Jul 062017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A popular event which sees some of the most prestigious supercars flock to the north-east to raise funds for a leading cancer charity is set to return.

SuperCLAN, which first took place in 2011, returns to the north-east on Sat, July 8 and is set to be the biggest yet, with all proceeds going to CLAN Cancer Support.

Organiser and Founder Ross Gatt will welcome more than 40 vehicles to the exclusive event with an array of prestigious cars already secured including a Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 650s.

Attracting car enthusiasts from across Scotland, supercar owners are invited to take part in the drive which will set off from Aberdeen, before touring the north-east and finishing at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Pitfodels, in the afternoon.

The cars will then be on display at the Marcliffe from 3.30pm until 4.30pm, with members of the public welcome to come along, make donations and view the very special collection.

Mr Gatt is proud to again be supporting CLAN Cancer Support through the SuperCLAN event.

He said:

“Upon creating SuperCLAN, we really had no idea how popular this event would become. Consecutively returning for its seventh event, we now attract prestigious vehicle owners from across Scotland who relish the chance to take part in this drive while helping to raise vital funds for such a worthwhile charity.

“During the past seven years of the event, we have raised in excess of £50,000 for CLAN and with this year looking bigger and better than ever, we are considerably adding to that running total.

“The support we receive from those taking part and local business sponsors is fantastic. This year I am delighted to welcome Aston Martin as the events headline sponsor, with Aberdein Considine, Cavitas Energy, Jamieson & Carry, Baird’s Pharmacy, Poor Boys World and Asset Integrity Group as proud sponsors of the event.”

Steph Dowling, CLAN Cancer Support Senior Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We are delighted to again be the chosen charity for the SuperCLAN event. It’s fantastic to see how much the event has grown over the years and it really is an amazing sight to see so many high calibre supercars in one place.

“The organisers are already forecasting a bumper event this year and we look forward to joining members of the public to welcome the cars home to the Marcliffe Hotel at 3:30pm.”

For more information about SuperCLAN, please visit www.superclan.co.uk or join the event’s Facebook page.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN please contact (01224) 647000, or email enquiries@clanhouse.org

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Jul 062017
 

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

A local family charity has received a two-year pledge of support from the Aberdeen branch of Rathbones, a leading investment management company.

Home-Start Aberdeen has recently benefited from a £5,000 donation towards its work with vulnerable families in 2017. This donation will be repeated in 2018 after the scheme was selected by the Rathbones Aberdeen as its nominated charity.

Employees from Rathbones also plan to augment the initial donation by getting involved with additional fundraising activities over the next 24 months.

Meera Dennis, investment director at Rathbones said:

“We are aware of the work that Home-Start Aberdeen does to support families in our local communities, who may be struggling as a result of various challenges and circumstances beyond their control.

“The cause resonated with many of our team members and we are looking forward to deepening our involvement with Home-Start Aberdeen – and our understanding of their various support services – over the coming period.”

The support from Rathbones comes at a pivotal point in Home-Start Aberdeen’s history; the charity is currently celebrating 30 years of support for families in the city, however it faces the challenge of a growing waiting list.

Georgette Cobban (pictured), Home-Start Aberdeen’s scheme manager said:

“This new pledge of two years of support from Rathbones is incredibly welcome and very much appreciated.

“Home-Start Aberdeen currently has over 100 volunteers, who are working with more families than ever before, but we still desperately need to recruit and train more. Our third volunteer preparation course of the year is set to take place in August. The amount donated by Rathbones will enable us to deliver this crucial training with a view to helping families on our waiting list as soon as possible.”

Home-Start Aberdeen supports around 220 families and 360 children each year and is one of the largest Home-Start schemes in the UK. Its trained volunteers work with referred families to help them access relevant health and welfare services, manage family budgets and nutrition, engage with their communities and enjoy family life again.

Further information is available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

 
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Jul 032017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

Tuesday 6th June 2017, Aberdeen, Scotland – CLAN have been awarded a large grant. Photo credit: Newsline Media.

A north-east cancer charity has secured a funding boost from a leading UK wealth management firm which will enhance and develop support and wellbeing services for the community.
CLAN Cancer Support has received £100,000 from St. James’s Place Foundation, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, which will be used to enhance and expand the charity’s wellbeing provision for anyone affected by cancer.

The funds were awarded following a successful application and presentation to the Foundation and will allow CLAN to expand its current wellbeing support services offering, diversify complementary therapies and increase its existing therapeutic services.

The charity supports approximately 3,000 people affected by cancer each year throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Shona MacAskill, Chartered Financial Planner at Gary Walker & Co. Wealth Management, a senior representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, advised that the Trustees of the St. James’s Place Foundation approved CLAN funding application for the full amount after being impressed by the charity’s impact on the local community.

