Jul 212016
 

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

Chapelton Bike Ride

Chapelton builders are to swap hard hats for helmets as they gear up to raise money for local charity

Four housebuilding and development firms are gearing up to take part in the Chapelton Bike Ride on Sunday September 4 to raise money for North East Sensory Services (NESS).

Builders from ZeroC, AJC Homes, Elsick Development Company, and A&J Stephen, will be competing against one another at the Chapelton Bike Ride to raise funds for NESS.

North East Sensory Services (NESS), which has offices in Aberdeen, Dundee and Elgin, supports over 4800 people in the North-east who have sight or hearing loss. By providing both social work and life-enhancing services, NESS is able to help those with a sensory impairment overcome challenges and achieve independence.

All three of the teams are hoping raise a substantial amount of money for NESS by taking on the 42-mile bike ride, which will raise vital funds for the charity, which helps those with sight or hearing loss achieve independence.

This is the first year that the Chapelton Bike Ride, formerly the Great Stonehaven Bike Ride, has taken place in the new town, which is situated near Newtonhill.

Starting and finishing at Teacake coffee shop in Chapelton, the bike ride takes cyclists into the seaside town of Stonehaven, through Fetteresso and Durris Forests’, before leading them towards Maryculter and the picturesque banks of the River Dee, then looping back round towards Chapelton.

Caroline Fife, the Duchess of Fife, landowner and developer of Chapelton, said:

“All three housebuilders working on Chapelton are really committed to making the bike ride a big success and putting it on the map.

“Each is gathering a team together for a good-natured competition, so there will certainly be a great deal of secret training involved. There’s a lot of friendly banter between the groups, but it’s all in jest as the real reason they’re all taking part is to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

“Chapelton residents have also expressed an interest in registering for the ride to raise money for NESS. It’s great to see so many people getting involved in the bike ride to fundraise for such an important charity.

“The Chapelton Bike Ride is going to be the first in a long line of community events, so we’re all thrilled to see the housebuilders really taking an interest in the area by signing up for the event. They’ve all really risen to the challenge and it’s so inspiring to see building companies get involved with local communities and causes.”

Neil Skene, fundraising co-ordinator at NESS, said:

“We’re so thankful to the teams at Stephen, ZeroC, and AJC Homes for getting on their bikes to raise money for NESS. Their fundraising enables us to continue providing much-needed support and assistance to people with sight or hearing loss.

“All of us at NESS are really excited about the new route and all the events available on the day. There will be something for everyone, from cyclists and walkers, to foodies and music fans. We hope that lots of people come along to either participate in the bike ride, or help cheer the riders on and enjoy the variety of food and drink, crafts, and music on offer.”

The Chapelton Bike Ride takes place on Sunday, September 4. Cyclists have the choice of either a 42-mile or 12-mile bike route, whilst a three-mile walk is also available for those wishing to participate without having to get on their bikes.

Registration costs £15 per person for the 42-mile route, £5 per person for the 12-mile route, or £10 for a team of four for the 12-mile cycle.

Register for the Chapelton Bike Ride at www.chapeltonbikeride.co.uk.

  • North-east Sensory Services (NESS) promotes the needs of people with a sight or hearing loss.

NESS supports people with serious sight or hearing loss to overcome practical and emotional challenges and achieve independence.

Formerly Grampian Society for the Blind (GSB), North East Sensory Services (NESS) works with over 4,500 people with a sensory impairment in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross.

Awards:
2016: Winner, IIP Award Excellence in Third Sector
Finalist Elevator Awards and Trend Awards.
2015: Winner, Elevator Award, Winner, Trend Award.

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Jul 212016
 

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

CLAN Landmark Walk

Walkers will get the chance to explore Aberdeen in the name of charity later this year as a popular fundraising event was officially confirmed to return. CLAN Cancer Support’s Landmark Walk will take place in and around Aberdeen on Saturday, September 24, with the charity appealing for walkers to take part on its behalf.

