VSA Archives - Page 3 of 5

Unpaid Mental Health Carers Invited To Pioneer New Forum

Jan 242013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

This month, VSA is urging unpaid carers who look after someone with a mental health condition to come together for the Mental Health In-Forum.

The monthly group ( on Tuesday 29 January 2013) offers mental health carers respite, education, support and socialising opportunities.

Arlene Malcolm, carers’ support and development worker at VSA’s Carers’ Services, said:

“It’s open to absolutely any person who looks after someone with a mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. You don’t have to be a full-time carer. You might help out your parent or child, support your husband or wife or occasionally lend a hand to a friend or neighbour. Anyone linked to someone with a mental health condition is welcome.

“I want to create a safe, informal place where people can share stories, tips and ideas. It’ll be a knowledge exchange with social and support elements too. The idea is to get in insight into how the illness affects the person they care for but also to encourage carers to monitor their own mental health.”

A 2012 Carers Trust poll revealed that 60% of unpaid carers found their mental health was affected by their role.

“Each session will have a specific focus and staff from Cornhill will be on hand to advise too. This month we’re exploring therapy options. We want carers to know that, although medication is available, it can be combined with other helpful rehabilitation, such as exercise and art, to help recovery. We’ll also help carers apply for new funding available for them and those they care for. It ranges from short breaks to relaxation therapies.”

The concept follows successful Aberdeen dementia support group, Information XChange, run by Alzheimer Scotland in conjunction with VSA.

“Three carers of people with dementia wanted to share their stories to help and inspire others. It’s evolved over almost three years. About 20 carers come to each meeting, which is a lot considering their commitments, and we have a lot more on our books. The carers really get something from it. They enjoy the fact it’s information-led but love the social side too.

“People worry that joining a group like this means lots of admin work or being talked into running for chairperson. There’s none of that here. VSA does it all. The group belongs to the carers but the administration side doesn’t.”

The January Mental Health In-Forum meeting will be the second so far.

“We had our first meeting at the end of November. Numbers were small but it’s all about getting word out. I’m hoping we’ll catch up with the dementia group in no time.”

According to Carers UK, there are nearly 6 million carers in the country. The Scottish Household Survey, conducted by The Scottish Government in 2010 reported 657,300 carers north of the border, more than 25,000 of which live in Aberdeen City.

The Mental Health In-Forum meeting will take place on Tuesday 29 January 2013 between 7pm and 9pm at the Recovery Resource Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen. For more information about the Mental Health In-Forum or Information XChange please contact Arlene Malcolm on 01224 557868 or e-mail carers.info@vsa.org.uk.

One Local Charity Donates To Another

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Jan 142013

With thanks to Claire McBain.

On 14 January, Aberdeen community food initiative Cfine made its first annual donation to VSA, the UK’s largest social care charity which supports more than 2,500 people each year in the city and shire.
This comes as Cfine agreed to donate 1% of VSA’s total spend each year they work together.

Social enterprise Cfine donated £400 to VSA’s Linn Moor Residential School, its longest standing customer, to cover the first few months of a cultural eating project taking place at the school during 2013.

This donation is backdated for the period 2011-2012, so the charity is set to benefit from a similar amount in April 2013.

Linn Moor general manager Shona Duff said:

“The staff team came up with the project to help the children learn about different cultures, taste new foods and enjoy socialising together. The taste sensation sessions will be a huge benefit to the 21 youngsters who are aged between five and 18, all with additional support needs and many with autistic spectrum disorder.

“We’re so grateful that Cfine are kicking the year off for us. But we’re eager to hear from others who can help us on our journey. We’d love some local people or organisations to take Cfine’s lead by helping to fund the food and joining us on the night.

“We actually started our international journey in November with an alternative St Andrew’s Day celebration. The children had a curry night in honour of Scotland’s second favourite meal. Cfine’s support means we can go ahead with January’s Burns Night and Chinese New Year in February and, hopefully with the help of others, the children will continue to explore world foods, cultures, dress and flags throughout 2013.”

It’s not the first time the not-for-profit organisations have joined forces. Cfine have conducted talks and food tastings for VSA staff and service users, as well as providing raffle prizes for VSA events. All Cfine profits are invested in health and community development work in disadvantaged communities.

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

More about Cfine

Cfine is a social enterprise which has been selling fruit, vegetables and other produce to oil companies, restaurants and sandwich bars across the city since 1997. It also creates employment for adults with learning difficulties.

More about Linn Moor School

VSA’s Linn Moor School provides high standards of care and education for children and young people with complex needs. It is committed to nurturing the unique abilities, strengths and talents of children and young people, aged five to 18, who have additional support needs, and is committed to engaging with the community and developing social skills to ensure that inclusive opportunities are not limited.