She said:

“We are delighted to provide funding to CLAN Cancer Support following the charity’s successful application for £100,000 to enhance its wellbeing services in the area it serves across the north-east of Scotland, as well as Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“We have a longstanding relationship with CLAN, having previously awarded funding to the organisation in 2010. I am thrilled that we are in a position to continue this support, working with the charity again as they continue to provide vital support to anyone affected by cancer in the heart of so many communities.”

Dr Colette Backwell, Chief Executive of CLAN Cancer Support, added:

“The award of funding from St. James’s Place Foundation is an important step in CLAN’s continued development as we continue to strive towards providing wellbeing services which fit with the needs and expectations of our clients, not just in CLAN House in Aberdeen, but throughout our community bases.

“CLAN’s wellbeing services, which we provide free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, are such a key part of many of our client’s journeys and are so highly valued by those who use them, as well as their families and friends.

“We are very proud to have secured the funding which will have a positive long-term impact on the services we can provide, and this success is an excellent reflection on our team here at CLAN who brought our services to life for those at the Foundation.”

The St. James’s Place Foundation is the charitable arm of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.  The Foundation has been supporting those in need since the Group’s formation in 1992. As a result of the commitment of its entire community, the Foundation has become one of the most successful company charities in the UK.

In 2016, the St. James’s Place community raised a record £7.6 million; this brings the total raised to over £54 million. Funds are distributed to hundreds of charities each year, with grants ranging from a few thousand pounds to more than £1 million.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jun 232017
 

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

From left to right: Pat Ramsay, Myles Edwards, Phil Anderson, and Louise Dingwall.

A North-east financial services company has helped to provide Kenyan children with opportunities for a better future through a charitable donation.

Phil Anderson Financial Services, which has offices in Ellon, Aberdeen and Caithness, recently donated £500 to the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, a charity that supports disadvantaged kids in the east African country of Kenya.

Through its sponsorship of the Charity Open at Oldmeldrum Golf Club, the firm selected the Gathimba Edwards Foundation as a beneficiary, due to the charity’s dedication towards improving the lives of almost 250 poverty-stricken Kenyan children.

To date, the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, founded by Aberdonian Myles Edwards and Kenyan international Gideon Gathimba, has built 17 homes for over 70 children and provided education opportunities, shelter, clothing and food to 243 kids across Kenya.

Phil Anderson Financial Services regularly supports numerous charities and community initiatives across the North-east. Last year, the business was recognised for its charitable efforts and was awarded with the Small Business Big Heart Award for its support of the Aberdeen Cyrenians.

Since the firm was launched in 2011, its staff has raised over £10,000 for a large number of local charities and causes, including Diabetes Scotland, Aspire and Aberdeen Cyrenians.

Phil Anderson, managing director of Phil Anderson Financial Services, said:

“After hearing about the Gathimba Edwards Foundation and all the fantastic work they’ve managed to achieve in such a short space of time, I thought it was only right to get behind this truly worthwhile cause.

“Supporting those that are less fortunate is something that both myself and my staff are all very passionate about. We are all looking forward to hearing about the charity’s next project and how the donation will help make a difference to the lives of many disadvantaged children across Kenya.”

Founder of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, Myles Edwards, said:

“We are hugely grateful for the incredibly generous support from Phil and his team, as it is going to be life-changing for our children.

“There are a number of families who desperately need houses built for them, as they are currently living in iron sheet structures with no walls. We are able to build two-bedroom houses with furniture and electricity for under £3,000, so £500 is absolutely huge for us.

“Phil does so much for numerous charities and causes in both the North-east and abroad, so it really is a big honour that he has chosen to support our kids.”

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Jun 232017
 

A leading north-east cancer charity is launching a new event in the heart of Royal Deeside. With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

CLAN at the Castle will take place in the grounds of Crathes Castle on Sunday, September 10, to raise funds for north-east cancer support charity CLAN Cancer Support.
On the day, the historic castle will provide the backdrop for three sponsored walk routes and a fun day with inflatables, entertainment and refreshments.

The sponsored walks will cover one mile, 5.7 miles and 13 miles taking in woodland tracks around the castle grounds and local area.

The fun day will be open to all, with members of the public encouraged to come along, enjoy the day and support those taking part in the three walks.

CLAN Cancer Support Fundraising Team Manager, Steph Dowling, is looking forward to the new look event, which she hopes will become a firm favourite.

She said:

“For CLAN’s 30th birthday we celebrated with the first CLAN Landmark Walk, taking in various landmarks throughout Aberdeen city. Since then the event continued to grow in popularity but we felt it was time to open a new chapter and build on its success.

“CLAN provides support and wellbeing services throughout many communities in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland and we felt it was important to mirror this in the location of what is one of our main fundraising events. After looking throughout the area Crathes Castle stood out as such a popular landmark in Aberdeenshire and one which was ideal for our revamped event.

