Flood-battered Charity Carers’ Service Fights Back

 Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles, Information  No Responses »
Jul 012013
 

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With thanks to Claire McBain.

On Friday 28 June 2013 VSA, the north-east’s largest charity and the country’s biggest city social care charity, held an open day for carers and professionals to officially launch its new Stonehaven Carers’ Centre following two notorious Stonehaven floods that left the former building ruined.

VSA’s Stonehaven Carers’ Centre covers Portlethen to St. Cyrus and inland towards Deeside.

Moira Hurry, senior carers support and development worker at VSA’s Stonehaven Carers’ Centre, said:

“I’m pleased to say that despite the difficulties we faced we continued to provide a valuable service to existing and new carers throughout south Aberdeenshire.”

The former building, in Arbuthnott Place, was severely damaged by the flood three years ago and again last December.  Before securing the new office in Evan Street, Moira worked from home and VSA headquarters but heavily relied on support from local organisations:

“Thanks to kind support from the Belvidere Hotel in Stonehaven, the Care Management and Community Learning and Development teams in Portlethen I could continue with meetings, like monthly carer groups and one-to-one sessions.

“The open day is an opportunity for people to find out about the range of support available to adult unpaid carers, meet fellow carers, enjoy some well-deserved pampering and explore special interest groups, like the art workshop.”

Kenneth Simpson, chief executive at VSA, said:

“I want to personally thank everyone in the community who rallied round to support VSA at this challenging time.  I’m delighted that we were able to keep the service going throughout and can now launch an exciting new centre for local carers.”

VSA’s Stonehaven Carers’ Centre shares its office with PAMIS, an organisation that supports people with profound and multiple learning disabilities across Aberdeenshire city and shire.

Honorary Presidency For Celebrity Singer

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Jun 142013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

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Aberdeen Lord Provost, George Adam, has officially inaugurated Scottish singer and producer Fiona Kennedy as Honorary President of VSA in recognition of 30 years of incredible enthusiasm, dedication and fundraising.
Fiona’s career has been diverse and includes singing, acting, public speaking and performing at international events, as well as producing the vibrant and hugely successful production The Kist.

Kenneth Simpson, chief executive at VSA, said:

“Fiona has given an enormous amount of support and done a tremendous amount of profile-raising for the charity.  We’re so grateful and can’t wait for the next steps.

“Fiona has a long history with us, having been a Trustee, Convenor of the Carers Committee, Vice Chair and Chair of VSA Board.  She has shown endless passion and tenacity, working hard for causes close to her heart. 

“The team at VSA, past and present, are incredibly grateful for Fiona’s hard work in publicising and supporting campaigns, particularly for older peoples’ services Broomhill Park and Broomhill Activity Centre.”

On accepting the honour Fiona, who began her involvement when asked to accept a cheque on VSA’s behalf and has been an ambassador and an active fundraiser for the charity over the last 30 years, said:

“I’m completely thrilled and delighted to become VSA’s Honorary President. 

“I love being part of the VSA family and will continue to do whatever I can to support the organisation.  VSA is doing a brilliant job and I’m proud to be part of it.”

“I went to see the range of work VSA is involved with and was just so impressed.  The work VSA continues to do is really inspiring. 

“I felt this amazing organisation was not blowing its own trumpet enough, so I was very glad roll my sleeves up.

“My main priorities were to raise awareness and fundraise.  What’s really impressive is the fact that 96p of every pound raised goes directly to charitable expenditure.”

A particular highlight for Fiona was spearheading and chairing the campaign for the £4million Broomhill Park, that she and her committee helped raise significant funds for, of which she went on to say:

“I’m never afraid to knock on doors to champion causes I believe in and was so delighted to attract supporters like Sir Alex Ferguson to help fundraise for the new Broomhill Park.”  

Kenneth Simpson, chief executive at VSA, also presented local businessman James Stevenson with the title of Honorary Vice President at Tuesday’s event.

Making the presentation to James, Kenneth said:

“James too has done so much for VSA during his time as a Trustee, Vice Chair and Chair of the VSA board. 

“He has terrific business expertise, which VSA values greatly and has given many years of extremely generous support.”

Hospital Visits

 Community, Opinion  4 Responses »
Jun 072013
 

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By Trish Healy.

I am tired and thinking about all the things yet to do at home.

I hope tomorrow the bus is on time……..

