Volunteer Archives - Page 10 of 12

Sign Up To Popular Walk Around The Granite City

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 252015

The CLAN Landmark Walk is a sponsored walk which takes in various sights around Aberdeen.

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Citrus Mix.

Walkers are signing up in their droves as preparation gathers pace for CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Landmark Walk.
The charity’s popular walking event, sponsored by Bond Dickinson, is returning on September 27 and will feature two routes of either 13 or 7.8 miles, taking in a variety of prominent sights throughout the city.

CLAN is now appealing for marshals and volunteers to come forward to help with a range of activities on the day itself.

An array of roles are available for those able to give up some time to help the charity, from handing out water to manning junction points and giving out medals and goody bags.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The Landmark Walk has grown into one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we are all really looking forward to it. We rely on the generosity and kindness of our volunteers who enable events like this to go ahead, and hundreds came forward last year to help us out. This was absolutely incredible and is something we are hoping to repeat.

“We have had a great response so far with the number of people that have signed up to take part in the event, and I would like to encourage even more to join us and raise money for CLAN. It really is such a fun thing to take part in, and there is always a fantastic atmosphere.”

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, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about volunteering or taking part in the Landmark Walk contact Steph.dowling@clanhouse.org

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

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Young Volunteer Joins In Charity Celebrations

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

May 222015

Chairman David Forbes (left) with young volunteer, Liam McDonald.

With thanks to David Forbes.

Aberdeen based disabilities charity Future Choices will join a host of other charities up and down the country to help Celebrate Volunteers Week.

This nationwide event gives the unsung heroes of the 3rd sector important recognition – and Future Choices is determined to show their volunteers how much they are appreciated.

Volunteers week is a special moment in the diary for the local charity as it’s been recognising it’s volunteers for the last 7 years since being a completely 100% voluntary led organisation.

David Forbes, Chairman for the Charity says:

“We as a charity are absolutely reliant on those who give up their time to help others, so recognising our dedicated team during this nationwide event is hugely important to us.

“One great thing we have to celebrate this year is the youngest volunteer joining our team, 16 year old Liam McDonald, it’s people like Liam that are our future and having Liam on the team is so inspiring to others his age, making a huge difference to those who need it the most.”

Liam McDonald said:

“I personally really enjoy helping out with future choices, I feel volunteering is a good thing to do at a young age. Volunteering for future choices benefits me in more than just one way, I get to help out a good friend with his charity and I get to bring a smile to others faces too which makes me feel better about myself.

“I think it’s great that charities like future choices are there for people in need of help and care.”

The charity are always keen to welcome new members and volunteers so if you feel you could benefit – contact info@future-choices.org.uk or freephone 0800 5668728

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Team Aberdeen’s First ‘Adopt An Area’ Project Comes To Fruition

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 072015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

Team Aberdeen supporting Aberdeen Inspired’s Civic Pride Campaign

An initiative aimed at instilling a sense of civic pride in Aberdeen has seen the products of its first ‘Adopt an Area’ project come to fruition.
Spearheaded by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, the Team Aberdeen campaign is committed to fostering pride in the heart of the city by encouraging residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders to join together to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Late last year, the campaign enlisted the help of volunteers from Aberdeen City Centre Community Council (ACCCC) and Skipton Building Society to spruce up an area on the corner of the city’s College Street and Bridge Street.

The site, often been criticised for its unsightly appearance, had a number of containers installed in November, along with a deep clean and tidy up from Aberdeen City Council, with the recent fine weather allowing for the first shoots to begin to show.

However, despite the recent deep clean and additions, the location has continued to be blighted by discarded cigarette ends and litter. The team from Skipton has reinforced its support of Team Aberdeen even further by carrying out another tidy up of the area in an effort to combat this ongoing problem. It has also committed its support to the next ‘Adopt an Area’ project once a location has been finalised.

And as Aberdeen Inspired moves towards its important renewal ballot which is to be held early next year, it has issued a rallying call for other businesses to get involved with adopting other parts of the BID zone.

Angela Joss, project manager of Aberdeen Inspired, said:

“The ‘Adopt an Area’ initiative was an important milestone for the Team Aberdeen campaign and it really has shown how big a difference little additions can make to a specific area.

“We were delighted to present this plaque to Skipton Building Society in recognition of its continued work in the area. The team is a fantastic example of how voluntary contributions can help improve the aesthetics of the BID zone and we really can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“As Aberdeen Inspired moves towards its important re-ballot date early next year, we’d now like to roll the ‘Adopt an Area’ scheme out across other parts of the BID zone but to do this, we really need the help and support of businesses within the area. We’re looking for a group of volunteers to give up a few hours to help sweep, wash or even plant some seeds as we look to continue the good momentum that the campaign has already gained.

