Service Archives - Page 11 of 20

CLAN Set To Run Balmoral

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Oct 152015

With thanks to Phil Moar, AccountManager, Citrus Mix.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is appealing for willing runners to take part in next year’s Run Balmoral road race after online entries opened this week.

CLAN Cancer Support is once again a nominated charity for the popular north-east event and has a number of places available for various races over the weekend.

The event this year takes place over the weekend of April 23-24, with the race programme including children’s races, the ConocoPhillips 5K and the Stena Drilling Tartan 10K run. A duathlon, 15 mile trail race and three mile trail run is also part of next year’s line-up.

The Run Balmoral launch follows the opening of early bird entries for next year’s Baker Hughes 10K race of which CLAN has been involved with for a number of years. The 2015 Baker Hughes event saw over 115 individuals lace up their running shoes to raise thousands of pounds on behalf of the charity.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Both Run Balmoral and Baker Hughes have well and truly established themselves as two of the most popular races in the north-east running calendar and CLAN has had a proud association with them both for a number of years.

“Run Balmoral takes place in April next year and we’re looking for participants to run in either the 5K, 10L, duathlon or 15 mile trail races on our behalf. We’ve had hundreds of runners in the past take part to raise thousands of pounds for CLAN and it is this level of support that makes such a big difference to the lives of many affected by cancer throughout the north and north-east of Scotland.”

Those interested in running either race on behalf of CLAN Cancer Support are asked to contact the charity’s Darren Hill on 01224 647000 or email darren.hill@clanhouse.org for further details.

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, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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CLAN Gearing Up For Christmas Cracker

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Oct 082015

Places are still available for a leading cancer charity’s popular festive event. With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support’s Christmas Cracker ball has become a highlight in the north-east social calendar – and is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events.

The seasonal event is being held on November 27 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC). More than £130,000 was raised last year as individuals and businesses showed their generosity towards CLAN.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“The Christmas Cracker is one of our most important fundraising events, and we are all looking forward to it. Each year we are grateful for the support of the north-east public who always get behind us and turn out in droves to help make it the success it is.

“We hope this year will be no different and we are encouraging both companies and individuals to take up the remaining places for what will truly be a fantastic evening. We understand that the business climate is very challenging just now, however demand for our services continues against this backdrop. We have been taken aback by the generosity of people in the past and we hope we can rely on that kindness once more.”

The festive evening will include a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

For more information or to book a table please contact Steph at CLAN on 01224 651026 or email steph.dowling@clanhouse.org

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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Counselling Service Takes In New Volunteers

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Oct 012015

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

An Aberdeen counselling service is looking ahead to the future after welcoming more than 40 potential volunteer counsellors at a successful drop-in event.

Of those participants, 10 have already applied to be considered by the Aberdeen Counselling and Information Service (ACIS), which is a branch of Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA).

ACIS has been established since 1983 and is one of the few counselling agencies in the city, Deeside and Banff and Buchan which still offers free counselling.

The service will be holding free volunteer counselling training sessions in January and will be accepting applications until September 30. It is looking for people from all walks of life who have the ability to listen to another person and communicate clearly without judgement.

Christine Maclean, ACIS manager, said:

“We were delighted with the turnout at our drop-in evening and the fact that 10 people have already shown an interest in the training is wonderful news. Volunteers are absolutely essential to us and we would struggle to keep going without them.

“There is strong demand for ACIS which we are working hard to meet. Bringing in new volunteers is a crucial part of this and we hope more people will consider putting themselves forward for our free training programme.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to give something back to the community and the impact it will make on ACIS cannot be underestimated. It is a rewarding role to take on, and one that really can transform lives as we try to make a difference to people’s wellbeing through ACIS.”

Trainees will need to give a time commitment of 10 weekends between January and June 2016 to complete the training. All sessions will take place in the city centre but there will also be some places available for potential trainees living in the Deeside and Banff and Buchan areas.

