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newsletter
april2015
building stronger communities
news
funding
volunteering
training
events
extras
news
Seeking rural stories
The Scottish Rural Parliament are currently looking to interview people for a series of rural case
studies that they will publish this year. They are especially seeking individuals who can highlight the
diversity of rural Scotland and can illustrate both the ups and downs, challenges and successes of
life in rural Scotland.
If you are interested or know someone who is and want to find out more please contact
Kelly Williams at: kelly@scottishruralparliament.org.uk
Lifetime Achievement Award for Aberdeenshire Volunteer
AVA Volunteer Centre were pleased to present volunteer Bruce
Morrison with the Lifetime Achievement Award recently for 22
years of volunteering at Inverurie Day Care Centre. Mr Morrison
was unaware that he was going to be presented with the award
and was surprised whilst he was collecting other certificates for
Skills Plus and SQA Certificate of Employability.
He is one of only 23 people to receive the award from AVA and
our Learning Project Co-ordinator, Pauline Anderson was delighted to congratulate him on his achievement.
Pauline said “We are thankful to the Day Care Centre for taking volunteers and giving people
and volunteers like Bruce the chance to be a part of this and volunteer for 22 years”
Day Care Support Leader, Fiona Pirie said “We are
delighted that Bruce has been recognised for all his
dedication and hard work here at Port Road. Bruce has
been a part of the team since the building was opened
and can be recognised for his many talents which include
his dedication to any task that he carries out
and his gentle, patient and understanding approach to
working with others.”
AVA Chief Officer, David Rodger added “Only a small
handful of our volunteers each year receive a lifetime
achievement award. Volunteers play a very important part in our community and this award says a
huge amount about Bruce as an individual.”
Congratulations Bruce!
news
Social Enterprise Census Scotland 2015
What does your organisation look like in March 2015?
The first national census of social enterprises in Scotland has been launched.
This Social Enterprise Census is an ambitious project that will take an official count
of the entire population of enterprising charities and social enterprises in Scotland.
The aim is to track the profile and growth of the sector every two years. The census
is endorsed and supported by all of the main bodies that represent the interests of
social enterprises in Scotland. It is being
supported with funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish
Government, the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, Nesta and Social Investment Scotland. It is being
carried out by the team at Social Value Lab, with support from all of the relevant partners.
How many social enterprises are out there? What contribution do they make to Scotland?
These are very sensible questions, but ones that have proven difficult to answer so far.
It’s now time to provide some definitive answers and work together to grow the social enterprise
movement in Scotland on the basis of more than hunches or guesswork alone.
Does this relate to my organisation?
Is your organisation trading for the benefit of others? If you can answer ‘yes’ to the
following questions Social Value Lab want to hear from you:
• Does your organisation have social or environmental goals?
• Are you operating independently of the public sector?
• Are you earning some level of income from delivering contracts or selling goods/services?
• Do you aspire to greater financial independence through earned income
(not simply reliant on grants)?
• Do you reinvest your profits and retain assets entirely in pursuit of your social
or environmental goals?
How can you get involved?
You can register details about your organisation online and provide some straightforward
information. Register your information here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SECensus
However, if you choose not to respond online then you may be contacted by telephone to find out if
there is a more convenient way to provide the information required.
A new resource: Co-production - how we make a difference together
Developed by the Joint Improvement Team, the Scottish Co-production Network and the
Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland – working with Governance International
– this resource features videos, case studies and other information to help spread understanding
and practice around co-production. The range of materials includes:
An interview with the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government
A policy overview of Co-production in Scotland
Six case studies
Five video case studies
An introduction to the People Powered Health and Wellbeing programme
A look at the ‘Co-production Star’
Visit the resource here: www.coproductionscotland.org.uk/resources/
news
Give a Little for Veterans - Raise as much as you can in one hour
The Royal British Legion Scotland is asking people to spend an hour of their time doing something
to raise money for the cause. It needs funds to develop its services which support veterans moving
back to civilian life through its befriending, wellbeing and physical activities comradeship
programme.
Give a Little for Veterans was launched by Scottish actor Bill Paterson, star of the TV series Dad’s
Army, alongside Iraq veterans living with injuries and an ex Royal Artillery serviceman. Those who
plan to take part in the campaign are asked to take pictures and videos to tell how they will raise
money in an hour using the hashtag #WeAreLegionHour.
