Support Archives - Page 9 of 19

Finalists Announced For North-east’s Friendliest Community

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Charity No Responses »

Jul 142016

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

A north-east children’s charity has announced the finalists in its search for the most neighbourly community in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Cash for Kids has revealed that communities from Portlethen, Stonehaven, Torry and Turriff have been shortlisted to vie for the title of north-east Scotland’s happiest street.

The four community groups will now look to raise as much money as possible for the charity over the coming month in order to win a party for their local community.

The community-focussed charity launched its Happy Street initiative with the aim of celebrating local community spirit, something that is often thought not to be as strong today as it was decades ago.

Cash for Kids supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in communities across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The charity provides grant funding to individuals, families and community groups to support these children and help to improve their quality of life.

The value of applications received usually outweighs the amount donated by the public and the business community.

All of the money raised by the four groups will be used to fulfil grant applications in the charity’s next funding round. Submissions for which must be made by Friday, 29 July and should be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor. Funding for successful applications will be distributed in August.

The community that raises the greatest amount of money for Cash for Kids will receive an action-packed party for their local neighbourhood that will be staged on Sunday, 21 August. North-east entertainer Lisa Lollipop, magician Gary Seagraves and the team from Denis Law Streetsport will be on hand to provide lots of activities for all ages.

Aberdeenshire restaurant Eat on the Green will serve up canapes, The Store Farm Shop will cook up burgers on a barbecue and Summerhouse Drinks will supply luxury lemonade. Music will be provided by some of the region’s best-known radio DJs.

Michelle Ferguson, Cash for Kids charity manager (pictured), said:

“It is often reported that Britain is losing its sense of community spirit, but these four groups show it is alive and kicking in neighbourhoods across the north-east. We are really excited to be working with each of the finalists, supporting them with ideas and advice as they set out to raise as much money as possible for Cash for Kids. All of the money raised will benefit children here in the north-east.

“Happy Street would not be possible without the generous donations that we have received from local businesses. The community party is set to be a fantastic day packed with brilliant entertainment, delicious food and great music.”

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. It makes grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18. More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids, or telephone 01224 337010.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Tickets Go On Sale For CLAN’s Christmas Cracker

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Jul 142016

With 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

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Historic Swim To Raise Money For CLAN

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 302016

With 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.

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

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Aberdeen Asset Management Helps Families Sleep Easy

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Jun 302016

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

A bed may seem like a basic home requirement, but sadly in some households in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, children are sleeping on broken, inadequate beds or have shared sleeping arrangements with siblings or their parents, or are sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

Aberdeen Asset Management has given £5,000 to purchase a mix of single beds, cots and bunk beds for disadvantaged families in the North-east.

The money from the firm’s Charitable Foundation has provided 45 children with a comfortable night’s sleep through the Northsound Cash for Kids Bed Appeal.

A lack of proper bedding is an indication of the growing scale of childhood poverty that exists in the region, said Michelle Ferguson, the charity’s manager.
For the past three years Cash for Kids has run its Bed Appeal to raise money for new children’s beds in order to keep up with the ever increasing number of requests being made by social workers and other professionals to help give children and young people a good night’s sleep.

Michelle said:

“The number of disabled and disadvantaged children in Aberdeen and across the North-east who simply don’t have their own bed to sleep in is quite alarming. We’ve helped more than 350 children since we began the appeal three years ago and the positive impact that these beds have on the lives of these children and their families is very significant.

“We’ve seen a child aged six still sleeping in a cot for a new baby, and parents not being able to afford the basics for a new baby. We’ve also bought bunk beds for families where their homes are overcrowded or where children are sleeping on broken and unfit beds.