New counsellors are expected to give ACIS a miminum of two years as a volunteer worker once training is successfully completed.

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.

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Hundreds Turn Out For Clan’s Landmark Walk

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Oct 012015

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

Lord Provost councillor George Adam meets participants before they set off from the city’s Westburn Park

Aberdeen was a sea of purple as hundreds of walkers put their best foot forward in support of a leading north-east cancer charity.
More than 500 people took part in CLAN Cancer Support’s Landmark Walk on Sunday, September 27, tackling one of two routes of 13 miles and 7.8 miles, to take in a number of prominent landmarks throughout Aberdeen.

The event was officially started by Lord Provost councillor George Adam as participants set off in their droves from the city’s Westburn Park to tackle the trail.

Now in its third year, the event was again generously supported by commercial law firm Bond Dickinson as walkers took in a number of the Granite City’s most famous sites including King’s College, St Machar Cathedral and Pittodrie.

The charity also called on the help of more than 300 volunteers who provided vital support both before and after the fundraiser as well as marshalling the route itself.

With sponsorships and donations still arriving, the event is on course to match last year’s eventual total of £50,000 which will go towards the charity’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This is our third Landmark Walk event and it’s always quite something to see the sea of purple leave Westburn Park to tackle the routes in support of CLAN.

“From the walkers to the volunteers to the supporters on the streets, each and every one of you has helped make a difference to those affected by cancer in the north and north-east of Scotland and for that we simply cannot thank you enough.

“The donations are still flooding in so we’re still a bit away from knowing a grand total at this stage but we’re definitely on course to raise £50,000 which is a truly fantastic total and testament to the hard work and dedication shown by all those involved.”

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

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Open Day Raises Thousands For New Care Home

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

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

Supporters of a north-east Camphill charity have brought in thousands of pounds to help kit out its new care home.

More than 400 people helped Simeon Care for the Elderly celebrate the completion of the facility at a Strawberry Tea Open Day, raising £2,000 in the process.

The money will be used to buy furniture for the charity’s care home, which features dementia-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficient technology.

Construction of the building in Bieldside, Aberdeen, began in January last year and prompted the biggest fundraising drive in the charity’s history.

Gayle Johnston, Simeon’s fundraising manager, said:

“Life in Simeon is very busy preparing for moving into the new home next week. Our Open Day was such a fun experience, the sun shone and there was an incredible atmosphere while the public were seeing our new care home and Golden Garden for the first time. We were delighted to show people what they’ve helped us achieve and we have been so touched by the feedback. The day was a significant milestone for our charity.

“We raised £2,000 on the day which was the icing on the cake. Thanks you to everyone who joined us and made this a special day. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of individuals, charitable trusts and local businesses over the last three years. From coffee mornings to runs and ceilidhs to company fundraising, every effort has made such a difference to us. None of this would have been possible without their support and we would like to extend our thanks to them.”

The Open Day was part of the MBC festival and was done in conjunction with their neighbours, Cairnlee House, a Camphill School community for young adults with learning disabilities. The Golden Garden is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Simeon, one of the six Camphill charities, launched its New Lease of Life appeal to help fund the new care home, which consists of 23 en-suite bedrooms. The charity is currently home to 18 older people, with the new care home enabling it to increase capacity and build on its services to the elderly.

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Aberdeen Boxing Legend Receives Prestigious Award

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Sep 102015

With thanks to Steve Kearney.

ABC - Adam Smith - Ken Buchanan - Frank Gilfeather

Adam Smith (rear, second from left) with Ken Buchanan and Frank Gilfeather.

One of Aberdeen’s best-known boxing personalities has been given a long service award from the sport’s national federation in recognition of his seventy years of voluntary work in the city and beyond.

Adam Smith was presented with the award by Boxing Scotland for seven decades of dedication to developing and supporting the sport in the North-east in a variety of roles.