The stress starts as soon as I ask myself, “shall I take the bus or take the car?”

The bus may or may not turn up on time.  I have stood so many times cursing then calming down with a deep breath or three.

Although it is faster with the bus lanes it costs an arm and a leg every day. You cannot really buy return tickets as the bus often does not appear as is scheduled after visits and then the next bus is a different number altogether and won’t accept your ticket.

What if I get the driver that nearly throws you out of your seat with his dodgy driving, I remember the man behind me swearing at him after being thrown forward for the umpteenth time, or the cheeky young driver that tells me ‘there is a bell’ if I want to get off the bus? There are of course many polite, lovely and safe drivers too.

Well what about the car then?  Traffic build up, irate drivers, cost of petrol, environmentally unfriendly, no parking to be found and then when I do find a space about 20 minutes later it is at the maternity unit and I need to be at the other end of the hospital.

By now I am cursing and wish I had taken the bus!

The bus usually wins, only due to the amazing people I get to meet at the bus-stop and the stories they tell. Now, at the hospital, I have a short time before the wards will let me in so I have the choice of waiting outside the ward or in the hospital cafe that sells nothing suitable for a vegan. Well fruit, there is always fruit.

The café staff seems tired, looking forward to the end of their shift. I am not allowed to eat my homemade sandwich that suits my dietary requirements but they cannot make me one similar… stress.

It is a long day when visiting from 8.30am to 5pm on chemotherapy day. Once I am finally on the ward I get to my partners bedside and he is asleep. Ah well, I will sit and relax for a little while, don’t want to wake him. “Don’t sit on the bed…..”  Oops, forgot.

Feeling like a school kid now, never would think I had been a ward sister in my time.

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I notice the busyness of the ward and note that the people who make you feel best are the domestic and auxiliary staff who just seem to have more time for you.  The trained staff fly about, undertaking medications and admissions, calling doctors and technicians, not at a lot changed since my days.

I have been there a while now and need to use the toilet but, depending on the ward, I have to go down 3 flights of stairs and walk along a long corridor before I get to them. Note to self… do not drink so much when visiting, even if it is a full day.

My thoughts are always with my partner and how he is coping, treatment burns. Unable to speak, I look back at the 8 hours. My head can be full of so many outcomes, I need to cry but there is nowhere to go where I feel safe. Although there is the small hospital chapel, it is nice there, I like the stillness, but I cannot cry and then visit my partner, it would not be fair. It is not about me after all, it is about him.

He smiles when he wakes up and sees me and my thoughts disappear, I smile and love him back.  The visit passes quickly and then we have to say our goodbyes. A nurse has told me I should have left 5 minutes ago.  Off I go to the lifts which sometimes work and sometimes do not, walk the long corridor to sit an hour’s wait at the bus stop because it has not arrived again.

I am tired and thinking about all the things yet to do at home.

I hope tomorrow the bus is on time……..

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PCS: Rolling Industrial Action From Monday 13.05.13

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
May 112013
 

With thanks to Brian Carroll.

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Following on from the action which Public and Commercial Services ( PCS ) members took on Budget day, 20 March 2013, and on Tax Return Day on 5 and 8 April 2013, PCS branches in the Scottish devolved sector will be taking part in a 3 day rolling programme of action from Monday 13 May until Wednesday 15 May.

The action will be taken as follows:-

Monday 13 May

Justice Sector (All day) Registers of Scotland (pm only)
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (all day)
Registers of Scotland (pm only)
Scottish Courts Service (all day)
Scottish Prison Service (all day)

Tuesday 14 May

Registers of Scotland (am only) Culture Sector branches (pm only)
Creative Scotland (pm only)
Historic Scotland (pm only)
National Galleries of Scotland (pm only)
National Library of Scotland (pm only)
National Museums of Scotland (pm only)
Registers of Scotland (am only)
VisitScotland (pm only)

Wednesday 15 May

Culture Sector Branches (am only)
Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and related public bodies (all day)
Architecture and Design Scotland – all day
Audit Scotland – all day
Creative Scotland – (am only)
Highlands and Islands Airports – all day
Highlands and Islands Enterprise – all day
Historic Scotland – (am only)
National Galleries of Scotland (am only)
National Library of Scotland (am only)
National Museums of Scotland (am only)
Risk Management Authority – all day
Scotland’s Commission for Children and Young People – all day
Scottish Enterprise – all day
Scottish Government – all day
Scottish Natural Heritage – all day
Scottish Parliament – all day
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman – all day
Skills Development Scotland – all day
Sportscotland – all day
Visit Scotland – (am only)

This covers a multitude of workplaces over different days. This Branch, Scottish Courts Branch, is part of the Justice Sector and will be taking action All Day Monday 13 May 2013 and Picket Lines will be in place in all major court locations from around 7am to 10am and members will be taking action in all courts.