Now in its fourth year, the event will see participants tackle either a 13 or 7.8 mile walk which will take in various landmarks across Aberdeen – from the charity’s own CLAN House, King’s College, St Machar Cathedral, Pittodrie and many others – before participants are welcomed back at the city’s Westburn Park.

Within Westburn Park itself will be a family fun day, with food and entertainment keeping supporters going until their family member or friend makes it back on the day.

Last year’s event saw more than 800 walkers and marshals don a purple t-shirt in support of the charity, with a sea of walkers taking to the streets of Aberdeen to help raise nearly £50,000.

This year’s walk is generously supported by Macduff Shellfish with various other sponsorship opportunities also available for businesses looking to get involved. All profit from the day will go towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

There are also various volunteering opportunities on offer for the event, with more than 300 marshals required to ensure the walk goes ahead.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“We’ve been busy putting the final touches to this year’s Landmark Walk and we’re delighted to have confirmation that the event will return again in September; it’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year so its importance to the charity as a whole is pivotal.

“Like previous years, participants will have the chance to take part in either the 13 or 7.8 mile walk with both routes fully signposted and staffed by our helpful team of marshals – it really is open to anyone of all abilities!

“Given the current economic climate within the north-east, our public fundraising events have taken on an even greater importance than before and we’ve been so lucky to benefit from people’s generosity in previous events. We’re looking for sponsored walkers and volunteers to sign up and help us make this the biggest and best Landmark Walk to date.

“We’re delighted to receive the support from Macduff Shellfish as without support like this from the business community, the event simply wouldn’t go ahead. Funds raised are integral to our provision of free services to those affected by cancer so your involvement on the day could make a massive difference to an individual, their family and their friends.”

Entry costs £10 for adults (plus £1.50 admin fee) and £5 for children (plus £1.50 admin fee). Registration can be made online here: https://www.entryhub.co.uk/clan-landmark-walk-2016. Entries close on September 21 and 12-16 year olds may only participate in the 7.8 mile route and must be accompanied by an adult.

To register an interest in volunteering or for more details on taking part, please contact a member of CLAN’s fundraising team on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org

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Jul 142016
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Tickets for a leading north-east cancer support charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year have gone on sale as preparations continue to gather pace.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Christmas Cracker event will take place on Saturday, November 26, at the city’s Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.

The successful event, which sees individuals and businesses from across the north-east come together in support of the popular charity, includes a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

It is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Last year’s event saw more than £83,000 raised, with two clients of CLAN, former STV News presenter Margaret Donald and Emily Findlay, sharing their inspiring stories with attendees.

As well as table packages, there are various sponsorship opportunities available for both businesses and individuals looking to play an active part in the evening. Individual tickets to the evening are also available.

As well as the corporate sector, the night is suitable for all to attend and is perfect for a friends and family night out, team building or even an early Christmas get together.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Many might think that it is far too early in the year to speak about Christmas but preparation for this year’s event started immediately after last year’s evening. We’re busy planning behind the scenes and we’re delighted to be in a position to release ticket and sponsorship details for those looking to be part of the evening.

“We’ve actually had a number of confirmed bookings already which is fantastic and I’d like to say a big thank you to those who have already committed to the evening.

“Our Christmas Cracker is our biggest night of the year and is an event that we’ve really nurtured over the last few years; it has gone from strength to strength but with the current economic climate in the north-east, it has taken on an even greater importance to CLAN this year.

“Last year’s event helped raised more than £83,000 for CLAN with this money playing an integral role in our provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland. You can see why this evening is of such great importance to us and we really hope you will be able to be part of what is sure to be a special night for all.”

Booking details can be found in full at www.clanhouse.org. The CLAN fundraising team can also be contacted on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@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.

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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Jun 302016
 

CLAN logo2With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east charity is appealing for volunteers to dive into the fast lane and be a part of a new swimming festival.