To find out more about Legion Scotland comradeship events visit the Legion Scotland website at:
legionscotland.org.uk. To sign up to take part in the Give a Little For Veterans fundraiser
visit: legionscotland.org.uk/support-us/operation-team-fundraiser-2015/.
You are invited to attend the opening of the
Inverurie Family Resource Centre
24 Victoria Street, Inverurie AB51 3QS
Friday 15th May, 10.30am - 2pm
Provost Jill Webster will be opening the centre at 11am.
Refreshments will be provided
RSVP by 11th May by calling 01467 628199.
Garioch Community Ward Forums - rescheduled dates
Monday 11th May: Ward 10 Forum at Kemnay Village Hall
Wednesday 13th May: Ward 13 Forum at Westhill Community Church
Tuesday 19th May: Ward 11 Forum at The Fly Cup Inverurie
Wednesday 27th May: Ward 12 Forum at Kinellar Hall
For more information, contact Anne Simpson, Development Worker, The Garioch Partnership
Email: anne@gariochpartnership.org.uk Tel: 01467 628801 Mobile: 07845701994
www.gariochpartnership.org.uk
Marr Community Ward Forums - May 2015
The Marr Community Planning Group invites you to the upcoming Marr Community Ward Forums.
Venues are as follows, all with sandwiches and soft or hot drinks at 6.45 for a 7pm start.
Ward 14: Wednesday 13th May Gartly Hall (The Tin Hut), Gartly, AB54 4PX
Ward 15: Thursday 14th May – Logie Coldstone Hall , Logie Coldstone AB34 5PQ
Ward 16: Wednesday 20th May – Finzean Hall, Finzean, AB31 6LY
Please RSVP to Roisin Daly at: roisin@marrareapartnership.org.uk and let her know
whether you will be there. Marr Area Partnership hope to see as many of you as possible
and would also appreciate it if you could encourage members of other local
community groups and organisations to attend.
funding
Local charities invited to get online and talk funding
with Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
Charities working in communities across Scotland are
invited to have an online chat about funding opportunities with Lloyds TSB
Foundation for Scotland.
Every month, the grant maker hosts advice surgeries using online face to face
technology. Charities with a Skype account or Google Hangout are invited to book
an appointment at any of the 10 monthly surgeries between March and December. The Foundation
is particularly keen to hear from grassroots charities which benefit disadvantaged people and who
need funding to continue their work.
Unlike many other funders, the Foundation’s Henry Duncan Awards programme will contribute
towards staff and running costs, as well as new projects and services. And charities which have had
a grant before can also apply again. The advice surgery gives charities the chance to find out if they
meet the funding criteria and to get tips on how to fill in the application form.
Online advice surgeries will be held on 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 5 August,
2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December. Appointments last 45 minutes and can be
booked by calling 0131 444 4020 or emailing enquiries@ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk
Social Investment Scotland (SIS) - SIS Community Capital
Scotland’s first social investment fund to offer affordable loans to third sector
Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has set up a social investment tax relief fund to
which third sector organisations can apply for affordable loans. The fund allows
investors to invest their money and receive a tax relief and charities and voluntary
groups to get access to loans at a cost which would not readily be available from
other finance providers.
SIS Community Capital is scheduled to launch in May with SIS hoping to attract an initial tranche of
£500,000 - the money will be used to support between five and 10 social enterprises in Scotland.
For more information, visit: www.socialinvestmentscotland.com/thinking-of-investing/
South Aberdeenshire LEADER funding
The South Aberdeenshire area has been awarded an indicative allocation of LEADER funding from
the Scottish Government which should be confirmed formally in the next few months once the wider
Scotland Rural Development Programme has been signed off by the European Commission.
The Scottish Government is due to issue a written timetable of steps from now to programme
launch - so watch this space!
AVA Grantfinder service
AVA subscribes to the Grantfinder programme. If you would like to search
for funding for your group via the Grantfinder service, please contact
Jacquie Milne on 01771 624787 or email: Jacquie.Milne@avashire.org.uk
funding
Resourcing Scotland's Heritage - New Programme Announced
Resourcing Scotland's Heritage is a training programme designed
to meet the needs of the heritage sector by providing the vital skills
needed in fundraising from private sources. Events are taking place
across Scotland from May 2015 to March 2016.
There are full-day courses, evening sessions and weekend events - hopefully something
to suit everyone. Travel bursaries are also available to apply for.