This is action to defend our Pay, our Pensions, our T&C’s, jobs and services.

We are requesting that the Government enter into National Negotiation around these issues and for a fair settlement to be arrived at.

The Government Refuses to talk, so we are walking !

Gorgeous Goats To Woo Guests At VSA Spring Fair

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
May 092013
 

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With thanks to Claire McBain.

This weekend, social care charity VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm will host its biggest event to date – a Spring Fair to mark the re-opening of the farm for summer.
Thanks to significant local donations, this event will be complete with new developments including the first public unveiling of a pair of adorable pygmy goats that can be seen on YouTube at http://ow.ly/kz3Nf

For the last six years, the charity has taken over Duthie Park for its family fun day, but this year the Peterculter based farm will incorporate the landmark event with its annual Spring Fair, raising awareness of VSA’s local work in looking after thousands of people, and celebrating those who have supported the charity over the past year.

Fiona Davidson, farm operations manager, said:

“It’s an ideal occasion for people in Aberdeen and the shire to have fun while supporting their local community.   

“Attractions include segway experiences, a bouncy castle, face painting, games, jewellery, craft and gift stalls and refreshments.   VSA services will host stalls too, spreading the word about the good they do. 

“There will singers, dancers and a childrens’ talent show, urging budding singers, dancers and comedians to show their community their hidden abilities.   Of course, the farm’s usual attractions – the coffee shop, education centre, farm shop and garden centre – will be in full swing too.

“The brand new pygmy goats are a story in themselves.  Donated by two local men who wanted to make a difference to the farm in a way other than the usual sponsored run or cycle.   They’ll be joined by mini-donkeys in the next month.   And there are other developments since last year too.   The farm shop has been refitted and we have a revamped education room and new machinery workshop thanks to £50,000 from Aberdeen Airport’s BAA Community Fund.

“But the most important thing about the day is the cause behind it.  Easter Anguston is a peaceful spot where adults with learning difficulties get valuable support and training.   

“For the service users, the farm’s meaningful, vocational work can provide security of long-term employment or a stepping stone to the potentially intimidating mainstream job market.   And, for visitors, the playful, vibrant atmosphere created by the dedicated staff and service users keeps them coming back time and time again.”

VSA’s Spring Fair is being held at Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, between 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, 2013.

Entry to the event, which is sponsored by CNR, is free but funds raised on the day will be used directly to support the local community.

For further details about the event e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk or call her on 01224 358617.

For more information about VSA and other events visit www.vsa.org.uk or www.youtube.com/supportvsa

Guardianship For Carers

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
May 022013
 

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With thanks to Claire McBain.

Dr. Peter Kiehlmann who is Aberdeen’s GP cluster lead, encouraged unpaid carers in the North East to plan for the future of the person they care for if in a worst case scenario, something should happen to the carer. Three in five people in Aberdeen will be carers at some point in their lives.

This was at an event organised by Aberdeen City Council and Voluntary Service Aberdeen’s (VSA) Carers’ Service, on the 1st of May.

Wilma Collie and her husband care for their 42-year-old autistic son Martin.  She outlined the importance of decision-making on his behalf, urging fellow carers to follow suit:

“As morbid as it sounds, we’ll all die one day.  It’s something you have to face as a carer.  But it’s a huge benefit knowing that if anything happens to us Martin’s future is as secure as it can possibly be.  I know he’ll be cared for, and I know it will be a simple process for our family to handle.

“I’d been to meetings through the years and heard the word ‘guardianship’ but thought nothing of it.  Why would I need to be my son’s guardian?  I’m his mother.  But I realised having guardianship gave me legal power and a boost to my confidence when discussing Martin’s welfare. 

“The process took over two years but it was well worth it.  I’ve noticed the difference already when dealing with Martin’s affairs.  It may seem like a daunting process but it’s not.  Legal experts are there to help.  Carers need to take advantage of their expertise.  Don’t let potential costs hold you back either.  Everyone’s circumstances are different but it is possible to do the process for free.”

