected by cancer and I am happy that I have been given the opportunity to help with their fundraising activities.”

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

One Great Day At Bon Accord & St Nicholas

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 112015

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord and St Nicholas, with Alfie Milne and his mother Tracy.

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas has brought in thousands of pounds for two worthy causes after holding a day of fundraising.

The shopping mall marked the UK-wide One Great Day initiative at the weekend, supporting Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

The centre has now raised more than £8,000 for the two charities, with more donations still coming in.

Seven-year-old VIP Alfie Milne helped oversee proceedings on One Great Day, which included giveaways, food tastings, a bike challenge and a bouncy castle.

Alfie was diagnosed with lymphangiomatosis; an extremely rare and incurable disease of the lymphatic system causing tumours to spread throughout the body, in 2008.

The youngster has been receiving treatment from Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, after finding it difficult to receive help in the north-east due to the rarity of the illness.

CLAN Cancer Support, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, also benefitted from the fundraising day. The charity offers a dedicated children and families service, providing a listening ear and activities aimed at helping both groups through a cancer diagnosis.

The centre had already been collecting for both causes, with a coin vortex donation point in place within the mall and a bouncy castle fun day which was held for the campaign.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We had a fantastic crowd along to One Great Day, who got into the spirit of the event and helped create a brilliant atmosphere in the centre. Our current running total of £8,000 has surpassed our expectations, and we are delighted to have been able to help two such worthy causes.

“Alfie and his family did a wonderful job opening proceedings for us, it was great to have them along, especially as we know how much Great Ormond Street has helped them. We are pleased to have also been raising money for CLAN, which does so much to help people with cancer throughout the north and north-east.”

CLAN Cancer Support Appoints New Chief Executive

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Jun 112015

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support has appointed a new chief executive. The leading north-east charity will welcome Dr Colette Backwell to the role, succeeding Debbie Thomson after more than 14 years in the position.

Dr Backwell, who will officially join the charity later this year, has over 20 years’ experience in policy development, research, industry support and business management within the charity, public and private sectors.

Her previous roles include director with the Scottish Food and Drink Federation as well as a number of senior public sector positions in the UK and Scottish Governments and in local government.

She has particular expertise in the challenges of service delivery in rural communities.

Dr Backwell is a member of the Scottish Rural Policy Centre’s Advisory Group as well as a visiting professor in the Institute for Management, Governance and Society at Robert Gordon University. She also sits on the Scottish Committee of the Institute of Directors.

Kenny Anderson, chairman of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“Following a successful recruitment campaign for the post, where the calibre of candidates was extremely high, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Colette Backwell as CLAN’s new chief executive.

“Colette’s vast experience within the third, public and private sectors really does speak for itself and I look forward to working with her when she links up with the charity later this year. Colette’s strengths lie within leadership and organisational management and I have no doubt that she is the perfect person to oversee the next stage of CLAN’s journey.”

Dr Colette Backwell added:

“It’s an incredible honour to have been appointed chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support and I look forward to playing my part in continuing its reputation as a leading provider of free cancer support services across the north and north-east of Scotland.

“I have a strong passion for the role that the third sector plays in supporting local communities and it is obvious that CLAN is held in high regard by so many people across the areas it operates within. It’s an exciting opportunity for me and one that I can’t wait to get started with.”

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 and 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

Local Team Take On Longest Day Golf Challenge

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Jun 052015

With thanks to Cate Gordon, Tricker PR.

Four friends from Aberdeen are undertaking the Longest Day Golf Challenge in order to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The challenge, taking place on Friday 19th June, will see the team play four local golf courses in one day. Tee off will be at 5.15am and an expected arrival at the final 18th hole at 10pm.

The group will play Newmachar Hawkshill, Newmachar Swailend, Kemnay and Westhill Golf Club courses.

A total of 72 holes of golf will be played on the day, 300 shots and 20 miles walked as they take on the challenge.

