Support Archives - Page 5 of 19

Ruby Ball To Be Held In Memory Of Devoted Mum And Teacher

Feb 072017

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

A charity ball will be held this spring in memory of a devoted mum and teacher. Caroline Thomson (pictured), of Portlethen, died last year, after courageously battling cancer for 18 months. She was just 38.

So far her loved ones have already raised nearly £25,000 for CLAN Cancer Support and Brain Tumour Action, and are now determined to add more to the tally with a party that coincides with her 40th birthday weekend.

The Ruby Ball will be held at Pittodrie in Aberdeen on March 3.

Guests will be treated to a drinks reception on arrival, a three-course meal and a disco. There will also be an auction – with prizes ranging from tickets to see comedian John Bishop at the O2 in London to a Manchester United shirt signed by star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Local businesses have also kindly donated prizes for the raffle, with treats from the Nicole Porter Gallery and Blueberry Moon in Aberdeen; the Beauty Boutique in Portlethen; and Trump International Golf Links Scotland at Balmedie among those up for grabs.

Caroline’s sister Shona Gossip, from Ellon, who is organising the ball, is urging people to snap up a ticket.

The 30-year-old said:

“Although this is a chance for my family to toast Caroline’s birthday, this is a party for everyone – not just those who knew her. It’s all about raising as much as we can for CLAN and Brain Tumour Action.

“Caroline was devoted to her family – husband David, and sons Callum and Robbie – and her role as head teacher at Cornhill Primary in Aberdeen, but loved to be with her friends too and having fun.

“We’ve all got some great memories of her hen night – when she and her friends dressed as the Village People – and her 30th birthday, which was 80s-themed. I hope we can make some more memories while remembering her in March, while raising money for two great causes.

“The idea for the Ruby Ball just came to me one day on the drive to work as I passed the turn-off for her school and the hospital. Caroline had a love for all things red, and had pretty distinctive red streaks through her hair for years. Combined with it being her 40th this year, it all just fell into place.

“Caroline was really philosophical throughout her illness, and just used to say ‘it is what it is’ but she used to worry about being forgotten. Through the Ruby Ball, and the amazing fundraising efforts of others, we won’t let that happen.”

Mrs Thomson was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2014, and underwent gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy.

Sadly the cancer returned in summer 2015, with a scan showing a mass on her brain. Despite surgery and more radiotherapy, doctors broke the news the tumour was inoperable.

Mrs Thomson threw everything into making it to Christmas, and spending as much time as she could with her boys. She was also determined to ensure they were looked after even after her death, and was adamant that CLAN should be involved in offering support.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“Caroline’s family are truly an inspiration and we would like to give our heartfelt thanks for all the money and awareness they have raised so far. To turn such difficult circumstances into such a positive and raising money to help us support other families throughout the north-east, is absolutely incredible.

“The Ruby Ball is sure to be a great success and will be a lovely opportunity for Caroline’s family and friends to celebrate her life with other guests.”

Tickets for the ball are on sale now, priced £49. To find out more, or to buy – or to donate a raffle prize – visit www.facebook.com/rubyballaberdeen, e-mail rubyballaberdeen@gmail.com or call 07515 349890.

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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Health Clinic Set For Spring Makeover

Aberdeen City, Community No Responses »

Feb 022017

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

Camphill Wellbeing Trust at Bieldside, Aberdeen.

An Aberdeen charity’s consulting rooms are all set for a spring makeover – with the help of a donation from Aberdeen Asset Management. Camphill Wellbeing Trust will be refurbishing rooms at its centre in Bieldside where it provides therapeutic services, known as AnthroHealth , to around 600 patients, including those with cancer, learning disabilities and chronic conditions.

Dr Aileen Primrose, manager of Camphill Wellbeing Trust said:

“Aberdeen Asset Management’s donation is a boost to our fundraising appeal to refurbish three consulting rooms at our centre in Bieldside.

“The upgraded rooms will be inviting spaces where patients can feel comfortable, secure and relaxed. This project is vital to enable us to respond to the increasing number of people who are asking for our help.

“We are very grateful to the Aberdeen committee for supporting our project with a £1,000 donation to help more local people with health conditions.”

The Camphill centre provides AnthroHealth services to help people find new ways to address illness, build resilience and maintain wellbeing. Based on conventional medicine but extended with a holistic understanding of the patient, AnthroHealth programmes include natural-based medicines, therapies and lifestyle advice.

The charity is part of Camphill independent charities whose shared ethos is to enable people with learning disabilities and other support needs to fulfil their potential. Six independent Camphill charities are based in Aberdeen providing different services to meet the needs of children, adults and older people primarily with learning disabilities.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Aberdeen charity committee said:

“This donation will go towards the enhancement of treatment rooms which will ensure Camphill Wellbeing Trust can work with the increasing numbers of patients seeking its individualised programmes.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Shelter Scotland Seeks Volunteers

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Jan 272017

By Wendy McEwan

Shelter Scotland is a charity that supports many people who are struggling with homelessness and bad housing.