Lesley Gray, the team leader at VSA’s Carers’ Service, said:

“Unpaid carers do an amazing job. But they have insanely busy lives and may not have time to delve into planning for the future. What if something was to happen to the carer?  Cared-for people must have their future safeguarded.  We want to get people thinking and planning. 

“We all hope it won’t happen but prevention is better – and easier – than cure. In a time of crisis and panic, they would be faced with a lot of decisions. We want to make life easier now and in future.  It’s so important to give carers an insight into what’s available.”

The event included a welcome from Len Ironside, convenor of Aberdeen City Council’s Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, a personal perspective on planning from Wilma Collie and presentations on power of attorney and guardianship.  Relevant services including Aberdeen City Council’s Welfare Rights and Transitions Teams, Advocacy Aberdeen and Alzheimer’s Scotland were represented with information stalls.

Further information: according to Carers UK, there are nearly 6 million carers in the country.  The Scottish Household Survey, conducted by The Scottish Government in 2010 reported 657,300 carers north of the border.

Search For Athletic Aberdonians To Aid VSA

 Aberdeen City, Featured, News  No Responses »
Apr 092013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

On Monday, VSA, the north-east’s largest charity, announced that it has two places in the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday 26th May up for grabs.  The option of a half marathon is also an option.

Athletic Aberdonians can pick which part of the charity they want to fundraise for from a selection of more than 30 VSA services that support a wide range of people which includes babies, children, adults with mental health difficulties, children with additional support needs, carers, young carers and older people.

VSA’s events co-ordinator Debbie Fotheringham, who is leading the search for competitors, said:

“At VSA we’re passionate about making sure our runners know that they can raise money for something that matters to them.  Asking people to sponsor you is never easy, but if it’s for something important to you, it’s a million times easier.

“VSA is such a diverse charity.  I think that, for almost every person out there, there’s a service that means something.  You might want to run to raise money to send our hardworking young carers on a well-deserved trip or to buy an iPad so that our older people can Skype their overseas relatives. 

“You could even run to raise money to buy a goat for VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm in Peterculter.  The list is long and flexible.” 

Looking back at the 2012 Edinburgh Marathon which he ran in aid of VSA, John Willis of telecommunication consultancy 9 Dots said:

“Running for VSA was a pleasure.  The charity provides an incredible range of services for those in need and has been an integral part of the north-east’s third sector since the Victorian times. 

“Not only does VSA play an important role for the local community but it’s one of the most cost-efficient charities in the UK – for every £1 you raise, 96p of it goes directly to helping those who need it most. 

“Charity begins at home and we need to do as much as we can to support our local third sector.”

To book a place or to find out more about running for VSA at the Edinburgh Marathon, please contact Debbie Fotheringham on 01224 212021 or e-mail Debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk 

Carers Support Centre Opens In Aberdeen

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Mar 282013
 

Forest Grove, which is believed to be the first short break carers’ support centre in Scotland, was officially opened by Lord Provost George Adam on Wednesday morning.

L-R Jenny Ewen (general manager of adult and community services), Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Diane McCabe (director of social care and wellbeing)
With thanks to Claire McBain.

Social care charity VSA’s Forest Grove facility will offer people living with dementia and other debilitating conditions, the opportunity to spend a morning or afternoon in the care of professionally trained staff and volunteers while their carers take a well-earned break.

Forest Grove is a partnership with the Change Fund, which is overseen by Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and VSA and will provide company, conversation, tea, coffee and snacks.

Activities will be geared to the needs of those attending and individual programmes will be developed in accordance with service users’ abilities and wishes. A carers’ support and development worker will provide information, support and advice to carers.

Referrals to Forest Grove can be made via health or social work professionals as well as carers.

Linn Moor, London Marathon, Loadsa-money

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Mar 192013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

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To commemorate Autism Awareness Month, Graham Andrew and Stefanie Milne, will run the 2013 Virgin London Marathon to raise £3000 for Linn Moor School. Their eleven-year-old son Lewis, who has autism, as well as delayed speech and language, ADHD and hyper-sensitivity syndrome, has attended the school for four years.