CLAN Cancer Support has two spaces available for Swim Serpentine, a new mass participation event organised by London Marathon Events which is held in and around the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London.

Swimmers will be recreating a bit of history as the beautiful venue hosted the open water swimming competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The swim on Saturday, September 24, is part of a two day festival, with the British Open Water Swimming Championships taking place the following day.

Participants must complete the one-mile challenge in a wetsuit or tow-float and will be released into the water in 18 groups throughout Saturday.

Susan Crighton, CLAN fundraising manager, said:

“Swim Serpentine is an exciting new event and we are thrilled to have secured places for it. Around 6,000 swimmers will be taking part and it will be so special to have CLAN supporters among that incredible number.

“The swim is taking place a week after the Paralympics finish in Rio so it will be special to be at a previous Olympic venue when Olympic spirits will still be high.

“We expect there to be a lot of interest as this is such a unique event so would encourage people to get in touch as soon as possible to secure a space. Swim Serpentine caters for swimmers of varying strength so this really is the perfect chance to take the plunge for CLAN and help us raise funds for our services across the north-east.”

For more information or to take part in Swim Serpentine 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.

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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Jun 242016
 

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

John Boylan3Diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer five years ago, John Boylan didn’t know anyone who had been through a similar experience.

With the support of his wife Christine, and his family, John went through treatment and therapy for multiple myeloma, not knowing what to expect or what lay ahead of him.

They often spoke of their wish for a local support group and gave encouragement to a former international athlete and CLAN Cancer Support patron, Mel Edwards, to make this a reality in 2014.

The Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group, led by Mel and supported by Myeloma UK, was established in September of that year and met on a monthly basis.

Mel had to hand over the leadership to John and Christine early this year, due to pressure of work, but he is still involved and helps to source guest speakers.

During Myeloma Awareness Week which runs from June 21 to June 28, John and Christine are hoping to raise the profile of both myeloma and the Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group.

As part of the week, CLAN Cancer Support is holding a Myeloma Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 22, which the couple are supporting.

John said:

“Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have myeloma.  It’s a cancer that very few people have heard about and it affects people in different ways. You go through many different emotions when you hear the news and although this is hard on the patient, it is difficult for your carer and your family.

“Christine had to adapt to the new role of carer, making sure that I was taking the proper medication, looking out for symptoms that could arise and generally looking after me. You never know what the next stage will be with myeloma, this can be very difficult.

“It is a tremendous comfort to speak to someone who is going through the same thing and that is one of the many reasons why we were anxious to encourage the setting up of a support group The group continues to help us so much and we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and let those living with myeloma know that there are people locally who can help.”

Multiple myeloma is a cancer which stems from plasma cells and affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult.

With around 4,800 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, it is uncommon and there is currently no cure, however treatment can often help control the condition for several years.

CLAN’s Myeloma Awareness Day will give people access to up to date information, a variety of taster sessions and a guest speaker. Members of the Myeloma Group, which meets regularly at CLAN House, will also be on hand to discuss the condition and answer any queries from visitors.

Taster complementary therapies aimed at relaxation, pain and stress management will be held from 10.30am until 2pm, while ‘Move More’ sessions will take place at 11.30am and 12.30pm. All sessions will last 20 minutes and will be held at CLAN House.

Dr Mohammed Khan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, will also give a talk from 2.30pm about ‘Secondary Immunodeficiency and its Management’ to which anyone is welcome to attend.

Christine, who helps organise the group, added:

“None of us had heard of myeloma before John’s diagnosis. It was hard seeing John so ill, there are good times and not so good times. Sharing your experiences with others going through the same thing can make a big difference and is such a vital line of support at times.

“Meeting up can be a nice break for people and also a chance to find out what has helped others. You find out more about the disease and the kinds of treatment that people are having. People are very friendly and we have all got to know each other.