“We have a few sites in mind and we’d be delighted to speak to anyone who is interested in getting involved. Your help could make a massive difference to an area that so many people regularly use, whether it is working, living in or simply visiting.”

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.

For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com

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North-East Charity Paints The Way Forward

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Apr 172015

Volunteers from ADIL, CNR International, AAB and KCA Deutag joined forces with Spencer Coatings and Mental Health Aberdeen’s team to give the charity’s base a new look

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

A leading north-east charity has received a donation with a difference that will enable it to transform its working environment.

Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has been gifted paint from Spencer Coatings Limited which is being used to revamp its central office and create an uplifting environment for workers and visitors.

The painting and coatings manufacturer first assisted the charity 14 years ago by donating materials to MHA’s Aberdeen Supported Housing Project – and has now repeated the kind gesture.

MHA offers a range of resources, including: emotional and practical support; information and advice; support with helping overcoming social isolation; links and access to other community resources; and activities promoting mental wellbeing.

Fiona Mooney, fundraising and marketing manager at MHA, said:

“We approached Spencer Coatings as they have helped us in the past and we are absolutely delighted that they have assisted us again. Their kind donation of a large amount of paint means we can begin to brighten up our office space.

“We have had corporate volunteers from ADIL, CNR International, AAB and KCA Deutag to do the painting work and they have started transforming our four offices and hallway within our central office building. It is looking brighter already and we are so grateful to both Spencer Coatings and our volunteers for giving up their time to help us.

“It makes such a difference for our visitors to be able to come to a warm, bright, welcoming place and we want to thank everyone involved who is helping us transform the space.”

Linda Stronach, of Spencer Coatings, said:

“We were happy to get involved and assist such a worthy local charity by donating our products to help enhance the charity’s premises. MHA works hard to deliver their vital services in Aberdeen and throughout the north-east and we are pleased we were able to help in this way.”

Peter Brawley, head of operations and brownfield projects at ADIL said:

“Mental Health Aberdeen is a place of respite and support for so many people in the city and shire. MHA was chosen to be ADIL’s charity of the year by our staff, who wanted to volunteer their time, as well as help raise money for this brilliant local cause. We hope our work to help improve the facilities here can make the building even more welcoming for those who come here to use the services on offer.”

MHA was founded in 1950 and provides support services, counselling and advice to people affected by challenges related to mental health and wellbeing. Services are available for children from the age of 12 and adults. 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.

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Aberdeen Asset Management Shortlisted For Award

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Mar 132015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen Asset Management is being recognised for its efforts that go beyond commercial success and make a valuable contribution to society.

It has reached the finals of the which acknowledge excellence in environmental performance, sustainable investing, business ethics, transparency, support for non-profit organisations, and more.

Being shortlisted in the Commitment to the Community (national company) category, Aberdeen Asset Management has demonstrated wide reaching work carried out by the company and its employees including direct charitable donations, business advice, an apprenticeship scheme, sponsorship and scholarships and volunteering.

Last year alone, the Aberdeen city office gave a total of £90,000 directly to charity appeals, which included an initial £30,000 to the Coats for Kids appeal which ensured that 300 children living in poverty in Aberdeen were kitted out with cosy seasonal clothing. When the appeal was oversubscribed, Aberdeen added a further £7,500 to the campaign.

Advice and support can be just as valuable as cash donations, and one senior manager worked for a year to develop a strategy for charity Shmu FM which supports residents in seven regeneration areas of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen has run highly successful paid intern and graduate programmes for many years and in 2012 created a pilot apprenticeship scheme for pupils who want to enter the world of work straight from the classroom, with five school leavers from Harlaw and St Machar Academies, who began their apprenticeships in either business or technology disciplines.

This programme has continued to flourish and as a result of its success is being rolled out to other locations.

As the annual sponsor of the Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Race, the company not only provides a significant prize pot which enables both of the city’s universities to retain their rowing clubs, but also gives full race kit for participants and a fully funded marketing and PR for the event.

Aberdeen has recently confirmed renewed funding of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy, Banffshire.

After its four year sponsorship deal with Aberdeen Asset Management came to an end, festival organisers struggled to find a successor. Aberdeen threw a lifeline to the event – which attracts 16,000 visitors per year and provides significant benefits to the local economy – by agreeing to continue its support this year and into 2016.