Events are now open for bookings in May and June:
* 'Make it Happen' - An introduction to fundraising from private sources for heritage organisations.
* 'Planning to Progress' - A day dedicated to developing a fundraising strategy for your organisation.
* 'In Focus: Legacies' - A session focused on developing a legacy campaign for your heritage
group/organisation
Tickets for these events cost £25 for small to medium sized organisations and community
organisations and £50 for larger charities and organisations. The new programme is now available
to view online at http://www.resourcingscotlandsheritage.org/training-and-events/.
Arts & Business Scotland, in support of Resourcing Scotland's Heritage, is also delivering another
'Crowdfunding for Arts & Heritage Organisations' training event, providing an excellent addition to the
new programme. The event is taking place on Wednesday 27th May at GMAC Film in Glasgow.
The course provides a 'how-to' guide to crowdfunding for organisations who already have
a project in mind and are looking to find out more about the process. There are eight
tickets available for heritage organisations.
The event is supported by the Creative Scotland Cultural Economy Fund, enabling Arts & Business
Scotland to offer tickets at £50 each. For further information and bookings please visit
http://www.resourcingscotlandsheritage.org/event/crowdfunding-for-arts-heritage-organisations/
The Creative Breaks Funding Programme
Creative Breaks provides grants to third sector organisations working in Scotland to
increase the range and choice of short break opportunities for carers of adults, kinship
carers, young carers and the people they care for. The programme will distribute around £1 million
of Scottish Government funding in 2015.
You can apply for grant either to develop short break services or for
funding to establish your own small grant scheme for carers so that
carers can then pay for the short break that’s right for them. The maximum
grant is £50,000 for one year. Successful applications will receive
their grant in September 2015.
The deadline for applications is Noon, Friday 8th May 2015.
Interested? The application form and guidance notes are on the Shared Care Scotland
website including information about the fund:
www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/short-breaks-fund/creative-breaks/
funding
New funding for mental health projects available
See Me, the mental health discrimination campaign, has £230,000 available
to projects which can change the way people behave towards those with
mental health problems. The programme is looking for projects which can
tackle stigma in workplaces, in health and social care, with children and young
people, in minority groups and in the general public. This year’s Community
Innovation Fund is the largest amount to ever be made available to fund these
types of projects in Scotland.
In previous years See Me has funded projects ranging from changing the way mental health is
viewed in the justice system, to tackling discrimination towards students at university and
passengers on buses, to creating public art and drama exhibitions.
For the first time this year See Me also has £2,000 available to help people to create networks and
start the process of developing and delivering projects.
Application deadline is 31st May.
Visit: www.seemescotland.org/our-movement-for-change/funding-and-grants/
Fidelio Trust: Funding to Support Arts Projects
The Fidelio Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 in support of the Arts, in particular the dramatic and
operatic arts, music, speech and dance. The Trustees aim to help individuals and groups such as
Colleges, Arts Festivals and other arts organisations who would not be able to carry out a project or
activity without financial support.
Funding is available towards tuition or coaching costs; to participate in external competitions;
to be supported for a specially arranged performance; or to receive support for a special publication,
musical composition or work of art.
The next closing date for applications is the 1st June 2015.
Find out more at: www.fideliocharitabletrust.org.uk
Transition Funding
Transition funding is available to UK organisations that want to achieve significant
strategic change in order to become more resilient and sustain improved management of heritage for the long term. This can be through acquiring new skills or knowledge, or new
models of governance, leadership, business and income-generation. Heritage Lottery Fund support
all kinds of projects, as long as they make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities.
Grants from £10,000 to £100,000 are available from the Transition Fund
Your group may be in transition legally or structurally – for example, local authority heritage
services transferring to trust status. Or you may be facing strategic or financial challenges
due to loss of regular or anticipated income streams. Heritage Lottery will assess your
application in eight weeks and then make a decision.
Applications are accepted at any time. For more information, visit:
http://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/transition-funding#.VTT0U9LBzGd
funding
Screen Funding
Creative Scotland On Screen, identifies Creative Scotland’s priorities for film over the next three
years. Working with industry and public partners, the ambition envisaged is to generate the
conditions necessary to position the film sector at the heart of Scotland’s economic and cultural life
and to achieve the ambitions set out in Creative Scotland’s ten-year Strategic Plan in the
context of film. There are 3 funds within programme:
Film Funding
Screen Skills Fund Scotland
UK Film, High-End TV and Animation Tax Credit Advance Facility
If you are unsure about which funding route to apply to or if you would like additional guidance,
please contact the Enquiries Service on 0845 603 6000 (10am-12pm & 2-4pm Mon – Fri.)
or email enquiries@creativescotland.com.