Richard Craig, team captain said:

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer but even as medical breakthroughs continue and survival rates are higher than ever funding is still needed to continue the fight against cancer. Playing four rounds of golf simultaneously is nothing compared to the hardship cancer sufferers and their families undergo. So we are pleased to help in our own way towards this great cause”

Donations can be made via the fundraising page; www.justgiving.com/GolfchallengeABERDEEN/

Clan Cancer Support Set For New Era

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Apr 232015

CLAN chief executive Debbie Thomson

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support chief executive Debbie Thomson (pictured) is preparing to pass on the baton after more than 14 successful years with the north-east charity.

Mrs Thomson will stand down from the post in July and has been praised for her role in spearheading the organisation’s growth and cementing its reputation as a leader in its field.

Under her stewardship, CLAN has grown from employing a team of five to a staff of over 60 and has expanded its reach from Aberdeen to provide services throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray as well as in Shetland and Orkney.

Highlights included the planning, construction and launch of the £3 million purpose built CLAN House and CLAN Haven facilities on Westburn Road in Aberdeen in addition to a year of celebrations to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary in 2013.

Kenny Anderson, CLAN chairman, said:

“Debbie has been integral to everything that has been achieved during her time as chief executive. On behalf of the board and the entire CLAN family, I must thank her for her passion, commitment and forward thinking.

“We are grateful that Debbie has agreed to continue to enable us to benefit from her experience and expertise as a volunteer as well as accepting the invitation to become a valued patron. She has left a tremendous legacy and provided firm foundations for the next stage of our journey.”

The departing chief executive was appointed in January 2001 and had a clear vision to expand the charity’s role to provide support to anyone affected by cancer within its catchment area.

Mrs Thomson said:

“It has been a privilege to serve CLAN as chief executive and I’ll continue to support as a patron. After almost a decade and a half in the role, I feel now is the right time to explore other opportunities and embrace fresh challenges.

“I am proud at what we have achieved and overcome as a team and CLAN will always hold a special place in my heart. The ethos of CLAN has been ‘to comfort always’ and I believe we have fulfilled that aim through the efforts of our wonderful staff, counsellors, therapists and volunteers. I know that will continue to be the case.

“What we never lose sight of is the fact that the individuals and families we support are at the heart of everything CLAN does. My time in the post has been both a humbling and inspirational experience.”

The process has now begun to recruit a new chief executive to lead the charity in the next stage of its development.

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick. For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

North-East Charity Paints The Way Forward

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Apr 172015

Volunteers from ADIL, CNR International, AAB and KCA Deutag joined forces with Spencer Coatings and Mental Health Aberdeen’s team to give the charity’s base a new look

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

A leading north-east charity has received a donation with a difference that will enable it to transform its working environment.

Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has been gifted paint from Spencer Coatings Limited which is being used to revamp its central office and create an uplifting environment for workers and visitors.

The painting and coatings manufacturer first assisted the charity 14 years ago by donating materials to MHA’s Aberdeen Supported Housing Project – and has now repeated the kind gesture.

MHA offers a range of resources, including: emotional and practical support; information and advice; support with helping overcoming social isolation; links and access to other community resources; and activities promoting mental wellbeing.

Fiona Mooney, fundraising and marketing manager at MHA, said:

“We approached Spencer Coatings as they have helped us in the past and we are absolutely delighted that they have assisted us again. Their kind donation of a large amount of paint means we can begin to brighten up our office space.

“We have had corporate volunteers from ADIL, CNR International, AAB and KCA Deutag to do the painting work and they have started transforming our four offices and hallway within our central office building. It is looking brighter already and we are so grateful to both Spencer Coatings and our volunteers for giving up their time to help us.

“It makes such a difference for our visitors to be able to come to a warm, bright, welcoming place and we want to thank everyone involved who is helping us transform the space.”