VSA To Benefit As Luxury Meats Go Under The Hammer

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Dec 212012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Aberdeen’s first festive luxury meat charity auction will benefit social care charity Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) .
On Christmas Eve, Monday 24th December, Aberdeen butcher Andrew Gordon will host Aberdeen’s first ever luxury meat auction. It’s in aid of VSA, which is the UK’s largest city social care charity, supporting more than 2,500 people in Aberdeen each year.

The event, at Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods on Chattan Place will see all remaining festive stock in the counters up for grabs. VSA will benefit from 20 percent of each final auction price.

Andrew said:

“Anyone who wants to stock up their freezer, create a last minute Christmas banquet or make up a last minute gift should come down to see what’s on offer. We’ve got free range turkey, Aberdeen Angus beef roasts and lots of other surprises.

“My auction is all about festive cheer, Christmas, goodwill and giving back to a very worthy cause. I want to celebrate a fantastic year of food and drink innovation in Aberdeen by giving something back to the community. VSA is a hardworking charity that transforms lives of young and old people, as well as supporting people with learning difficulties, mental health issues or people who are carers.

“I always try and keep some Christmas stock in reserve and this gives us the chance to completely clear our shelves as we make room for more fresh meat deliveries in the New Year. Hopefully I can save a roast for myself and my family but also present a welcome donation to VSA.”

The Christmas luxury meat charity auction will take place on 24th December between 5 and 5.30 p.m. at Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods, 35-37 Chattan Place, Aberdeen, AB10 6RB.

More information about Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods

Andrew Gordon Butchery and Fine Foods is an Aberdeen-based butcher shop that specialises in the essence of excellence through sourcing the best quality products and bringing them to customers.

Andrew is also exploring areas of healthier eating with The Food and Health Innovation Service, Scottish Food and Drink Federation, Interface and others. Specialities include the areas of reduced salt and low fat, and lean produce.

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

Unpaid Carers: Secure Benefits While You Can

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 302012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

To mark Carers’ Rights Day today (Friday 30 November), when an estimated two million people will have become unpaid carers, supporting someone who is ill, frail or disabled, since 30 November 2011, local charity VSA’s Carers’ Service is determined to educate as many local carers as they can about their rights, before it’s too late.

An estimated £5.3billion has been wiped from the economy in lost earnings due to people who have dropped out of the workforce to take on unpaid caring responsibilities.

Could more knowledge about carers’ options and benefits prevent informal, unpaid carers having to choose between staying in paid employment and being at home to care?
http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/healthandsocialcare/2012/04/25/dr-linda-pickard-public-expenditure-costs-of-carers-leaving-employment/

Chris Sojka, a carer support worker at VSA, said:

“Living costs are rising, and the UK faces salary freezes and job losses, but for families affected by illness and disability, the situation can be a lot worse. Their struggle can be harder, faced with added costs of caring and lost earnings, as well as the risk of cuts to essential services and benefits. Carers make a huge contribution to society. It’s about time society gave them something back.”

“On Carers’ Rights Day we want to educate as many local carers as possible about how to get help in tough times. We can point them in the direction of financial help, boost confidence when asking for a helping hand and educate carers on getting the most from technological sources.”

“Earlier this year, we revealed that there are at least 25,000 unpaid carers in Aberdeen city and shire. There are lots more unidentified, who take their role in their stride and don’t realise they’re entitled to support. We want to make life as easy and financially stress-free as possible.”

Carers UK recently revealed the extra costs of ill-health and disability. These families commonly face higher household bills, particularly food and heating. The rise in VAT hits carers hard, often spending more on VAT-rated products such as cleaning materials, detergents, bed clothes and bandages. In addition, Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind and has lost value according to earnings since its creation in the 1970s.

There are nearly six million carers in the country. The Scottish Household Survey, conducted by The Scottish Government in 2010 reported 657,300 carers north of the border, more than 25,000 of which live in Aberdeen City. Within this, there are an estimated 2240 Young Carers in Aberdeen and far more ‘hidden carers’, both adult and child.

Earlier this year, Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam spoke at a Carers Week lunch. He said:

“We, as a city, can’t hold carers in a high enough regard. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness of the work they do and highlight the support and representation that is out there for them.”

Aberdeen City Council, VSA Carers’ Service and NHS Grampian will reach out to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire carers at an information point at Aberdeen Indoor Market on Friday 30 November between 11am-3pm, offering information and advice about carers’ rights.