For more information, visit:
www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/targeted-funding/screen
Creative Scotland - Open Project Funding
This fund supports the arts, screen and creative industries, with projects that help them explore,
realise and develop their creative potential, widen access to their work, and enrich Scotland’s
reputation as a distinctive creative nation connected to the world. Creative Scotland want to
encourage applicants to generate great ideas and projects that they can then help them to
make happen. These ideas can cover a broad spectrum of activity, and
Open Project Funding will support:
Projects that develop skills or artistic practice
Projects that create something new and of high quality
Projects which either present work to audiences, or which try to develop
and reach new audiences (including those hard to reach)
Projects which encourage more people to get involved in artistic
and creative activity.
Open Project Funding is open to both individuals and organisations to apply to - you can apply for
funding from £1,000 to £100,000. Applications up to £150,000 will be considered by exception and
only with prior written approval.
For more information, visit:
www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-project-funding
Cash for Kids
Cash For Kids raises millions of pounds each year and awards grants to help disabled and
disadvantaged children up to the age of 18 who are suffering from abuse or neglect, who are
disabled or who simply need extra care and guidance. Grants are also given to
children's charities and organisations to help them undertake projects and new
initiatives or to ensure that much needed services can continue to provide
essential care and support. Visit the Cash for Kids website at:
www.cashforkids.uk.com
volunteering
Volunteers Needed Now!
CASA, Drug Action's Community Alcohol Service in Aberdeenshire,
is recruiting Buddy volunteers. Buddy Volunteers are needed to:
provide one to one support and companionship for people addressing their
alcohol issues and moving their lives forward in a positive direction.
interact with individuals either in their own homes, or on local outings.
Full training, ongoing support and supervision will be provided.
Interested? If so, they'd love to hear from you!
Please contact Carol on 07525 071524 or send an email to cpolson@drugsaction.co.uk
Volunteering Job Opportunity: Cornfields Scotland Ltd Volunteer Administrator
Hours of Work: 12 - 16 hours per week (flexible working arrangement)
Purpose of the Job
To provide administrative support to the co-ordinator and Board of Directors as appropriate
To ensure efficient administration of Cornfields Scotland Ltd office
Applicants should have:
Experience of Administration roles and responsibilities
Knowledge and understanding of working within the third sector
Computer literate and experience of Windows 7 and Excel
Handling and managing confidential information
Ability to meet agreed deadlines
Driving license and access to a car
For further information, or to apply, contact: Fiona Mathers, Director, Coach, Mentor, Trainer
Cornfields Scotland Ltd. Social Enterprise and Charity
Tel: 01464 851539 Mobile: 07854 988283 Email: fiona@cornfields-scotland.co.uk
Website: www.cornfields-scotland.co.uk
Accountancy Trustee Needed
Home-Start (home-start.org.uk) is the UK's leading family support charity
with over 300 locally run schemes, whose volunteers support thousands of
children and families through difficult times.
Home-Start Garioch (homestartgarioch.org.uk) is one of those schemes, based in Inverurie. It is governed by a board of eight unpaid trustees, and run by three salaried part-time staff. The scheme is
partly funded by the Local Authority, receives money through fundraising activities and donations,
and has recently been awarded Big Lottery funding. The trustees want to recruit a new member with
a financial background. The board meets about six times a year and is supported by various subgroups, including a Finance Committee.
If you are interested and have the skills to help us, please contact Jackie Loder at
jackie.loder@gmail.com
volunteering
Volunteering Opportunity: Walk Leaders
If you are interested in becoming a ‘Walk Leader’ – Carolyn Lamb will be providing training for
volunteers on Thursday 4th June. The Volunteer Walk Leaders Training Course is designed to
establish a group of local people (over the age of 18) trained to promote and lead health walks
on an ongoing basis. A health walk is a short, local walk usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes
and ½ to 2½ miles long. Once trained, you will join a network of over 6000 volunteers
throughout the UK. The training is recognised by the British Heart Foundation
National Centre for Physical Activity and Health.