In addition, Aberdeen is a Living Wage Employer

The Glover Scholarship marks Aberdeen’s relationship with Mitsubishi, and the firm funds an annual summer scholarship which enables one Scottish student to travel to Japan for a six-week intensive language course.

Aberdeen also encourages volunteering and has a generous volunteer leave policy in place. In May last year, the company took part in a 24 hour global volunteering day challenge to coincide with Give and Gain Day.

Over 10% of the workforce from 24 cities took part – starting the day in Sydney and moving across the globe, finishing in Toronto, Philadelphia and São Paulo.

During the AAM Scottish Open 2014, over £73,000 was raised for The ARCHIE Foundation (Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital), the official charity partner.

In addition, Aberdeen is a Living Wage Employer, operates a payroll giving scheme, with the company matching all employee contributions, and encourages all employees to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s operations through promoting environmental awareness such as participation in Earth Hour, promoting the cycle to work scheme and supporting energy reduction across its global operations.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, says;

“Aberdeen values all the communities in which it operates and invests, and where social issues exist we try to play a part in helping alleviate these.

“In particular, we seek partnerships with smaller charities and causes, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact.

“We encourage employees to use their time and skills to support our charitable projects and it is pleasing to see the difference this can make to communities and society.”

Aberdeen Asset Management is one of more than 60 companies across a diverse range of industries shortlisted for the inaugural awards and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony to take place in London on 14 May.

The new event is separate but complementary to the Charity Times awards.

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Volunteer Vacancies At GTM

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jan 082015

With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

The Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is expanding its range of services and activities and needs to add to its teams of volunteers.

An educational charity, GTM runs much of its operation with the assistance of volunteers, who give up their time on a regular basis or as required.
Each year the museum changes around one third of the exhibition, which means there is always something new to see.

Behind the scenes, however, it takes a lot of planning and assistance to execute these changes in time for the start of each season.

On event days it’s difficult to get any closer to the action, but at the same time Event Volunteers provide information and guidance to museum visitors. Many of the museum’s volunteers get ‘hands-on’ with the vehicles, giving them some much needed TLC before they take pride of place in the exhibition.

There are a number of exciting volunteer roles at GTM throughout 2015 – these are based on a short term agreement of up to 12 months and cover a wide range of disciplines.

Current volunteer vacancies include the following:

Market Intelligence Officer – The Museum aims to survey one in every ten visitors, to gain all important feedback which will help to shape the future direction of major projects and day to day improvements. Our Market Intel Officer is crucial to ensuring that the target survey sample is met and results noted for the Marketing sub-committee.

Collections Assistant – Assisting with the photographing and filing of all items as they are acquired by the museum.
Membership Support – The museum runs a popular membership scheme which operates on an annual basis. The membership support role will ensure that all members have a first point of contact with the organisation and are kept up to date with special events and members-only exclusives.

Exhibition / Customer Care Assistants – Part of the Front of House team, the Customer Care Assistants are always on hand to share their knowledge and passion for the displays with museum visitors.

Junior Driving School Instructors – A key part of the museums remit is to educate youngsters on the basics of road safety. This can be achieved through initiatives such as the Junior Driving School. This is a ‘learning through play’ facility, designed for 4-10 year olds.

Social Media Assistant – An ideal opportunity for a school leaver or University student to add to their CV! The museum is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help maintain an active presence across all social media channels; Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

The above are all voluntary posts, however museum volunteers receive a range of benefits and incentives throughout the season. To find out more about volunteering at Grampian Transport Museum please contact Cheree Pithie, Administrative Assistant, on 019755 62292 or email events@gtm.org.uk

Grampian Transport Museum received the title ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ at the 2014 Aberdeen City & Shire Tourism Awards in March 2014 and is a 4 star Visit Scotland accredited attraction.

Uni Students Required Develop New Green Space

Aberdeen City, Environment, Featured No Responses »

Nov 072014

By Catherine Wilkinson. Pictures by Rebecca Dunn and Caspar Lampkin.

The Secret Garden Open Day.

The Student Garden Committee are seeking University of Aberdeen students interested in creating a green space in the heart of the Old Aberdeen campus.

The ‘Secret Garden’, located beside the Butchart Building, was recently acquired by the university’s Environment and Ethics Committee but has remained relatively unused since then.

Our vision is to shape this space in to an area to grow vegetables for potential use by our cafes; where wildlife can thrive and students can relax – a garden shaped by students, for students.