We offer advice and support through our online services and face to face in our many advice centres.

We campaign to make homelessness a thing of the past.

If you would like to be part of this charity, we are looking for volunteers to help in our charity shops in Aberdeen.

No experience is needed as we will provide all necessary training until you are confident with the work involved. All that we ask is that you give us a few hours of your free time on a regular basis.

Although we are looking for general helpers, we are actually in great need of Volunteer Supervisors. People who will be willing to take on that little bit extra and be trained up on everything from opening the shop, all till procedures including refunds and voids, sorting donations, pricing stock, displays, cashing up at the end of the day and just general supervision of the shop.

As we are a charity who only employs a Manager, we count on our volunteers to keep the shop running smoothly and would never manage without them.

They are the heart of the shop and all contribute towards the charity with their gift of time.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to find out more information then please pop into our shop at 179 George Street, Aberdeen and speak to Wendy or email Abergeorgeshop@shelter.org.uk

Thank You, I look forward to meeting you.

Cancer Centre The Focus Of AAM Charities Committee

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jan 272017

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Megan Davies of Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen welcomes a four-figure donation from Aberdeen Asset Management.

A cancer support centre has received a four figure sum from Aberdeen Asset Management – at a time when an increasing number of people whose lives are affected by cancer are turning to it for help and support.
Since its launch in 2014, Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen has provided a warm and welcoming space for people with cancer and their families to drop in with around 40 visitors a day walking through its doors to make use of its support services.

More and more people are using the centre’s facilities to help them cope with the challenges they face and last year the total number of visitors rose to 9,149, up by 16% on the previous year.

This figure is forecast to increase again in 2017, demonstrating the continued and growing need for the services it offers.

From the newly diagnosed seeking answers about their treatment plan or lifestyle changes they have to make, to those in remission and struggling with the physical and emotional after effects of cancer, or the bereaved looking for social support and people who understand what they are going through, the centre is there for everyone affected by cancer, at any stage of their journey.

It offers a unique programme of information, practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer through services like psychological counselling, nutrition workshops, advice around benefits and finances, exercise classes, creative writing workshops and networking and support groups.

While every day is different one thing remains the same – the positive impact that Maggie’s Centre has on the lives of those who call in to access support. The centre relies on fundraising and donations like the one given by Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, to be able to provide a welcome refuge and supportive environment for people who are living with cancer.

Maggie’s Centre fundraising organiser Megan Davies said:

“The generous gift we have received from the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation will go towards the running costs of the centre.

“This will make a meaningful, lasting impact upon the lives of people from across Aberdeen who visit their local Maggie’s Centre. This could be a visitor coming into Maggie’s for the first time and having a chat with a cancer support specialist, a visitor having an appointment with our benefits advisor, attending a workshop or popping in for a cup of tea. Every day we provide a wide range of support that directly benefits people with cancer and their friends and family.”

One visitor summed up the benefit of being able to freely call in to Maggie’s Centre, commenting:

“The help and support I gained last week when I dropped into the centre on a very low day, for me, was so valuable. The staff made me feel welcome and normal and helped me to work through some feelings that had surfaced out of the blue.”

Dominic Kite, representing Aberdeen Asset Management Charities Committee in Aberdeen said:

“Maggie’s Centre is there for everyone affected by cancer, at any stage of their journey. People with cancer and their families and friends can engage with various aspects of its programme and choose from a variety of elements to meet their emotional and practical needs.”

Maggie’s Centre is based near Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but receives no NHS funding. It has professional staff on hand to offer free, practical, emotional and social support of people need – practical advice about benefits and eating well; a place where qualified experts provide emotional support, somewhere to meet other people; a place to simply sit back and enjoy a cup of tea. The Aberdeen centre is one of 19 centres at major NHS cancer hospitals in the UK.

Aberdeen Asset’s Charitable Foundation seeks partnerships with charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

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Family Charity Issues Anniversary Call For Volunteers

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Jan 272017

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

Family support charity Home-Start Aberdeen has issued a plea for new volunteers as it prepares to celebrate its thirtieth year of support and friendship for vulnerable city families.

The Aberdeen scheme, which has grown to become one of the largest Home-Starts in the UK, is aiming to recruit 30 new volunteers in 30 weeks in order to drive down numbers on its waiting list.

Home-Start Aberdeen provides local families who may be vulnerable, or suffering from isolation, with emotional and practical support in their own homes.

This support is delivered by trained home visiting volunteers, who are carefully matched with a local family by their Home-Start Aberdeen co-ordinator. The charity’s small staff team currently supervises the efforts of over 100 volunteers who, in turn, provide around 200 families and 300 children with weekly home-based support.