To register interest or for further information, email Susan Weetman at:
centralabdn.forum@hotmail.com
events
Tenants Open Day, Saturday May 30th 2015, 10am – 1pm
Victory Hall, Ballater Road, Aboyne, AB34 5HD
Chat to staff of the local council and housing associations...
Come along to find out about:
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saving fuel
health awareness
fire safety in the home
community safety
the “bedroom tax”
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new waste collections
tenant participation & getting involved
how benefit changes could affect you
housing options
credit union savings & loans
and much more! Free goodie bag, children’s corner & refreshments served
Child Poverty Seminar - Free but limited places
Poverty as a human rights issue: Rights, social participation
and ways of increasing children’s voice in the debate
26th June 2015, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
How is the children’s rights agenda relevant to the issues of inequality?
What can services do to help tackling social inequalities, especially in a climate of austerity?
How does poverty impact on children’s access to services, social participation and opportunities for
civic engagement? How can research with children and young people contribute to our
understanding of the structural inequalities which children and young people experience?
For more information, project materials and registration, please visit:
http://www.scottishinsight.ac.uk/Programmes/Equality2015/Childrens
ViewsofInequalityPoverty.aspx
G.A.T.E (Good At The End)
Vanessa Smith, Project Leader of GATE, will give a talk and answer questions
at Westhill and District Men's Shed on Wednesday 6th May, 7pm to 8.30pm
The Gate Project is about getting people talking, thinking, and making informed decisions for the
end of their lives. It is about not waiting till someone is approaching the end; but about thinking
ahead, planning both practically and emotionally, and taking action now when things are good.
All welcome.
events
Learning Programme - Aberdeen - Book Now
Pre-start Leadership, 7th May, Fully-funded, no cost to participants
This one-day programme is an ideal introduction to leadership for individuals who have just started
or are interested in starting a social enterprise, and expecting to be in a new leadership position.
As a new social entrepreneur, your leadership will be critical to the initial success of your
organisation. This one-day programme is an ideal introduction to leadership. It will give you the
space to work with peers at similar stages of development and develop confidence in your
understanding of leadership as you prepare to start your social enterprise.
Bookings can be made through the Just Enterprise website: www.justenterprise.org
Alternatively, and for more information, individuals can contact Gordon or Donna on:
gordon@socialententerprise.academy / 0131 243 2675
donna@socialenterprise.academy / 0131 243 2684
Health and Loneliness Roadshows 2015
Tuesday 26th May 2015 – 12.30pm – 3pm
Rooms 4 and 5, Learning Centre, Community Health and Care Village,
50 Frederick Street, Aberdeen AB24 5HY
Research shows that loneliness has a similar negative effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a
day – and is more detrimental than obesity. It is also recognised as a major factor contributing to
health inequalities. The impact of loneliness on health and social care services is massive yet there
is still no clear strategy in place to tackle it effectively.
You are warmly invited to attend this Roadshow. Please confirm attendance by
registering through the Training and Events section of the website:
www.befriending.co.uk/health-loneliness-roadshows.php
Working2Change Employability Summit
9.45 – 3.30pm, Wednesday 20 May 2015, Our Dynamic Earth,
Edinburgh. Admission Free
The Scottish Government, in partnership with Scottish Business in the Community and the Scottish
Prison Service, are hosting an employability summit that will bring together, for the first time, an
audience of national, local, private and public sector employers to discuss and promote the
employability of one of the most marginalised groups in our communities – people with criminal
convictions. The objective of the event is to identify a number of realistic and achievable actions that
the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service can take forward with employers and other
partners to encourage people with convictions to engage in the labour market.
The event will include a mix of speakers, table work and workshops. You will have the opportunity to
hear from employers in both the public and private sector about their experiences of engaging with
this group of people; the barriers they encountered, the solutions they found and the benefits to their
business that have been identified.
To book your place please register your details on the event website:
www.working2change.scot
events
Tranquility Wild West Town & Northern Rough Riders
10th Annual Spring Round-Up
1.30pm, 3rd May 2015, Huntly. Admission free
Organised by Northern Rough Riders Western Reenactment Group, events
will include target shooting, horseshoe pitching, knife throwing and tours of
the buildings. A small raffle will be held and the winning ticket drawn after the
last gunfight. Live music and song provided by Brendan Moir.
Gunfights at 2pm & 3pm. The saloon will be open for free light refreshments.
There'll be lots of fun for the whole family - Western wear optional!