We are keen to find more students to join our committee, to put forward their ideas and help out as much as they are able to, to put ideas in to action.

Projects that we are getting started with are: composting, preparation of vegetable beds, making bird boxes and feeders, and completing a greenhouse made entirely from plastic bottles.

If gardening is really not your thing, we’re also looking for people to make signs, leaflets and help publicise the gardens to fellow students. The shed is also looking a little sorry for itself and is in need of a good layer of wood preserver so if any arty students would like to come up with a design to decorate the shed with, please get in touch.

As we have a very limited budget, we would also be extremely grateful for donations from anyone (not just students) of wood and offcuts for making bird boxes and raised beds, gardening and basic DIY tools, and empty, clean 2 litre plastic bottles for our greenhouse.

If you are currently a student at UoA and are interested in finding out more about our committee meetings and the gardens, or you would like to donate any materials to us, please get in touch.

Email:

Sarah (sarah.j.brady.11@aberdeen.ac.uk)
or Catherine (c.wilkinson.12@aberdeen.ac.uk)

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Exciting New Opportunities At GTM

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Aug 182014

With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum

Want to get involved with a great local institution?

Grampian Transport Museum is expanding its range of services and activities and needs to add to its teams of volunteers. GTM is an educational charity and much of the operation is already run by dedicated volunteers who give up their time either regularly or as required.

The award winning museum is now into its fourth decade is again on the development trail.

Additional volunteers are needed under the following headings:

Customer Care Assistants to assist visitors, demonstrate exhibits and add to the visitors experience during opening hours.

Exhibit demonstrators to adopt a working exhibit and demonstrate it as required.

Conservation Project Engineers to help with conservation of collections, mostly vehicles.

Market Intelligence Officer to collect and process data from visitor surveys, spot and exit surveys. To advise Marketing group.

Signs and Banners Marshal to help with temporary signage on and off site for events and activities.

Membership Coordinator to help run the museums membership scheme

Website and Social Media Officer to help GTM with SEO, web updates, Facebook, Twitter, Trip Advisor, Google Analytics, Photography, Crowd Funding etc. Objective – improved web presence. To advise Marketing group.

Events Volunteers to join our large team of events staff, marshals and helpers. Good training opportunities.

Interested? Please phone 019755 62292 or email info@gtm.org.uk for further details of the offered positions, rewards and induction process.

Animals Need Your Help This Winter

Aberdeenshire, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Jan 242014

By Suzanne Kelly.

Most Scottish animal welfare organisations get no government support: the charities must rely on private donations to keep going.

The cost of keeping animals, their food, shelter, heating and care, continues to rise, while the economy shows only modest growth.

Our local charities are not only struggling for donations, but they are also struggling to home animals which are being abandoned at an alarming rate.

Without shelter places, animals such as horses may wind up in the slaughterhouse, and other animals may be put down.

With no end to these problems in sight, help from the private sector is more important than ever. These are some of the organisations that home and rehome animals; your donations, whether goods, food, money or even time will be appreciated.

Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary

Deeside, Aberdeenshire
Website and donation information: http://blaikiewell.com/

Mavis Petrie, her brother Bert, and volunteers take care of “over 60 horses and ponies, two Jersey cows, and six pigs as well as cats, dogs and any other animal or bird that needs a safe place”. They have been going since the 1970s, but are now facing their biggest challenge. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route cuts through the countryside and through Blaikiewell. This charity has already lost prime grazing fields, and as a direct result faces higher feed costs.

Willows Animal Sanctuary

Lambhill, Fraserburgh AB43 6NY
Website; http://www.willowsanimals.com/
Donate here: http://www.willowsanimals.com/SupportUs.htm

Willows is home to hundreds of animals, from pigs to peacocks, and lately it has taken on a considerable number of the abandoned horses and ponies that might otherwise have been put down.

Rescues come from all over the UK. Willows’ Animal Assisted Therapy programme is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as to provide educational and motivational effectiveness for the participant. It has been running for over eight years.

Scottish SPCA

Various locations in Scotland, including Aberdeenshire
Website: http://www.scottishspca.org/
Donate here: https://www.scottishspca.org/donate

As well as rehoming a wide range of animals including budgies, cats, dogs and equines, the Scottish SPCA investigates cases of animal neglect and cruelty. There have been recent high profile cases of neglect and abuse in the Grampian area. In some instances animals were in such a poor state that they had to be put down.

The Scottish SPCA relies on the public not only for donations, but also for information about animal cruelty. Their hotline number for anyone with information about possible animal abuse or neglect is 03000 999 999.