“There is a lot of trust and support in the group as you end up talking about personal things. It is a very positive environment and we would like to encourage anyone to come along to CLAN for the Myeloma Awareness Day and find out a bit more.”

CLAN’s community bases throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland will also be displaying information about Myeloma throughout Myeloma Awareness Week.

The Myeloma Support group is aimed at helping those coping with a diagnosis and their family members and carers, with the support of Myeloma UK, and meets monthly at CLAN House on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm.

For further information please contact CLAN Cancer Support on 01224 647000.

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer for which there is no cure. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research and campaigning.

For further information about Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk

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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Jun 172016
 

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

CLAN logo2

A leading north-east cancer support charity is to hold a special walk to mark Father’s Day. CLAN Cancer Support will host its annual Father’s Day event within Aberdeen’s Westburn Park on Sunday, June 19, from 9.30am to noon.

The event gives friends, families and individuals the opportunity to walk a 1km route through the park in memory of a loved one on a day that holds great significance for many.

The 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.

The Father’s Day event follows a similar walk held on Mother’s Day earlier this year after CLAN was 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.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Father’s Day walk is one of our most touching events of the year which was really born out of a need to offer comfort and support on what can be a difficult day for fathers, mothers and children.

“The aim of the walk is to turn the day into something positive for those who perhaps look upon it with a sense of trepidation. It’s a chance to remember loved ones and to come together with others to celebrate the lives of family members.

“Participants can choose to walk as far as they would like and the can also choose to get sponsored – but the day itself is really more than fundraising; it’s about a sense of togetherness.”

Registration for the walk is £5 and should be completed prior to the event. Children may walk for free but must be accompanied for an adult. For more details and to register, please contact Darren Hill on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@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.

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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May 272016
 

Big Bounce 5With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A unique new event is set to have Aberdeen’s freshest greenspace jumping for joy.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre on the weekend of June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of nine inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

It’s one of a number of events planned that will utilise the garden’s space and bandstand throughout the summer months with a view to establishing the area as a go-to event location.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord will fall under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes. A range of music and entertainment will also add to the party atmosphere over the two days.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve been busy devising a programme of events for within the roof garden in the summer months approaching and Big Bounce at Bon Accord is a main focus of this line-up.

“We’ve been looking to create a unique and different event that has the potential to become an annual occurrence and we think that our Big Bounce weekend fits the bill. We’re going to have nine inflatables installed over the two days – from bouncy castles to bungee runs – and we believe that this is the first time in the city that this amount has been in the same place at the same time; we’re really looking forward to welcoming people over the weekend!

“There is a fundraising element to the weekend, with both CLAN and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity being supported, but we really just want people, both young and old, to come along and join us for a day of family fun.”

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“CLAN is thrilled to again be involved with a Bon Accord & St Nicholas fundraising day. The support CLAN has had from the centre, its staff and those who shop within it has been so valuable to the charity over the last years and we simply can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“We certainly haven’t come across an event of this type in Aberdeen before and we’re looking forward to what will be a fun-filled, worthwhile day.”

Schools are also being encouraged to take part in the weekend, with sponsorship packages available for classes to get involved. Participating classes will be assigned an hour session where they can come down and join in the fun. A prize for the class who raises the most money will also be awarded.

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May 132016
 

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

JOHN HARTSON VISIT TO CLAN ABERDEEN

A leading north-east cancer support charity opened its doors to welcome a famous former footballer who himself has experienced his own cancer journey.
Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support welcomed ex-Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson to its CLAN House base on the city’s Westburn Road.

John took time out of his busy schedule to see first-hand the services and facilities the charity provides, speaking with CLAN clients and meeting some of the CLAN staff and volunteers who are based at the facility.

Diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 31, John formed his own charity, The John Hartson Foundation, in 2010, with the aim of increasing awareness of testicular cancer whilst helping raise money to support others affected by the illness.