For more information email: Tranquility_town@hotmail.co.uk
or write to A. Baranowski, Drumblair, By Forgue, Huntly,
Aberdeenshire AB54 6EE or call 01466 730265.
Family Inclusive Practice - Supporting families & significant
others affected by substance misuse
A series of workshops are being delivered locally throughout Aberdeenshire to
increase awareness of the support and inclusion needs of families affected by a loved ones’
substance misuse. Family inclusive practices, including evidence based interventions, will be
highlighted along with an opportunity to discuss their inclusion and implementation within
alcohol & drug and other services in Aberdeenshire.
Who should attend?
Alcohol & drug workforce - managers and frontline professionals working with adults and
young people with substance misuse issues or with families. (NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire
Council and 3rd sector drug & alcohol services - including GPs and CPNs)
Wider workforce - managers and frontline professionals working in housing, education,
family services and social care.
Individuals - representing family support groups, recovery groups/networks
and service users of alcohol & drug services.
Wednesday 6th May, 9:15am - 2:45pm, Huntly - Stewart’s Hall, Gordon Street, Huntly.
Tuesday 12th May, 9:15am - 2:45pm, Portlethen - Golf Club, Badentoy Road, Portlethen.
Tuesday 19th May, 9:15am - 2:45pm, Peterhead - Apex Church, Chapel Street, Peterhead.
To register contact: Renata Giszczak providing personal/organisational contact details and stating
which workshop you wish to attend. Places are limited. Email: renata.giszczak@nhs.net
Phone: 01224 558554.
Making Aberdeenshire More Active
This free event will take place on 26th May 2015 from 9.30 am – 4pm at Curl Aberdeen.
Making Aberdeenshire More Active, will be of interest to everyone committed to supporting
Aberdeenshire to be more active. Practitioners working across a wide range of settings including health,
social care, leisure and parks, education, planning, transport, the outdoors and Third Sector are
encouraged to attend and support a more coordinated approach to the promotion and delivery of
physical activity across Aberdeenshire. The event will provide participants with an overview of the
current Scottish physical activity policy context. There will also be the opportunity to participate in two
workshop discussions around key outcomes highlighted in The Active Scotland Outcomes Framework,
which describes Scotland’s ambitions for sport and physical activity. For more information contact Susan
Forbes, Health Improvement Officer (Communities) at susan.forbes@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
events
ICAN (Insch Community Association News)
Meadows Family Picnic Sunday 17th May (12 - 3 pm)
Come and join ICAN and the Garioch Ranger for the 3rd Annual Meadows
family picnic to (re)discover Insch Meadows. The Garioch ranger and volunteers will be on hand to
lead pond dipping and other activities to help young and old explore the wildlife of the meadows
(all free of charge) or you may want to just relax with your picnic and enjoy the
surroundings. Please bring your own picnic but leave some space for our delicious home
bakes. As well as a cake stall, we will have a lucky dip and raffle.
Anyone who can help man stalls on the day or can contribute to the home
bake stall, please contact ICAN at: ican4insch@gmail.com.
What’s on in Insch:
Health Walks in Insch – Join us as for weekly walks in and around Insch
every Wednesday and Friday morning.
Wednesdays - meet at Bennachie Leisure Centre for a 10am start. 1-hour low level walk.
£1 includes cuppa afterwards.
Fridays - meet at 10.30am at Bennachie Leisure Centre for a 30 minute walk. Suitable for folks
looking to do some regular walking with a bit of company and who prefer a gentler pace.
Drop in I.T. sessions are planned for June/July, followed by some regular sessions for beginners at
the end of the summer. These are aimed at anyone who already has a tablet/iPad or Laptop and
wants to learn how to use it. Tablets and iPads will also be available for you to try.
1-1 home tuition can be arranged if you prefer.
For more information on all the above, please speak to
Alison McPherson (Community Link Worker) on 07964 034 264.
Stretch & Relax - Weekly sessions are held at the Insch Community Centre
on Mondays (11.30 -12.30). If possible, bring a mat and wear loose comfortable clothing.
All exercises can be done sitting, so suitable for everyone. Please call Alison Massie
on 07557 222648 for more details.
TSI Practice Forum – Understanding and Evidencing Prevention
10.45am (for 11.00am start) to 3.30pm, Thursday 11th June 2015
The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR
Prevention is one of the four pillars of the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform agenda.