“We really wanted to create a day which had something for everyone, whether you are taking part as an individual, families and groups or corporate teams. As part of taking on one of these challenges, walkers will get a free wristband for the fun day, with additional bands available for anyone coming along to support them.”

CLAN Cancer Support Chief Executive, Dr Colette Backwell, said:

“I am delighted that we are able to take such a fantastic event to the heart of Deeside, which is one of the areas supported by CLAN’s wellbeing and support services through our bases in Banchory and Ballater.

“Thanks to the dedication of individuals, groups of friends and corporate teams who raise crucial funds for CLAN at events like these, we are able to continue to develop the wellbeing and support services needed for people affected by cancer right in the heart of local communities.

“We are already looking forward to CLAN at the Castle and I look forward to welcoming many old and new faces to the event.”

For full event details, to register for the walk or purchase wristbands for the fun day, please visit www.clanhouse.org. The event also requires a number of volunteers, full details of how you can help can be found on the website.

The fun day will run between 10am and 4pm with wristbands available at the venue for £5 or in advance from www.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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jun 162017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A north-east charity’s flagship shop is urging shoppers to make the most of a special sale as it prepares for a new look.

CLAN Cancer Support’s shop on Aberdeen’s Rosemount Place has launched a 50% off sale as it prepares to close for internal and external work.

It will close on Friday (June 16) to allow the charity’s team of staff and volunteers to transfer stock to CLAN’s other shops. 

Anyone wishing to donate new goods to CLAN should take contributions to the charity’s shop on Chapel Street, Aberdeen.

CLAN Cancer Support Senior Shop Manager, Kirsty MacDonald, is looking forward to revealing Rosemount’s new look later in the summer.

She said:

“We now have a network of five shops which provide CLAN with a vital income stream, directly supporting the delivery and development of the wellbeing and support services we provide for anyone affected by cancer.

“Our shops thrive thanks to the fantastic volume of donations we receive and the generosity of our customers who understand the importance of their support. Donations really are the life blood of our shops, so I encourage people to continue to drop any donations at our Chapel Street shop.

“Rosemount is our flagship store, it’s very popular with Aberdeen shoppers, in an area surrounded by fantastic independent retailers. The building has had a number of setbacks recently due to flooding, and with this now resolved it is an ideal opportunity to create a more enjoyable environment for our valued and loyal customers and supporters.

“The new look shop will be the first to take on a new image for CLAN shops which will, in time, be rolled out across others in Ballater, Orkney and Shetland.

“In the meantime there is still a fantastic range of clothes, ornaments, jewellery, books and equipment in stock, so please visit the shop before the 16th June and you might just grab yourself a special bargain.”

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jun 082017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A leading north-east charity is calling for volunteers to support a popular event in the heart of Aberdeen City.

The Big Bounce is a weekend-long event which will see giant inflatables fill the Roof Garden on top of Aberdeen’s St Nicholas mall and offers everything families could need for a great day out.

In its second year, the event will take place from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, with local primary and secondary schools and clubs invited to take part in the event on Friday, June 16.

Ruth McIntosh, CLAN Cancer Support’s Fundraising Coordinator, is appealing for anyone who can help over the course of the weekend to get in touch with the charity.

She said:

“We are delighted that CLAN will again be one of the benefactors from the Big Bounce event.

“However, the event can only go ahead with the support of volunteers who help to man the inflatables and ensure everyone has a fun and safe day out. We are appealing to anyone who can spare even  just a couple of hours to get in touch.

“Our volunteers had a great time last year, sharing such a fun day out with families and helping to raise funds for CLAN and Great Ormond Street Hospital in the process.

“It was such a great success last year and we are really looking forward to seeing the event grow and develop.”

The event is part of the national ‘One Great Day’ fundraising initiative created by Bon Accord & St Nicholas centre owners BMO Real Estate which will see over 150 UK shopping centres raise money for children’s charities across the country.

To volunteer, please email ruth.mcintosh@clanhouse.org or phone 01224 647000.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jun 022017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is urging people to snap up its last remaining places for Aberdeen’s inaugural Great Aberdeen Run.

CLAN Cancer Support currently has limited spaces remaining for both the 10km and half marathon races which take place on Sunday, August 27th.

Ruth McIntosh, CLAN Cancer Support’s Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We were delighted to be able to secure charity places at the first Great Aberdeen Run. To be part of such an important day for the city is really special and lots of our supporters are already well into their training for the event.

“If the recent Baker Hughes, RunBalmoral or Edinburgh marathon events have inspired you why not sign up and support a local charity in the process.

“Every pound that our runners raise during events like the Great Aberdeen Run help us to make great strides in continuing to grow and develop the wellbeing and support services we provide, free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.”