“One application was for two brothers whose bunk beds had collapsed, the top bed landing on the one below, breaking the arm of the boy sleeping in the bottom bunk. Aberdeen Asset Management’s contribution goes a long way to bringing a good night’s sleep to young people living in the North-east.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation said:

“A good night’s sleep is a basic fundamental requirement that most of us take for granted. Through its Bed Appeal, Cash for Kids is not only highlighting that that there are children living in the North-east who have inadequate sleeping arrangements but helping them to become better rested by providing appropriate beds to families in need.”

Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. It 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

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity, making grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the station’s transmission area. Money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

CLAN Cancer Support Raises Awareness Of Myeloma

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 242016

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

Diagnosed 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.

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

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Pay Day For North-East Charities

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

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

A series of POWWOWS to help people deal with mental health issues will take place in the Granite City after a mental health charity received £500 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.
During 2014-2015 Penumbra supported more than 650 people in Aberdeen aged from teenagers to 70 plus, through a wide range of services offering hope and practical steps towards recovery.

Its services include Penumbra Workshops on Wellbeing – or POWWOWS – which are educational, informative, relevant and fun group sessions.

They bring together people with an interest in a particular area of wellbeing to share knowledge and experience by discussing tips, ideas and practical steps that can be taken to improve health.

Themes include building confidence, achieving goals, overcoming stigma, hopefulness and food for thought. Penumbra’s vision is a society where every individual is accepted, supported and has the resources to fulfil their potential, without limits caused by mental ill health and participants say they feel more confident, healthier and in control through learning from others as a result of taking part in these sessions.

One of the highlights in the calendar of a rural Aberdeenshire community will benefit by £250 from Aberdeen’s charitable pot. It will help ensure that Rhynie Gala Day on Saturday, August 20 remains a free to enter event, as it has been for the past 35 years.

The gala attracts around 2,000 visitors including tourists and is run entirely by volunteers featuring stalls, attractions and catering, a pop-up restaurant and licensed dance.

Proceeds raised are shared out with local groups through Rhynie Charitable Trust Ltd which helps more than half a dozen groups in the village that are reliant on fundraising activities in order to continue. These groups include a Car Aid scheme which transports people to and from hospital as well as a bowling club and Brownies.

Aberdeen Asset Management previously announced its support for Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café in Aberdeen, which received £2,500. People living with dementia, their families and carers maintain social connections and make friendships by meeting up over a cuppa at dementia cafés, which improve wellbeing and confidence as well as maintain links with communities.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation says:

“We are happy to provide a helping hand for these groups that do sterling work in their communities. Penumbra strives to improve mental wellbeing and supports a wide range of age groups, from teenagers to pensioners, in Aberdeen. Rhynie Charitable Trust helps maintain a strong sense of community in its rural Aberdeenshire setting.

“Meanwhile Aberdeen’s support of a dementia café provides an informal setting for people with dementia, their family and carers to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake along with friendship and support over a cup of tea and a cake. All worthy causes indeed.”

Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. It 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

CLAN To Mark Father’s Day With Special Walk

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 172016

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

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

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

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

AAM Helps Wounded Veterans Become High Fliers

Charity, Information No Responses »

Jun 102016

Wounded veterans whose injuries have ended their military careers are rebuilding their lives by training for rewarding and sustainable employment in civil aviation with a charity that has landed £18,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation. With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Wings for Warriors student Marc Goddard and instructor Chris Kirk.

Ex-service personnel overcome amputation, serious burns, multiple fractures and gunshot injuries to be chosen for rigorous flight training, gruelling academic exams, underwater escape training and regular tests as students with Wings for Warriors.
Aberdeen’s funding package will support one ex-veteran through 18 months’ full training to become a commercial helicopter pilot, leading to opportunities with the air ambulance, coastguard, offshore operators and others.

It helps students like Marc Goddard (28) who was serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan when he sustained life-changing injuries whilst travelling in an armoured vehicle which hit an improvised explosive device.

Marc was among casualties airlifted to Camp Bastion where he was stabilised and flown back home to hospital in the UK with multiple broken bones and 25% burns to his body.