Because of this it’s becoming increasingly important for organisations to understand and demonstrate their preventative impact. This is not an easy task though. There are a number of challenges
facing third sector organisations, including:
Understanding what is meant by ‘prevention’;
Identifying what activities have a preventative impact;
Measuring and demonstrating that impact for a range of audiences.
If you would like to attend the forum please contact: Ruth Latusek at ruth.latusek@vascotland.org
training
Universal Credit Training
Universal Credit is being introduced in North Aberdeenshire on 25th May 2015.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council,
are offering staff and partners the opportunity to learn more about the introduction of Universal
Credit and support being made available for claimants. A number of presentations will take
place in Banff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead on the dates listed below. The presentation
will provide an overview of the claimant journey and the processes being put in place
locally to provide digital and financial support.
Please note – these sessions are aimed at staff and partners in North Aberdeenshire.
Further sessions will be provided for Central and South Aberdeenshire following the
introduction of Universal Credit in these areas later in the year.
10am, Friday 1st May, Arbuthnot House, Broad Street, Peterhead
10am and 2pm, Tuesday 5th May, Training Centre, Maconochie Road, Fraserburgh
10am, Friday 8th May, Training Centre, Maconochie Road, Fraserburgh
10am and 2pm, Monday 11th May, County Hall, Low Street, Banff
10am and 2pm, Wednesday 13th May, Arbuthnot House, Broad Street, Peterhead
10am, Friday 15th May, County Hall, Low Street, Banff
To ensure information is shared with as wide a group as possible, places are limited to 2 people
per service/organisation. To book a place at one of the sessions listed, please email:
welfarereform@aberdeenshire.gov.uk with details of the date and time you would like to attend.
Sessions will last approximately 2 hours.
ACVO Training - May 2015
Finance for Non- Finance Manager – Managing your Charity’s Finances
7th May, 9.30am – 11.30am, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen
Cost: £35, 15% discount for ACVO members
Objectives: to provide awareness of key issues within charity finances
Aimed at: Treasurers and those with financial responsibilities within charities of all sizes.
Introduction to Fundraising
19th May, ACVO, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen, 9.45am – 4pm
Cost: £50; 15% discount for ACVO members
Based on several decades of fundraising experience, this enjoyable, light-hearted and practical
stand-alone workshop is a must if you want to get serious about sustaining your organisation.
Limited places available for this interactive workshop which is both an excellent refresher for
fundraisers seeking to a new direction and the essential grounding for those
new to fundraising and grant-seeking.
Big Lottery Workshop
9th June, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen, 9.30am – 12noon or 12.45pm – 3pm. Cost: Free
Objective: The goal will be to inform applicants/stakeholders of our available funding and to get
quick tips on applying.
To book a place on any of these courses, visit: http://acvo.org.uk/about/training/
or call: 01224 686058
training
New skills for changing times
The way our society is organised is changing. Third sector organisations are beginning to play a
much bigger role in the delivery of public services, often through trading subsidiaries or by working
in partnership. New challenges require new skills - in enterprise, leadership and social impact
measurement. The most successful social enterprises and communities will be those which invest in
themselves, to take advantage of this new landscape. The public sector needs leaders too, who can
engage with new ways of doing things and work across sectors. Our role is to support you and your
peers through learning to lead this change in your communities and organisations:
Marketing Your Social Enterprise – Uist – May 12&13
Understanding Social Enterprise for Trading Subsidiaries – Wick – May 19&20
Crucial Conversations – Inverurie – May 19
Marketing Your Social Enterprise – Fort William – May 28&29
Managing Finance, Generating Income – Uist – June 23&24
Managing Finance, Generating Income – Fort William – June 25&26
All welcome, no cost. More details on this training are available on: www.socialenterprise.academy
or contact Kate on 01463 238088 or kate@socialenterprise.academy
And if you’d like an Academy programme in your community, wherever you might be, let us know!
AVA Training: PVG Awareness course
- free training available
Wednesday 27th May – Inverurie. 10am to 1pm
Thursday 18th June – Mintlaw. 10am to 1pm
AVA Training are running a PVG Awareness course in partnership with Volunteer Scotland.
This course is free to voluntary organisations and community groups in Aberdeenshire and is aimed
at Signatories and those involved in the Disclosure process.
If you wish to book a place on one of these courses please email Shirley Leask,
advising which course you wish to attend.