Mountains Animal Shelter

Forfar, Angus
Website and donation information: http://www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk/

Mountains has been going for thirty years and has helped over 600 horses. However, it faces the same struggles as the other organisations, and last year received a blow. Just after a successful nativity play early in December 2012, thieves broke in and stole goods and cash worth thousands. Even their CCTV system was stolen.

Thankfully no animals were harmed or taken. Its founder, Alan Beaufort Fraser, passed away in 2010 after a lifetime helping animals throughout Europe.

Cats Protection League

Various locations in Scotland
Website: http://www.cats.org.uk/
Donate here: https://www.cats.org.uk/donate/?b=0 or call 0800 917 2287

This long-established organisation has rehomed thousands of cats and neutered feral strays over the years. As well as donations of money, new and used goods would be welcome for sale in their Aberdeen shop on George Street.

Anyone concerned for the welfare of a domestic or feral cat can call their helpline on 03000 121212.

Animal Concern Advice Line

Dumbartonshire
Website: http://www.adviceaboutanimals.info
Donate here: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/animal-concern-advice-line-acal-11179/donate

Animal Concern Advice Line (ACAL)’s John Robins has been an active voice for animals in Scotland for years now; ACAL campaigned actively to save the Tullos Hill deer, and is currently highlighting the shooting of seals and the cruelty involved in intensive salmon fish farming.

ACAL offers advice and assistance and has a great deal of expertise focused on improving the welfare of animals whether wild, domestic or farm.

The New Arc

Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Website: http://www.thenewarc.org/
Donate here: http://www.thenewarc.org/page_2067122.html

The New Arc recently changed from a rescue and rehoming centre to a rescue and sanctuary. They are no longer taking in unwanted pets, but are to widen their wildlife rescue work. They will still assist with lost and found pets, cruelty and abandoned animals, but will refer unwanted pets to other organisations who may be able to help.

Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home

Aberdeen
Website: http://www.mrsmurrays.co.uk/
Donate here: http://www.mrsmurrays.co.uk/Donate

Mrs Murray’s Home cares for lost and stray dogs and cats, and helps rehome animals whose owners can no longer care for them. Each year 1500 animals pass through their gates, and they depend on public donations and legacies to help them secure each and every one with a happy future.

Any of these organisations will be happy to hear from you, or to explain more about their work. Your financial support, donations of food and/or goods will be welcome.

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RGU Students To Raise Money For Young Carers

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 132013

With thanks to Sophie Davidson.

As part of their final year project, three Robert Gordon University students are working with local social care charity VSA to raise £5,000 for young carers.

A fourth year project sees the first group of Events Management students in Aberdeen working in small teams to raise money for various local charities.

These groups have been given a charity to work with and a mentor from the chosen organisation supports the students on their quest to raise as much money as possible.

Three students from the course, Kathleen Macleod, Sophie Davidson and Nicola Duncan, who are working with VSA to support the young carers’ project, came up with the ‘Step Up For Care’ event which involves people from any age group who want to stay fit and healthy while raising money for a local cause.

RGU student, Kathleen Macleod said:

“We were delighted to be paired with VSA as they provide some amazing and caring local services. We specifically chose to support young carers, as we were incredibly touched when hearing about what they go through on a day to day basis.

“Our fundraiser, ‘Step Up For Care’ has an interesting competitive element to it. One month before the final event, teams of five, or ten, will be given pedometers and challenged to walk as many miles as possible whilst raising sponsorship money.

“We’re excited to be part of this new and exciting fundraiser for VSA.

‘We hope that people in the area will feel the same as we did and want to take the challenge to help the young carers.

“We hope they ‘Step Up For Care’!”

A lavish dinner ceremony, at which the teams are invited to enjoy a three-course meal, entertainment, raffles and an auction, will be held at the Norwood Hall hotel on the 18th of April next year. The students will also host a small awards ceremony for all those who took part.

The VSA Young Carers Project provides young carers with help with homework and allows them to socialise with children in a similar situation to themselves. It also operates the Chill Out Zone at the Castlegate where young carers can come and enjoy some time by themselves to do homework, watch TV, read, or chat with friends.

All monies raised through sponsorship for the teams and through the raffles and auction at the Norwood Hall event in April, will go towards improving the young carers’ time at the Chill Out Zone, or to funding the groups with a trip away that would not otherwise have been available to them.

For further information about VSA and its work in the local community, visit www.vsa.org.uk

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