Linda Stronach, of Spencer Coatings, said:

“We were happy to get involved and assist such a worthy local charity by donating our products to help enhance the charity’s premises. MHA works hard to deliver their vital services in Aberdeen and throughout the north-east and we are pleased we were able to help in this way.”

Peter Brawley, head of operations and brownfield projects at ADIL said:

“Mental Health Aberdeen is a place of respite and support for so many people in the city and shire. MHA was chosen to be ADIL’s charity of the year by our staff, who wanted to volunteer their time, as well as help raise money for this brilliant local cause. We hope our work to help improve the facilities here can make the building even more welcoming for those who come here to use the services on offer.”

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.

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

Ford Joins Shire Future Governance Working Group

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Mar 202015

With thanks to Martin Ford. Councillor Martin Ford is to serve on a new Aberdeenshire Council working group set up to overhaul the authority’s governance arrangements.

Cllr Ford (Scottish Green Party, East Garioch ward) will represent the three Aberdeenshire councillors who are neither in the Council’s coalition administration or the SNP on the 14-member working group.

The new working group – to be known as the ‘Future Governance Working Group’ – was agreed at last Thursday’s (12 March) full council meeting.

The immediate need to change the Council’s governance arrangements results from the integration of health and social care – but other pressures, including an on-going financial squeeze, also point to a review being necessary.

Speaking during last Thursday’s full council debate, Cllr Ford described Aberdeenshire’s current governance structures as having been ‘tired for some time’. He urged that a bold approach is taken by the Working Group.

Cllr Ford said:

“The Future Governance Working Group has an important job to do. Some changes are needed because of new circumstances. Some changes are needed to address things that are currently not working well, or not as well as they should. Some changes are desirable as over-due improvements.

“For example, a public petitions committee was mooted in 2012. Yet the Council has still not established one.”

Cllr Ford has identified a number of areas where he believes significant changes are needed. He said:

“I hope the Council will agree to strengthen the role of its Area Committees.

“The process for setting the Council’s budget has to change and include meaningful opportunities for public engagement and consultation. As well as public involvement, there must be a new approach to the scrutiny and challenge of proposals by councillors.

“It has been made ridiculously difficult for councillors to get issues of concern on to the agenda of Council meetings through submitting notices of motion. And this has been a deliberate policy of the Council. It is an essential democratic safeguard that individual elected councillors can raise issues at formal Council meetings.

“I believe the Council must take a fresh look at decision making in relation to cross-cutting priorities such as climate change. Decisions primarily about some different matter will often have knock-on effects for the Council’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and we need to get better at checking for unintended consequences and secondary effects during the decision making process. Otherwise the Council can accidentally undermine its own policies.

“We also need to look for efficiencies in the decision making process. This is extremely important given on-going financial pressures.”

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

[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Nexen And Apache Pledge £80,000 To North-East Charity

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Featured, News No Responses »

Mar 132015

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

Two leading oil and gas companies have made donations totalling £80,000 in a significant funding boost which will support vital youth counselling provided by Mental Health Aberdeen.

The charity’s ACIS Youth service has received £50,000 from Apache North Sea and £30,000 from Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd to enable it to continue its work with children and young people throughout the north-east.

For Nexen it represents the second tranche of money, having gifted £45,000 in 2014, whilst Apache has pledged to follow this year’s pledge with a further two years of funding.

Both companies are based at the Prime Four business park in Kingswells and have made the donations as part of their commitment to the region’s charitable sector.

Astrid Whyte, chief executive of Mental Health Aberdeen, said:

“These incredibly generous gestures by Nexen and Apache will have a huge impact. The funding will be used specifically to aid our ACIS Youth network, which does valuable work with youngsters who have turned to MHA for help.

“In the past year alone ACIS Youth counsellors provided 1,125 sessions for 178 young people and responded to more than 1,000 requests for information. Whilst the number supported by our counsellors has increased on the previous 12-months, there is still additional demand which we are working hard to meet.