VSA will also host an information session at Horizons Rehabilitation Centre, 2 Eday Walk, Summerhill, Aberdeen about Telecare, how it can help carers and the people they care for. To find out more about equipment available, such as fall, heat and flood detectors, bed and chair sensors, book a place by calling 01224 212021 or e-mail carers.info@vsa.org.uk

For more information about VSA Carers Services, visit our headquarters at 38 Castle Street, call 01224 212021, visit our website at www.vsa.org.uk/carers or e-mail carers.info@vsa.org.uk

VSA Recruiting To Stem Support Drought

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 302012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

This week, Voluntary Services Aberdeen (VSA), the UK’s largest city social care charity, took positive steps to combat a predicted downward recruitment trend by extending opportunities to a new generation of care workers.

VSA’s month-long effort culminating in a recruitment day on 29 November, to attract new blood into employment in older peoples’ services, mental health services and Linn Moor School.

The service, which employs around 500 people, both full and part-time, hosted recruitment stands and mini-interviews at Union Square and VSA’s Castle Street headquarters.

Earlier this week Marjory Moran, VSA Director of Services for Older People , told Aberdeen Voice:

“We’ve looked to the future of Aberdeen’s recruitment market and predict a serious lack of care workers. Qualified support staff are aging and it’s difficult to get more due to Aberdeen’s economic bubble. A huge pool of resources goes into oil and gas. Saying that, we’re obviously very grateful for this energy bubble, as many oil and gas giants support their communities through VSA.

“We want to increase the pool of staff for VSA and the industry as a whole by pioneering the idea that anyone can do it. Whatever your skills, there’s a place for you. Obviously we love hearing from qualified support workers but regardless of job history, if you have the life skills, we’ll provide the training and qualifications. Who else will provide the next set of qualified care staff if we don’t get them on the career ladder?”

Jacqui Sharp (pictured), a senior support worker at VSA’s Westerton Crescent, emphasised the care worker time bomb:

“I should have retired four years ago. But I love my job. I’m forcing myself to retire next year though.”

Marjory continued:

“You don’t need a care-related qualification to apply to VSA. There are major career progression opportunities here. We want to hear from naturally compassionate people who can leverage their personal caring experience, like bringing up children, caring for a disabled relative or looking after an ill friend, to get into social care.

“VSA looks after more than 2500 people in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Over the years, it’s branched out to provide support it couldn’t before. We need to secure staff now to make sure we can keep this up in future. It’s all about caring for the community you live in.”

Ex-hairdresser Sarah Taylor, support worker at VSA’s Arrdeir House, is part of a new generation of support workers:

“I’d always wanted to care for people but assumed you needed a qualification. I didn’t think companies would give you a chance and train you But seven years later, after studying and working in hairdressing, I found VSA and started work with absolutely no training in care. I’m doing my SVQ and studying other modules to progress my career. It’s the best move I ever made. I should have done it years ago.’

“I was used to building relationships with clients so took my social skills with me. But I was surprised to realise that my hair and beauty abilities have been useful too. I’ve started hosting therapeutic nights for the service users. It makes them feel pampered without travelling far or spending money. And for me, it’s a good, different way of having one-to-one time with them.”

VSA has created city-wide vacancies after completing a two-year plan to improve its service.

For more information or to apply for a position:

www.vsa.org.uk/jobs
e-mail: HR@vsa.org.uk
Tel: 01224 358589

Ceilidh Fundraiser For Easter Anguston Farm

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Nov 262012

L-R Robbie Shepherd, James Spears at VSA's Easter Anguston Farm's prize giving in Sept 2012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Local charity VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm, a Peterculter-based visitor attraction that offers vocational training and support to adults with learning difficulties, is urging its local community in Peterculter, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to get behind its Ruby Doo, St Andrew’s Day ceilidh, to mark the farm’s 40th anniversary.

The Ruby Doo takes place at the Culter Mills Club, Peterculter, on Friday 30 November when Easter Anguston Farm will host an evening of live music from Dark Island, with ceilidh dancing and stovies.

While staff and service users from Easter Anguston Farm and VSA in general will attend, farm operations manager Fiona Davidson is encouraging the wider community to get involved.

Fiona said:

“Easter Anguston has been welcoming people from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for 40 years, as visitors to the farm and as working trainees. Friday night will be an amazing celebration of how far we’ve come. It was established to give students from VSA’s Linn Moor School support and sheltered employment after their school years. But the farm and its service users have changed dramatically. Now, we’re open to anyone in the North-east and employ from as far afield as Moray, Angus and Falkirk.

“The farm’s purpose has evolved too. In recent years, the introduction of nature trails, a children’s play area, farm shop, garden centre and café, has turned Easter Anguston into a tourist hotspot, popular with families with young children, school groups and older visitors.