The complexity of his fractures meant he was no longer fit for service, and while jobs in offshore marine security and events management followed, neither fitted the father-of two’s lifestyle or skills.

Marc explains:

“I joined the Royal Marines straight from school and I had never known anything different. I hit a low, wondering how I was ever going to have a job that I enjoyed again and be able to support my family.

“I grew up in Norfolk around military bases and I’d always had an interest in aviation and did a bit of soul searching. I got back in touch with Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre and spoke to the right people and found out more about Wings for Warriors. I had no idea they could help people like me but I discovered it was open to veterans in my position.”

Marc made it through the tough application process and has embarked on training in Aberdeen, one of Europe’s busiest commercial helicopter centres, where the Wings for Warriors’ training centre is based.

Marc adds:

“I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had in making this dream become a reality. This is not only providing me with a future career but everything I lost from leaving the Royal Marines is being restored. It’s a second chance, a second career that draws on many of the qualities of my military training to gain commercial skills and, hopefully, a career in the offshore helicopter industry.”

Chris Kirk was just 19 years old when he stood on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan. Chris, then a Private with the 5th Scotland Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, awoke in hospital back in the UK to be told he’d lost his foot and his military career was over. His future seemed bleak until he discovered Wings for Warriors with an online search, “can amputees fly helicopters?”

Chris has become a fully qualified pilot and is now serving as an instructor for the charity and says:

“When I heard about Wings for Warriors I thought it was all too good to be true but I was lucky enough to be selected as one of their students. Fast forward three years and here I am as an instructor for the charity. I’ve been very lucky to get this opportunity and coming from a similar background as the students, I hope it inspires them to see just what can be achieved.

“Without support from our donors like Aberdeen Asset Management, it would not be possible to do this and give veterans this fulfilling career that helps them and their families. I have been transformed from Chris the injured soldier to Chris the helicopter pilot and that is a massive change in my life. Wings for Warriors is helping change lives and prospects by restoring real meaning and purpose to people’s lives.”

Founded four years ago, Wings for Warriors is a registered UK charity which seeks to offer wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women the best opportunities after military service has ended.

It sees the demanding and sustainable world of commercial aviation as an incentive to keep moving forward, rather then dwelling on the past for its students, and providing a means to continue supporting their families for years to come.

It recognises that veterans need to work for themselves and no allowances are made – each application is reviewed on a case by case basis and while some injuries will restrict opportunties, many of the attributes found in those with a military background, including responsibility, motivation and commitment, logical reasoning and functioning under pressure, stand them in good stead for retraining.

Through its network of volunteers and donors, including Aberdeen, Wings for Warriors delivers professional flight training at around 85% of the costs of commercial UK flight schools.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation says:

“We love this charity and what it does to offer a new start to injured veterans. For many veterans, life outside of the forces can appear daunting and uncertain at the best of times. Add a life-changing injury to the equation and the future can quickly become a depressing place.

“Wings For Warriors provide these wounded warriors with the skills to achieve an exciting, rewarding and sustainable future for many years to come, in civil aviation. With rebuilt confidence, capabilities and pride Wings For Warriors graduates return to their communities as people to look up to instead of look after.”

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

More information on Wings for Warriors is available at www.wings4warriors.org.uk

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

AAM Support for ‘Lifeline’ Dementia Café

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 022016

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

A café that is dishing up friendship and support along with coffee and cake to people living with dementia has received a financial boost during Dementia Awareness Week (May 30-June 5)
Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café in Aberdeen – hailed as a lifeline to families affected by the disease – has received £2,500 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.

People living with dementia, their families and carers reap the benefits of maintaining social connections and making friendships by meeting up over a cuppa at dementia cafés, which improve wellbeing and confidence as well as maintain links with communities.

They are part of the network of support and information services provided by Alzheimer Scotland, the country’s leading dementia charity which also raises awareness and supports research into the disease.