“The £80,000 provided by Apache and Nexen will enable us to maintain and expand the service – making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families within our communities.”

ACIS Youth is part of MHA’s wide range of services for young people and adults in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. ACIS caters for those aged 18 and under, with counselling provided free of charge and accessed directly by young people through MHA’s offices or by requests facilitated by parents, social workers, teachers, GPs, youth services and other agencies – providing the young person has given consent.

Astrid Whyte added:

“I am always at pains to stress that if a young person has come to us, they have already crossed a significant barrier. If they have reached out in that way we must ensure we’re in a position to provide the support they need.”

Steve Regulski, chairman of the Nexen UK donations committee, said:

“Nexen is delighted to be continuing to support the vital counselling and advice services which MHA provides to people affected by mental health and wellbeing challenges in the local area.

“Last year, Nexen contributed funding to MHA’s Comraich Centre in Inverurie, a valuable resource that is positively changing the lives of those using the service. Giving back to the communities where we live and work is deeply rooted in Nexen’s company values and we are committed to working in partnership with local charities to help them deliver their good work.”

Rebecca Brown, finance manager of Apache North Sea, said:

“I am delighted that Apache is able to support ACIS and in particular the initiative to place counsellors in schools. This will encourage young people to ask for and access help when they need it and has the potential to change their lives and future wellbeing.”

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. Further information is available online at www.mha.uk.net.

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

Allard Calls On Cameron To Protect NHS From TTIP

Articles, Opinion 1 Response »

Feb 272015

Christian Allard MSP signing the pledge at the Scottish Parliament.

With thanks to Gavin Mowat.

Christian Allard, MSP for the North East of Scotland, has added his support to the campaign to fight against privatisation of the NHS.

The campaign calls for David Cameron to use his veto to protect the health service from the effects of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Mr Allard along with SNP colleagues at the Scottish Parliament signed the People’s NHS pledge to demand that David Cameron vetoes TTIP unless the NHS is “fully and clearly exempted” from the agreement.

Commenting, Christian Allard MSP said:

“Protecting the NHS is an important priority for people in Scotland and for the SNP. This is why SNP MSPs are pledging that we will call on the Prime Minster to veto TTIP if it does not explicitly exempt the NHS from the agreement.

“Our NHS staff do a fantastic job in our most treasured public institution and this work is too important to be put at risk from TTIP.

“The SNP will do everything in our power to protect our NHS and support the good work of our NHS staff – that is why we are signing this pledge.”

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

MSPs Welcome Progress At NHS Grampian

Aberdeen City, Articles, Opinion 2 Responses »

Feb 172015

With thanks to Ann-Marie Parry.

SNP MSPs Alex Salmond and Christian Allard have welcomed the “real progress” being made by NHS Grampian in addressing the recommendations of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland report published December last year.

Today’s update from NHS Grampian shows the work they are taking forward to recruit more nurses, better investigate and respond to complaints and develop sustainable plans to further improve unscheduled care.

The update comes ahead of Health Secretary Shona Robison’s visit to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary today.

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond said:

“I am very pleased that the new leadership team at NHS Grampian are making real progress in implementing the Healthcare Improvement Scotland recommendations.

“I welcome the health board’s plans to recruit more nurses and take forward a strategy to make unscheduled care work better for patients.

“This SNP Government is committed to ensuring that this progress continues as is clear from the £49.1 million increase to the health board’s budget.

“This is the highest increases of any health board in Scotland and will bring NHS Grampian within 1% parity of NRAC, the NHS funding formula.”

North East MSP Christian Allard attended a NHS Grampian briefing for MSPs on Friday.

Commenting, Mr Allard (pictured) said:

“Staff at NHS Grampian are amongst the best working in NHS Scotland and they should be given high praise for the level of care they provide to North East patients.

“Last week’s meeting with the NHS Grampian Board was very positive and this has been backed up by today’s update on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland action plan.”

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

Older Entries Newer Entries