Having started as a junior boxer, Smith was heavily involved with Aberdeen Amateur Boxing Club, and between 1972 and 2009 served as only the second Club Secretary, taking over from local legend Tommy Begg, who had run the club since it was founded in 1920.

Working alongside Begg, Smith was a judge, trainer and delegate, equally happy dealing with the administrative side of the sport as he was working to develop young boxers.

In addition to the role of Secretary, Smith became Head Coach after Begg passed away, overseeing the most successful period in the club’s history and moving the base from Shiprow to Mastrick, then in 1989 to its current home at Cumming Park Community Centre, where the club recently re-opened after a two-year gap due to a lack of facilities.

Other roles Smith occupied include a spell as Scotland Manager between 1979 and 1982, while he was also a referee of considerable acclaim, as well as being the elected President of the North-east District of the Scottish Amateur Boxing Association between 1978 and 2000.

In 2009, the club was passed to Adam’s son Leroy, who as President and Head Coach has steered the club through recent challenges to once again be the centre for boxing in Aberdeen.

The legacy of one of Scotland’s oldest and most highly-regarded boxing clubs looks to be in safe hands as Leroy is currently studying for his BSc in Sports Coaching at Abertay University and has also recently taken on a post at Sport Aberdeen, both of which will benefit the club.

Run entirely by a team of volunteers and with a growing group of committed boxers, Aberdeen Boxing Club, as it is now known, is looking towards a bright future, but with one eye firmly on the past, and the incredible legacy Adam Smith and his input over a seventy year period.

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Hotel Reception Manager Secures Prestigious Scholarship

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Sep 102015

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

Aberdeen, Tuesday 10th March 2015 Thistle Altens Hotel Aberdeen (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Gabor Petia (33), reception manager at The Aberdeen Skyways Hotel.

A reception manager at one of Aberdeen’s top hotels has recently returned from a prestigious scholarship in Switzerland.

Gabor Petia (33), reception manager at The Aberdeen Skyways Hotel, attended a week-long course on leadership in the workplace as part of the Hospitality Industry Training (HIT) Scotland Scholarship at the École Hotelière Lausanne in Switzerland.

Originally from Hungary, Gabor was one of just 14 scholars selected for the week long programme that focused on leadership and management in the hospitality sector.

Gabor explains,

“The whole HIT Scotland experience was incredible and I was honoured to be a part of it.

“I met a number of inspiring individuals and there was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the week. In the evenings we were able to relax and enjoy each other’s company, like a sort of working holiday.”

Throughout the scholarship, Gabor learned a number of skills that will help him become a more effective manager in his post at The Aberdeen Skyways Hotel, including how to motivate his team to perform to the best of their abilities.

He says,

“The most important thing I learned on the scholarship was that being a manager and being a leader are two very different things. A manager is focusing on tasks and schedules, but a leader’s main focus is people.

“I often meet with individuals in the industry who work in hospitality just to pay the bills and have absolutely no passion. I believe that the hospitality industry has no place for this attitude as it has an immediate impact on the level of service.

“The experience reaffirmed my belief that it’s not a mistake to aim for perfection. Striving towards a 100% success rate can bring out the best in a team and encourage teamwork.

“Luckily, our reception team already performs very well, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences so that we continue to focus on the guests, their individual needs, and ways in which to give them a unique experience.”

Gabor also realised that sometimes the biggest hindrance in any professional’s work is their own outlook, and that it can be important to step back and re-evaluate one’s priorities in the workplace.

He says,

“The daily pressure at work can mean we sometimes forget the bigger picture. We can focus so much on resolving the issues directly in front of us that it can hold us back from delivering the level of service we are capable of.

“Getting away from daily routines and receiving professional tutoring in how to excel in hospitality is a fantastic experience, and a real motivator to perform well. It reminded me why I entered into the hospitality industry in the first place.”