“But our purpose remains solid forty years on. We want to develop our trainees to the point that they can secure work in the sometimes scary job market. We work on personal skills and social skills but also help develop expertise in agriculture and land-based work.

“Friday will be a fun night in aid of a really worthwhile cause with our endlessly enthusiastic service users getting everyone in the party spirit.”

The Ruby Doo takes place on Friday 30 November, 7.30pm-midnight at the Culter Mills Club, Peterculter.

Tickets cost £12.50 per person, £10 for concessions and can be obtained by calling 01224 212021 or e-mailing fundraising@vsa.org.uk

For more information about VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm, contact Fiona Davidson on 01224 733627.

VSA Christmas Toy Appeal Kicks Off

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Nov 092012

With thanks to Claire McBain.

VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, supporting more than 2,500 people in Aberdeen each year, has launched it’s festive campaign to ensure as many local children as possible have a present to open on 25 December at its Christmas Inspirations shopping evening, sponsored by Prestige Scotland.

Campaign co-ordinator Debbie Fotheringham said:

“Not every child is lucky enough to have a gift of their own on Christmas morning. For some, the harsh reality is that their families can’t stretch to provide presents for them and their siblings, leading them to the wrong conclusion that they’ve been naughty this year. We want to replace these situations with classic Christmas spirit.”

Like last year’s inaugural event, Christmas Inspirations took place at Pittodrie Stadium’s Richard Donald Stand. Shoppers were welcomed with cocktails and canapés courtesy of Prestige Scotland, festive tunes and a fantastic selection of food, art and gift-themed stalls.

The appeal will continue at drop-off points across the city until the week before Christmas.

Debbie continued:

“We’d really appreciate if gifts were brand new and not wrapped. Gift vouchers are great too for the older children.

“We had an amazing response to our appeal last year, helped by individuals and companies gathering gifts, as well as local businesses that acted as drop-off points. We were able to supply each child that’s part of VSA with a couple of treats from Santa and had plenty goodies left to share with others in the city and shire. I’m looking forward to topping last year’s results over Christmas 2012.”

VSA will be collecting toys at its Christmas Inspirations evening and at the drop-off points listed below:

• VSA, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5YU

• VSA’s Northfield Lodge, Provost Fraser Drive, Aberdeen AB16 7JY

• Citrus:Mix, Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB11 7SL

• Original FM, Original House, Craigshaw Road, Aberdeen AB12 3AR

Additional drop-off points will be announced on the VSA website (www.vsa.org.uk), where a list of suggestions of age-specific toys is also available for inspiration.

Major Recruitment Drive To Dispel Care Industry Myths

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Oct 312012

l-r-support-worker-helen-dunn-and-service-user-richard-whyte2

With thanks to Claire McBain.

VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, is embarking on a month-long recruitment drive for its older peoples’ services, mental health services and Linn Moor School.
As part of the drive, it will be aiming to dispel care industry stereotypes, demonstrating that VSA is pioneering a new generation of care work careers.

Supporting more than 5,000 people in Aberdeen city and shire each year, VSA employs around 500 full and part-time workers and has created city-wide vacancies after completing a 2-year plan to refurbish and improve its services.

The call for staff comes as VSA aims to boost positive impressions of the care industry.

VSA director of social care and wellbeing Diane McCabe told Aberdeen Voice:

“We’re totally committed to opening the eyes of the public to the exciting, forward-looking opportunities of social care. There’s a misconception that to apply to an organisation like VSA, you need a care-related qualification. This is absolutely not the case.

“It’s all about caring for the community you live in. Obviously we welcome qualified support workers but it’s also great to hear from naturally compassionate people who can use their personal experience to get ahead professionally.

“We want to hear from people who have brought up children, looked after a disabled relative or even just cared for an ill friend. Regardless of job history, if you have the life skills, we’ll provide the training to turn what could be ‘just a job’ into a career.”

Helen Dunn, support worker at VSA’s Arrdeir House, said:

“Anyone can do it. My last job was teaching English as a foreign language. But wherever you’ve been and whatever your skills, there’s a place for you at VSA. My teaching skills transfer well into this job and natural people skills enhance it. My hobbies are cooking and gardening, so I bring that, too. I’ve started a culinary group at Arrdeir and help the service users in the garden.”

Nicola Lindsay, support worker at VSA’s Millbank House, said:

“I used to work in catering but was always intrigued by support work. What I brought to the job was my experience of caring. All my official training has been on-the-job. Working at Millbank has given me the opportunity to progress with my career.”