“Home-Start Aberdeen has come a long way since its beginnings as a small project operating from a box room in the Mastrick area of the city,” says Georgette Cobban (pictured), scheme manager, Home-Start Aberdeen.

“Our formula of allocating families a home visiting volunteer, who normally has parenting experience themselves, is proven to be of genuine benefit to those who, through no fault of their own, may be struggling to cope with family life.

“We receive family referrals on an ongoing basis from health visitors and social workers, who see first-hand the positive difference that Home-Start Aberdeen can make. At present, we have a waiting list of over thirty families and we are desperate to give them the help they need as quickly as possible.

“No qualifications are required to become a Home-Start Aberdeen volunteer – we provide full training and ongoing co-ordinator support. All that is required in return is a willingness to help and a time commitment of 2-3 hours per week.”

Home-Start Aberdeen’s next preparation course for new volunteers starts on Thursday, 16 February 2017. Additional training courses will take place throughout the year to support the charity’s ‘30 in 30’ target. To find out more email volunteering@homestartaberdeen.org.uk or call 01224 693545.

Home-Start Aberdeen provides vulnerable local families with emotional and practical support in their own homes. The charity has been working with communities in the city for 30 years. Its team of trained home visiting volunteers work with referred families to help them access relevant health and welfare services, manage family budgets and nutrition, engage with their own communities and enjoy family life again. Further information is available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

Home-Start Aberdeen’s thirtieth anniversary year commences on Monday, 13 February 2017

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CLAN Reaches Out Into Aberdeen Community

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jan 192017

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

A new outreach service will be launched in Aberdeen this month by one of the north-east’s most established charities.

CLAN Cancer Support has a permanent presence in 13 towns and cities across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, ensuring communities have local access to emotional and practical support for those affected by cancer.

The charity is now embarking on a drive to reach the heart of the community in Aberdeen by holding drop-in sessions in a number of health centres across the city from Monday January 16.

The relaxed and informal sessions are open to anyone and will enable the public to get information and support from trained CLAN volunteers. Visitors do not have to be a patient at the health centre to access the charity’s new offering.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“CLAN is keen to reach out to people in Aberdeen who might be unsure about what we offer as a charity, or who could feel initially that CLAN is not for them.

“We want to bring CLAN to the people and be a supportive and listening ear whenever it is needed. These sessions will offer information and support as well as a signposting service to other organisations or to ourselves at CLAN House, in what we hope is a very accessible option for the public.

“This is working hand-in-hand with our presence in communities across the north-east and all sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer. The health centres we are piloting this initiative with have been incredibly supportive as we worked hard to make this a reality and I would like to thank them for all of their assistance.

“We want people to know that if they need emotional support and advice, it is available and we are here to help in whatever way we can.”

Sessions will be held once a week at three health centres in Aberdeen at the following times: Garthdee Medical Group, Tuesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Calsayseat Medical Practice, Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Kincorth Medical Practice, Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm.

Based in Aberdeen, CLAN covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The charity has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, 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

Issued by Citrus:Mix on behalf of CLAN Cancer Support. For more information please contact Jessica Murphy on 01224 063010 or e-mail jessica@citrusmix.com

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CLAN Appeals For Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Jan 192017

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

CLAN Cancer Support is appealing to members of the public to help it raise extra funds by donating any unwanted Christmas presents.

The charity is on the hunt for donations, which can be handed in at CLAN House on Westburn Road in Aberdeen, or at any of its charity shops throughout the north-east.

Steph Dowling, CLAN Senior Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We would love people to think of us if they have received either duplicate or unwanted gifts at Christmas and are having a clear-out.

“Donating these to CLAN gives them a new lease of life and helps us with raffle prizes for events or stock for our charity shops. We had a great level of support to our request last year and hope that this year will be no different.

“From books and clothing to toys, decorations, shoes and household items; we are searching for a wide variety of items. While the majority of the goods we sell are second-hand, they are always of a high quality and people can find real one-offs without spending a lot of money.”

All funds raised in the charity’s shops support the provision of free support and wellbeing services for anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, 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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Sunrise Partnership’s Ray Of Hope From AAM

Aberdeenshire, Featured No Responses »

Jan 192017

Eileen Wheeler of Sunrise Partnership

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A charity that helps children come to terms with the loss of a loved one has been delivered a ray of hope from global investment management group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Sunrise Partnership will be able to provide almost 60 specialist sessions for children and young people up to the age of 18 living in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire whose lives have been affected by loss and bereavement, after receiving a four-figure donation from Aberdeen Asset Management.

The sessions allow youngsters to learn coping strategies tailored to them that help prepare them for the future.