To secure one of the remaining places, please contact ruth.mcintosh@clanhouse.org or 01224 647000.

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, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

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

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Jun 022017
 

With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

Andy Buchan and James Farquhar of Hiretech with Michelle Ferguson from Cash for Kids.

An Aberdeenshire man has raised over £1,000 to help support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children living in north-east Scotland.
Andy Buchan, managing director of oil and gas equipment rental, service and maintenance firm Hiretech Limited, presented Aberdeen-based charity Cash for Kids with £1,076.50 following a series of fundraising events.

The big-hearted businessman used the occasion of his 50th birthday to raise money for the local children’s charity, requesting donations in lieu of presents. 

A subsequent fundraising motorcycle ride with friends and colleagues to the west coast helped to swell the final total.

Eight fellow bikers joined Andy on the return trip from Hiretech’s office at Hatton of Fintray to Applecross, with the route also taking in Ullapool and the Bealach na Ba. On the 450-mile journey the bikers received light-hearted fines for any misdemeanours and breakdowns. Andy stipulated that all bikes should be pre-1979 models, a rule he himself broke – and was fined for – by choosing to ride a 1986 Yamaha RD125LC.

The group was supported on the trip by Hiretech apprentice engineer James Farquhar. His services were put to use within minutes of the journey commencing when one of the bikes broke down around two miles outside Hatton of Fintray.

A keen motorcyclist, Andy has supported many charitable causes in recent years and was inspired to support Cash for Kids due to its local nature, with all funds being raised and distributed in the north-east. Andy first became aware of Cash for Kids 20 years ago when he played the guitar in a friend’s punk band at an event that raised money for the children’s charity.

Cash for Kids will use the donation to help fulfil applications to its unique quarterly grant funding programme. The scheme provides grants to individuals, families and community groups to support children and improve their quality of life. Applications need to be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor, and the deadline for applications in the current quarter is Wednesday, 19 July.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager, said:

“We are very grateful to Andy and his family, friends and colleagues for their generosity. The bike trip sounds like it was an eventful journey from the outset and illustrates how fun and imaginative fundraising can be.

“Andy’s efforts will enable Cash for Kids to continue to support a wide range of children, families and community groups in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.  Our aim is to improve the life quality of these children, whether that is a result of disability, illness or poverty.”

Andy added:

“Cash for Kids makes a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families in the north-east every year. The funding it provides can be invaluable. I am very thankful to everyone who has helped me to fundraise for the charity over the past month, particularly those who were penalised for their unknown misdemeanours on our bike ride.”

To help fulfil future applications to its grant funding programme, Cash for Kids is running a major appeal throughout 2017. It is encouraging 500 people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to sign up to its 500 Faces campaign and commit to each raising £100 before the end of December 2017. Further information is available at www.northsound1.com/faces.

Cash for Kids is an Aberdeen-based charity that works to improve the lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18 living in north-east Scotland. The community-focused organisation is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. Along with running a number of campaigns throughout the year, including its annual Mission Christmas children’s gift appeal, Cash for Kids operates a unique quarterly grant giving programme. 

Grants are made to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All of the money that is distributed to these local families and projects has been raised locally.

More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids or telephone 01224 337010.

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Jun 022017
 

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

An Aberdeen-based family support charity is using Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June 2017) as a springboard to successfully conclude its 30th anniversary campaign to recruit 30 new volunteers within 30 weeks.

Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting families who are vulnerable, or who may be at risk of isolation, for the past three decades.

This support is largely provided by volunteers, who are trained by the charity and matched with a family who they visit on a weekly basis.

Having started life as a small project operating from a box room within Mastrick Church, Home-Start Aberdeen is now one of the largest Home-Start schemes in the UK.

The charity provides over 220 families and 360 children with around 27,500 hours of support each year, however it continues to operate a growing list of those who are in need of help.

“We have had a tremendous response to our 30 in 30 campaign since launching it in February,” said Georgette Cobban, scheme manager (pictured).

“Our second new cohort of volunteers are currently undergoing training, which will bring our tally to 20 out of the 30 new volunteers we would like to recruit by September.

“We plan to run our next volunteer preparation course in August and we would urge anyone who thinks they might be interested to get in touch for an informal chat. Full training is provided by Home-Start Aberdeen – all we ask for is a time commitment of 2-3 hours per week to provide a local family with emotional and practical support in their home setting.”

For further information on volunteering opportunities with Home-Start Aberdeen, email volunteering@homestartaberdeen.org.uk or telephone 01224 693545.

Home-Start Aberdeen is a voluntary organisation, offering support and friendship to vulnerable families. Its small staff team trains and co-ordinates over 100 volunteers who provide families with emotional and practical support in their own homes. Those who are referred to the charity must live within the city and have at least one child under five years old, otherwise there are no barriers to access. To find out more, visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

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