Gabor, who has worked at The Aberdeen Skyways Hotel since 2011, has long been a valued member of the team. General manager, Alison Christie says,

“Since Gabor returned from his HIT Scotland Scholarship he has been re-energised and really focused on improving the customer experience, putting into place his learnings as soon as he stepped back through the door.

“Being awarded a scholarship is a really fantastic achievement, and we were thrilled that Gabor was selected earlier this year. He is a credit to the hotel, and we look forward to working with him for many more years to come.”

The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel is part of The Hotel Collection, which has two other venues in the city – The Aberdeen Altens Hotel and The Caledonian Hotel. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel also has a health and leisure club. Further information is available at www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/region/hotels-in-scotland/

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New Chief Executive Sets Out Vision For CLAN

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Sep 072015

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

The new chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support has reinforced the charity’s vision to be the centre of excellence for the provision of cancer support services in the north and north-east of Scotland after she officially took up the post.

Dr Colette Backwell was announced as the new chief executive of the cancer support charity in June and has linked up with staff at CLAN House in Aberdeen this week.

Dr Backwell aims to build on the charity’s leading reputation for providing a range of cancer support services that meet the individual needs of those affected by cancer, their carers, family members and close friends.

Looking ahead to 2020 and reinforcing CLAN’s position as a trusted hub of community-based cancer support services is an integral component of Dr Backwell’s vision for the charity moving forward.

CLAN Cancer Support was established in Aberdeen in 1983 and has grown considerably to provide free services to anyone affected by cancer across the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The charity has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

Dr Backwell brings over 20 years’ experience in policy development, research, industry support and business management within the charity, public and private sectors to the role, alongside expertise in the challenges of service delivery in rural communities.

A member of the Scottish Rural Policy Centre’s Advisory Group, as well as a visiting professor at Robert Gordon University, she also currently sits on the Scottish Committee of the Institute of Directors.

Dr Backwell said:

“I’m delighted to now officially be in post with CLAN and I look forward to meeting staff, volunteers, clients and supporters across all areas that the charity covers in the weeks ahead.

“CLAN is renowned for its level of professional support and values, providing a welcoming, empathetic and caring environment alongside enhancing the quality of lives affected by cancer. It is my aim to build on this as the charity moves forward.

“At the heart of everything the charity does is the wellbeing of the individuals it supports. Listening to their needs will be essential in shaping our service moving forward.”

Dr Backwell will lead a team of over 60 staff and 400 volunteers and will later this month visit both Orkney and Shetland to see first-hand the work the charity currently delivers on the islands.

She added:

“CLAN’s geographical spread sees its service provision cover the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland and, as each individual area comes with its own specific set of unique requirements, it is integral that we continue to listen and react accordingly.

“To be able to successfully provide comfort and care across such a large area is undoubtedly a challenge but one that I, along with CLAN’s dedicated team, look forward to tackling. CLAN plays a massive part in so many people’s lives throughout the north of the country and it is our goal to continue to reach out and support those who require our help.”

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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Simeon Throws Open Doors To New Care Home

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 282015

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

Simeon Care for the Elderly is celebrating the completion of its innovative new care home by throwing open its doors to the public. Construction of the building in Bieldside, Aberdeen, began in January last year and prompted the biggest fundraising drive in the charity’s history.

As part of the MBC Festival, Simeon is inviting the public to have a guided tour of the new Simeon House as part of their Strawberry Tea Open Day celebrations on Sunday, August 30, from 2pm to 4pm.

This is a joint event with their neighbours, Cairnlee House, a Camphill School community for young adults with learning disabilities.

The home, built on land at Cairnlee Road, designed by Camphill Architects, features dementia-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficient technology.

Gayle Johnston, Simeon’s fundraising manager, said:

“It is incredible that we have finally reached this moment, and we are so grateful to everyone that has helped us. The kindness and generosity of individuals, community groups, charitable trusts and local businesses has enabled us to get here and we are so excited to show everyone around the new Simeon House.