The free and confidential support continues for as long as is needed, with referrals coming from schools, health and social work departments, third sector organisations and self-referrals too.

For younger children, using tools like puppets, books, arts and crafts and worksheets can be helpful in breaking down barriers to make easier for them to express feelings and emotions. There’s no limit to the amount of support provided and it’s not unusual for children to revisit them months or even a couple of years later as they get older and may have a different understanding of their grief.

Eileen Wheeler, manager of Sunrise Partnership, explained that loss is not always a bereavement; support is also provided for children in kinship whose natural parents may not be able to care for them.

Eileen said:

“Every case is treated individually and sessions are tailor made for the child. There is no complicated referral process or forms to fill in. We are just a telephone call or an email away from anyone who may need us.”

The bulk of the charity’s work has been in Aberdeen City, but it has also supported children in Peterhead, Aboyne, Banchory, Inverurie, Kemnay and Kintore, travelling to children and families to ensure services are accessible to all.

The charity has been providing its specialist one-to-one, sibling, family or group sessions in City and Shire since its formation in 2014, and last year received 52 new referrals.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Aberdeen charity committee said:

“Sunrise Partnership seeks to provide the best possible support for children and young people through its specialist sessions, allowing them to achieve their true potential despite a significant loss or bereavement in their lives. To be able to help such an inspirational charity, and young people, in the city where our company was founded is very important to us.”

Sunrise Partnership can be contacted on 07827 755735 or by emailing: support@sunrisepartnership.org

Aberdeen Asset’s Charitable Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Xeretec Donates To Local Cancer Charity

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Dec 232016

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

A leading managed print services provider has made a charitable contribution to an Aberdeen charity, in place of sending Christmas cards this year.

Xeretec Scotland, which supplies Xerox machines and services including printers and copiers throughout the UK and Europe, has chosen to donate £750 to cancer support charity, Maggie’s Aberdeen, instead of continuing to send Christmas cards.

The firm, which has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Elgin, has donated a total of £1,850 to three deserving charities across the UK and Ireland this festive season.

Xeretec’s Aberdeen office selected Maggie’s Aberdeen due to its hard work and dedicated efforts in supporting cancer sufferers, and their loved ones, in the North-east.

The charity operates from the pebble-shaped Elizabeth Montgomerie building and provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer.

Megan Davies, fundraising organiser at Maggie’s Aberdeen, said:

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Xeretec for their generous donation. All of the funds raised for Maggie’s goes directly back into our centre in Aberdeen, so their donation will go a long way in supporting people with cancer, as well as their friends and family.”

Managing director of Xeretec Scotland, John Sheran, said:

“All of us at Xeretec are thrilled to have been able to support a fantastic, local charity like Maggie’s Aberdeen. They do a great job supporting a large number of people who have been affected by cancer and we’re very please that our donation will help make a difference.

“Our clients have been extremely supportive of the initiative and are pleased that the money is being put to good use. Cancer is something that affects so many of us, so it’s great that the donation will be used to help improve the lives of those who visit the centre.”

Xeretec Scotland, a leading integrator of digital print hardware, software, solutions and services in the UK and Ireland, is one of the largest managed print service providers in the UK, and a top five Xerox reseller in Europe.  

The Xeretec group has offices across the whole of the UK and Ireland, with bases in Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Elgin, Glasgow, Wokingham, London, Birmingham, Dublin and Galway, with a combined team of 250 employees across the group.  

To find out more about Xeretec Scotland, and their Xerox range contact 01224 518700 or visit http://www.xeretec.co.uk/

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Get In The Running To Win Mini With CLAN

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Dec 232016

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

Members of the public are being urged to snap up the final tickets for a draw which will see one lucky person take delivery of a new Mini, while raising funds for leading north-east cancer charity CLAN Cancer Support.

The car, which was kindly part-sponsored by Domino Pizza, is on show in the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre in Aberdeen prior to finding a new owner in the charity’s Christmas Eve raffle draw.

The draw is also being supported by the area’s Rotary clubs who have helped conduct an annual car raffle since 2000.

People will be able to put themselves in the running to win the Mini by buying a ticket at CLAN’s base on Westburn Road in Aberdeen, or in the Bon Accord mall.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“Tickets for the Mini raffle have been sold throughout 2016 at everything from coffee mornings to agricultural shows and the Rotary stand in the Bon Accord Centre. As well as raising vital funds for CLAN, the raffle also helps to raise awareness of CLAN’s services throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“We would like to thank Domino Pizza for kindly sponsoring the car this year, the Rotary Clubs for their continued support and everyone who has purchased a ticket to date – it really means a lot to us.

“Tickets for the raffle can also be bought from CLAN House, Bon Accord or from our range of charity shops across the north-east so we really are hoping that people will show their support to the prize draw. You never know, you might just be the lucky one!”

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

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