A VSA recruitment day will be held on 29 November 2012 at Union Square (upper atrium) between 9am-6pm and at 38 Castle Street between 10am-4pm. For more information or to apply for a position, visit www.vsa.org.uk/jobs, e-mail HR@vsa.org.uk or call 01224 358589.

VSA Announces Diamond Ball And Silent Auction

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Oct 262012

Back - Garreth Wood, L-R Martin Brown, Jessica Bird, Calum MacKinnon, Ellis McKenzie

With thanks to Claire McBain.

Today (Friday 26 October 2012) VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, launches its silent auction ahead of next week’s VSA Diamond Ball (Saturday 3 November 2012).

The charity also hopes to raise up to £50,000 on Saturday 27th October, when loyal VSA supporter Garreth Wood will donate a full day’s takings from four of his city centre bars.

For the last three years Garreth’s company, The Speratus Group, has supported VSA through its Ball and associated fundraisers, as well as contributing staff time through corporate volunteering.

Garreth traditionally marks the Ball date by donating monies from several of his Aberdeen bars and this year all four city centre hotspots – Amicus Apple, Illicit Still, Paramount and NOX – are taking part in the initiative.

As in 2010 and 2011, The Speartus Group is also the main sponsor for the VSA Ball which this year has a diamond theme to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth ll, the VSA’s Patron. In Her Majesty’s honour, a diamond necklace, donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers, will be raffled at the Ball on 3rd November.

Garreth said:

“We recognise the amazing work that VSA carries out in the city and shire and are proud to be associated with them. We look forward to a strong continued relationship with VSA and supporting the tremendous work they carry out every day.”

Karen Barlow, director of fundraising and communications, said:

“We’re so grateful for Garreth’s generous commitment to VSA, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the past few years. I’m delighted to have him and his team on board. This weekend’s fundraiser will be their biggest yet. I urge as many people as possible to support it.”

Items in the online silent auction, which concludes during the VSA Ball on Saturday 3rd November, can be viewed, and bids made, by texting DIAMOND to 88850 and following the instructions, or by registering at www.diamond.auction-bid.org

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

Award For 14-year-old Carer

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Oct 182012

With thanks to Karen Barlow.

On Thursday 18 October 2012, 14-year-old Heather Davies, a young carer supported by VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, saw her selfless efforts recognised by a local councillor at an awards ceremony in VSA’s Chill Out Zone.

Chill Out Zone is a dedicated space at VSA’s Castle Street headquarters where young carers can be themselves and have fun with like-minded youngsters.

There are an estimated 2,240 young carers in Aberdeen who try to look after a sick or disabled relative without help.

Simply Thank You, sponsored by Aberdeen-based funeral directors Wm Gilchrist and directly supported by VSA’s Young Carer services, was launched earlier this year in a bid to encourage more young carers to seek help.

VSA, which looks after more than 2,500 of the most vulnerable people in the north-east, and Wm Gilchrist select an exemplary young carer each quarter.

Hard-working Heather was awarded a certificate and high street gift vouchers from Councillor John Reynolds, former Lord Provost, to mark her outstanding efforts in looking after her Mum. Heather has been caring for her Mum for several years. Heather provides her mother with emotional support and looks after when she is unwell.

Heather is an only child and provides this care on her own. Heather balances this caring role with studying for her standard grades and the day to day struggles of growing up.

Bobby Gunn, Community Officer at Wm Gilchrist, said:

“We pioneered this scheme because we wanted to give something back to the community. We’ve had links with VSA for a long time but only recently heard about young carers. To say we were amazed at the responsibilities these young kids take on would be an understatement. We wanted to show appreciation and remind young carers that, although it might feel normal to them, they are actually making a very special contribution to their local community and the lives of their loved ones.”

Mhairi Craigmyle, young carers education support worker said:

“VSA’s Chill Out Zone belongs to the group of young carers. Here, they can do things that most children would probably take for granted: get help with homework, find a new hobby or just relax and chat to someone in a similar situation. We fundraise to take them on trips too, giving them a little respite from life at home. However, there are still lots of ‘hidden young carers’ out there. We’re desperate to reach out to as many as possible.”

Earlier this year, Aberdeen Lord Provost George Adam, spoke on this topic at a lunch organised by Aberdeen City Council, VSA’s Carers’ Service and NHS Grampian:

“Carers are the unsung and unpaid heroes in our community. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness of the work they do and highlight the support and representation that is out there for them.”

For more information about VSA’s Carers Services, visit our headquarters at 38 Castle Street, call 01224 212021 or visit our website at www.vsa.org.uk.

Older Entries Newer Entries