Alzheimer Scotland’s corporate fundraiser Fiona Lewis said that the value of providing an informal get together for people affected by the disease could not be underestimated. Feedback from café users is positive, with people saying they’ve made genuine friendships, they have welcomed being able to meet up outside other activities, and they’ve been able to share the load with others in a similar situation.

Fiona said:

“The Aberdeen Dementia Café acts as a lifeline to many and provides the opportunity for both people living with dementia and their carers to make real and meaningful friendships outwith our services, which is invaluable throughout their journey with dementia. Our Aberdeen Dementia Café directly supports 18-20 people each month, benefitting people with dementia, their spouses or partners and younger family members who are often the person’s main carer.

“With facilities like this café, we want to ensure that anyone living with, or affected by, dementia in the Aberdeen area has access to information, care and support that they need in order to live well with the disease, or be able to support their loved one, in their own community.

“The Dementia Café positively impacts on many lives in the Aberdeen area and Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation’s kind support of £2,500 will help Alzheimer Scotland to continue providing this vital community service.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, added:

“This café does great work in supporting people with dementia, their family and carers enabling them to remain connected with their communities, and to meet others in a similar situation in a friendly, relaxed and welcoming environment. We are pleased to offer this support and show our backing to Dementia Awareness Week and its message ‘let’s challenge dementia together’.”

There are 90,000 people with dementia in Scotland and while age is the greatest risk factor for dementia, there are around 3,000 people with dementia aged under 65.

The number of people with dementia is increasing because the population is getting older. Based on current dementia prevalence rates, the number of people with dementia is set to double within the next 25 years.

Dementia Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness and much-needed funds for those living with and affected by dementia in Scotland. It also seeks to promote becoming a Scottish Dementia Friend by understanding dementia and the small things that can be done to help people with the condition. This could be helping someone find the right bus or being patient in a till queue if someone with dementia is taking longer to pay. For more information, visit www.alzscot.org/daw2016

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. For more information visit: www.aberdeen-asset.com/foundation

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Transport Police Raise Mental Health Awareness

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

May 272016

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

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) based at Aberdeen will row into action next month (June) after pledging support to a north-east charity.
The team has chosen Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) as their charity of the year and hope to raise both awareness and funds for the cause – kicking off the partnership in style with the Garioch Lions raft race.

MHA 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 overcome social isolation; links and access to other community resources; and activities promoting mental wellbeing.

Constable Peter McAndie of the BTP emphasised how close the cause is to their hearts due to incidents the force responds to on the railway.

He said:

“Mental health awareness is very close to our hearts not only because of the people we try to help, but because of course, the nature of our work has the potential to impact on our own health. We are aiming to do as much as we can to get people talking about mental health and for them to know what help is on offer.

“Mental Health Aberdeen does so much for people with poor mental health across the north-east and any money we raise will go towards helping facilitate this.

“Our team is raring to go for the race, it is always a fun event with a great atmosphere and we can’t wait to get going and boost the amount we have raised so far.”

Taking place on Sunday, June 5, the popular raft race begins at Kembhill Park in Kemnay and follows the River Don to the old Don Bridge in Inverurie. The team will be made up of local officers PC Pete McAndie and Craig Allan, joined by Chief Inspector Sue Maxwell.

Astrid Whyte, chief executive of MHA, said:

“The Aberdeen BTP team know all too well with the situations they face how helpless those with mental health difficulties can feel. We are here to let these people know that they do not have to suffer alone as help, advice and resources are available.

“The money that Peter and his colleagues raise will go a long way to helping us sustain this and continue helping people and I would like to thank them for choosing MHA as their charity of the year. Demand for our range of services is high and we want to be able to tackle this as quickly as we can, which can sometimes be difficult, particularly in the current climate.

“We are all looking forward to cheering them on in the raft race and building on this new partnership over the next year.”

To make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/RailCops

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

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Older Entries Newer Entries