“The new home will boost our capacity and allow us to enhance our service to the elderly. All of our residents are looking forward to the open day and of course, to moving into Simeon House next month. This is a tremendous milestone for us and we can’t wait to share it with the public.”

The open day will also feature tours of the charity’s Golden Garden, workshop demonstrations at Cairnlee House, as well as a range of fun activities from a bouncy castle and face painting to a variety of stalls.

The Golden Garden was made possible thanks to £45,000 in funding from the Big Lottery Fund after Simeon won 10,500 votes from the public via the ITV People’s Millions. Designed by Dr Garuth Chalfont, an acclaimed expert in the design, research and use of healing gardens, the garden features therapeutic landscaping and dementia-friendly spaces.

Gayle added:

“We are in the process of creating our Golden Garden and it is coming along beautifully, including our first landmark, a golden bicycle. We have been very thankful for the help we have received from companies and community groups and are still on the lookout for assistance with weeding, planting shrubs and clearing paths among other things.

“If you are keen to get involved, please contact me on 01224 865820 or gayle@simeoncare.org.uk. The Golden Garden will complement the new home so well and we hope that people take the chance to come along and see what has been achieved.”

Parking on-site is restricted with visitors advised to park on Baillieswells Road or adjacent residential streets.

More Info:

Simeon Care for the Elderly has been meeting the needs of older people for 30 years. Simeon’s philosophy of care, compassion and companionship supports older people to have an active, meaningful and purposeful life in a community setting and provides dignified and compassionate care and end of life care, supporting the individual as well as their families. The independent charity is part of the Camphill Movement and one of seven Camphill charities in Aberdeen.

The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.

Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.

Spam Fritter Anyone? Unusual Addition To Hotel Menu

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 212015

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Tricker PR.

Andrew’s Spitfire Burger

When Andrew Brown, a Merchant Navy engineer from Peterhead, visited the Taste of Grampian Festival at Thainstone centre in June, the last thing he thought he would be crowned was The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel’s very own burger king…and it was all down to a spam fritter.
The Aberdeen hotel was a prominent feature at the local foodie festival, offering samples from its latest aviation themed burger menu.

But what The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel was really looking for was a new invention for the menu, created by imaginative festival goers.

From chocolate to yoghurt, fruit to pigs cheeks; some of the entries could be considered unpalatable. For Andrew (28), his Spitfire creation consisted of an Aberdeen Angus burger, topped with a spam fritter, habenero salsa, Swiss cheese, rocket, chard salad and a hefty spread of chilli mayonnaise. The chefs carefully selected Andrew’s creation because of its creativity and well balanced flavours.

Andrew explains:

“I couldn’t believe it when the hotel called me to say my recipe had won – it was actually my friend who persuaded me to enter, knowing my love of a good burger. I’d never made the recipe but I knew the ingredients would marry up well.

“I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with one of the chefs creating my burger and when I finally got to try it, it was every bit as amazing as I’d imagined. The key is in the name though with a definite kick coming from the chilli.

“It’s definitely the most unusual competition I’ve entered and to have my dish on the menu is quite an accolade, even if I do have to put up with my friends calling me the burger king from now on!”

And it would appear that Andrew is not alone in his tastes as the burger has become a huge success since it has been on the menu.

Alison Christie, general manager at The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel, says:

“Guest feedback and input is hugely valuable to us. We strive to ensure that every visitor experience is a positive one; an ongoing achievement reflected in our recent Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence award.

“We know that the Taste of Grampian Festival attracts keen foodies from the area and decided what better way to develop a new, creative menu item? Thirty people entered the competition and although there were some unusual ingredients, the majority were superb.

“We added Andrew’s Spitfire to the menu at the start of July, giving summer visitors an option to try something unique during their visit. The competition has been such a success that we may look to do it again in the future.”

The Spitfire burger will remain on the menu until the end of August and is priced at £14.

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