The charity’s ‘Grab Life by the Balls’ campaign has continued to go from strength-to-strength, with males throughout the UK being shown a video featuring John sharing his own experience of testicular cancer alongside receiving advice and guidance on how they can check for early signs of the illness.

John Hartson said:

“Through my own experiences and work with The John Hartson Foundation I know how vital it is that people experiencing cancer have access to professional advice and support within their own communities.

“During my visit to CLAN I was impressed by the range of services provided by the organisation, across such a wide geographical area, and was pleased to be able to spend some time chatting with individuals the charity helps.”

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

“We were delighted to welcome John to CLAN House to see for himself the services, advice and information that we provide to our clients here in the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“John’s cancer journey is inspiring and the work his foundation carries out in promoting the importance of checking for early signs of the illness is vital. Support from individuals like John helps us to continue to raise awareness of our services, especially to men, and for that we can’t thank John enough for his time with us.”

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

For further information about The John Hartson Foundation please visit www.johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk

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Apr 292016
 

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

Jamie Cocoa Ooze

Jamie Hutcheon of Cocoa Ooze.

A north-east charity is set to get a sweet boost after establishing a partnership with a leading chocolatier.

Jamie Hutcheon of Cocoa Ooze, which specialises in unique handmade chocolate, and his team are hoping to raise awareness and funds through the link with Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA).

Employees will undertake a range of fundraising activities in the next 12 months to support the charity, which provides support services, counselling and advice to people affected by challenges related to mental health and wellbeing.

This includes 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.

Cocoa Ooze is planning to hold a charity dinner for MHA, as well as donating raffle prizes and a variety of other activities throughout the year.

Jamie said:

“Cocoa Ooze is delighted to be supporting Mental Health Aberdeen as our charity of the year. We chose the organisation because of the crucial work it does to help people throughout the north-east.

“Mental health is not spoken about enough and it affects a large number of people, who can often find it difficult to reach out for help. It can feel like a secret illness in some respects which people feel ashamed about and we want to help change that perception.

“It is a topic that should be discussed without stigma, and we hope to make a difference through the events and activities we will be involved in over the next twelve months.”

Astrid Whyte, chief executive of MHA, said gestures like that of the Cocoa Ooze team are even more crucial than ever in the current climate.

She said:

“We were absolutely delighted that Jamie and the team at Cocoa Ooze have chosen Mental Health Aberdeen as their charity of the year. In the current economic climate support like this is particularly appreciated and we are looking forward to building a relationship with them.

“Partnerships like this also help to raise our profile and build awareness of our services, which is absolutely essential. We want people to know we are here to help and what kind of services we offer.

“Mental Health Aberdeen works within the city and the north-east and our services range from youth counselling sessions to our Companions Befriending Service and Comraich community support service among others. There is huge demand for our services and we are working hard to meet that as well as continuing to improve our offering. Links with generous companies like Cocoa Ooze are a tremendous boost and make such a difference to us.”

MHA was founded in 1950 and 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

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Apr 222016
 

David Forbes 6With thanks to Future Choices.

Local man, David Forbes has recently been awarded with two prestigious awards at a special awards ceremony hosted by entertainment and events company Wobia Entertainment House.

The awards ceremony recognises a vast amount of people from all walks of life to recognise the contribution they give to society.

David, Future Choices charity boss explained:

“The public were encouraged to vote for me for Male Role Model of the Year, which in itself is a huge honour. To win, however, is simply amazing and feels incredible., so I want to say a massive thanks to those that voted for me.”

David was then awarded Special Recognition for Services to Humanity.

The Charity Boss added:

“When you do things that you love doing and you see it benefiting others, that is in my view the best ever feeling, seeing people who can be so isolated, smile, that’s just priceless.”

David runs the local voluntary charity every Tuesday at Inchgarth Community Centre from 11am -2pm, and the group provides vital social inclusion for those who may not get out and about due to many life challenges. Visit www.future-choices.org.uk

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