Graham said,

“I can’t begin to explain what Linn Moor and VSA have done for us. They’ve kept us together as a family. They’ve provided so much respite, not just for Stefanie and me, but also for our daughter Leona who goes to VSA’s Young Carers’ service  She’s not much younger than Lewis and they grew up together, but she’s done a lot that most kids of her age could ever imagine.

“Neither of us are runners.  It was just one of those things that we thought ‘I really fancy doing that one day,’ and decided to go for it now, whilst we still can. The training is hard but knowing I’m doing it to raise much-needed funds for Linn Moor is a tremendous motivation.

“Lewis has come on leaps and bounds since he joined. Before, he wasn’t very forthcoming with information but now he’s able to offer chat and tell us about his day at school.  It’s truly amazing.”

Lewis became a Monday to Friday residential student at Linn Moor a month ago.

Graham explained,

“We resisted residential care for as long as we could but we always knew it might come to it. He’s settled in so well though and has a lovely room. When he’s there he loves it, but we were determined it wouldn’t be full-time. Our family misses him so much during the week and it’s great to see him every weekend.” 

Shona Duff, general manager at VSA’s Linn Moor School, said,

“It’s great to hear about people tackling ambitious personal challenges while fundraising for us at Linn Moor. We’re lucky to have such passionate parents who want to get involved and support the cause.  Generous efforts like this are essential to keep giving our students the best care, support and education possible.”

The couple, who live on Abbotswell Road, Aberdeen, are encouraging people to attend a fundraising ceilidh at The Douglas Hotel on Friday 22 March. There will be two ceilidh bands, a fiddler, with local comedian Peter Wood compering, Tickets cost £15, including stovies.

Golfers Urged To Keep Charity’s Family Centre Running

 Aberdeen City, Sport  No Responses »
Mar 142013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Pro-Am 2012 L-R Gordon Hutcheon, VSA Chair of Trustees Maggie Wilson, Alex McLeish, VSA Chief Executive Kenneth Simpson
N.E. charity VSA, with principal sponsors Brewin Dolphin and Munro’s Travel Group, and Golfers Scotland have launched the 2013 VSA Tartan Pro-Am golf day, encouraging local businesspeople to sign up for a day of golf and entertainment that will keep VSA’s desperately needed Family Contact Centre – the only one of its kind in Aberdeen – running.

The VSA Tartan Pro-Am, part of the PGA Professional Tartan Tour, will take place on Thursday 15 August at Aboyne Golf Course, followed by a prize giving dinner at The Marcliffe.

Anna Garden, general manager of VSA’s Children and Family Services, said:

“Our Family Contact Centre is a volunteer-run facility where children from separated families can spend valuable time with the mum or dad who no longer lives with them.  Just think what that would mean to a child.  And for parents, it means they don’t have to meet, so there’s less chance of hostility in front of the children.  It’s actually a really happy environment to be in.”

Bruce Angus, divisional director for Brewin Dolphin Aberdeen, said:

“The Family Contact Centre is an amazing local facility.  But it depends entirely on voluntary income.  It’s thanks to the success of fundraising events like the Pro-Am, and the enthusiastic, generous local people who attend, that VSA can continue to provide much needed facilities like this in the north-east.”

Murray Burnett, managing partner at Munro’s Travel Group, said:

“The Pro-Am is an opportunity to be part of a fantastic golf day and entertaining evening but more importantly, in supporting the event you are playing your part in helping the VSA bring vital assistance to families across AberdeenCity and Shire.  The charity and the Family Contact Centre in particular provide an invaluable service to the local community and we are delighted that through our participation in the event we are able to help ensure that VSA can continue to carry out its outstanding work.”

Former footballer Alex McLeish attended last year’s event:

“The atmosphere was brilliant and the course was in excellent condition.  The prize giving and fundraising dinner was a great end to a fun-filled day.  The entertainment was second-to-none and a welcome change from your usual after dinner speakers.  I’m already practicing my swing for this year.”

Debbie Fotheringham, events co-ordinator at VSA, said:

“As well as supporting a really important cause close to home, the Pro-Am is a great opportunity for companies to treat clients and staff.  I’ve re-launched the corporate sponsorships this year, with an extended range of cost-effective ways to get involved.  It’s the perfect way to promote your brand to some key north-east businesspeople.”

For more information about VSA’s Tartan Pro-Am, or to book a place at the golf, dinner or both, contact Debbie Fotheringham on 01224 358617 or e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk

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