Shirley Leask, Training Co-ordinator, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action - Training
17 South Street, Mintlaw AB42 5EL
Tel: 01771 624589. Email: training@avashire.org.uk
Conflict Resolution
9.30am - 1pm, Wednesday 24th June 2015, MACBI, Newlands Road, Mintlaw
Cost: £51pp - voluntary sector. £77pp - all others
Trainer: Linda Paterson - The Mediation Partnership
This course aims to give participants an insight into conflict in general, as well as practical skills and
strategies to help them manage the conflicts in their life more effectively. It will cover:
Conflict theory - how and why it escalates
Effective communication skills
Personal responses/patterns of behaviour in a conflict
Strategies for diffusing conflict and for managing it more effectively
Positive aspects of conflict - a catalyst for change
To book, contact: Shirley Leask, Training Co-ordinator, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action - Training
17 South Street, Mintlaw AB42 5EL Tel: 01771 624589. Email: training@avashire.org.uk
extras
Job Opportunities: Advocacy North East
Advocacy North East (ANE) is an independent, charitable organisation that enables individuals in
Aberdeenshire and Moray to make informed choices and have a voice when dealing with Health &
Social Care Services. ANE are now looking to fill the following Fixed-Term (12 month) positions.
Independent Advocate (Carers)
Post 1: Based at Inverurie office, 35 hours per week £23,049.16
Post 2: Based at Elgin office, 24 hours per week £15,805.14
Applicants must have demonstrable experience of working alongside carers and a wide
understanding of the issues affecting this client group, along with a broad knowledge of
relevant legislation and social policy as it impacts on carers. Candidates for these posts must
possess excellent communication, organisational and time management skills and be IT literate.
A valid driving licence and use of a vehicle is also a requirement. Disclosure Checks
under relevant regulations will be a requirement of these posts.
For further details/application packs
Tel. 01467 651604/Email advocacyne@btconnect.com. Closing Date Friday 15th May 2015
Scottish Charity Reg. No. SC024538
CAIR Scotland - Aberdeenshire Community Recovery Service
Job Opportunity: Team Manager, 37 hours per week. £24,510 - £26,534
As a Team Manager you will be responsible for managing the CRS team to deliver quality services
as outlined in the service contract. You will oversee the day-to-day management of the service and
work in specified geographic areas to deliver these services. Based in Inverurie you will work 37
hours per week. Travel throughout Aberdeenshire required. Closing Date: Mon 11th May at 12 noon
For informal enquiries please contact: Ingrid Hainey, Service Manager Tel: 01382 200532.
Application packs are available from the website at: www.cairscotland.org.uk.
Aberdeenshire Council would like to say
THANK YOU
to unpaid carers for all that they do by inviting YOU to an event
hosted by Provost Jill Webster
It will be an afternoon of entertainment, information, lunch, and time for you!
Please book your place now.
12.00pm – 3.00pm, Tuesday 2nd June, Ban-Car Hotel, Lonmay, AB43 8RL
12.00pm – 3.00pm, Friday 5th June, Tor-Na-Coille Hotel, Banchory, AB31 4AB
12.00pm – 3.00pm, Friday 12th June, Thainstone House Hotel, Inverurie AB51 5NT
Contact Carersupport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or call 01224 664991 to confirm your place.
If you require respite for the person you care for so you can attend the event
please enquire when you book.
In Partnership with: VSA, Alzheimer’s Scotland, MHA and PAMIS
extras
Reduce your fuel bills and make your home warmer
Home Energy Scotland is the only source of clear and impartial advice on
making your home cheaper to heat. A one-stop shop for advice and support,
the Home Energy Scotland Hotline is there to help you keep warmer whilst
reducing your fuel bills. Whatever your circumstances, they have lots of ways to
save you money on your heating bills and have already helped over 800,000
households in Scotland to reduce their annual fuel bills.
To find out exactly what you are eligible for - whatever your circumstances - call the Home Energy
Scotland Hotline now on 0808 808 2282 where one of the advisors will guide you through the
options available whilst providing advice and tips of reducing your energy usage. If you know
of anyone else in your area who would like to cut the cost of heating their home,
please give them the details too.
Grampian Credit Union - Save As You Borrow - Join Today
Are you looking for a safe, ethical alternative to high street banks?
GCU offer a friendly, local, professional service giving you somewhere to:
• Save safely with easy withdrawals • Borrow when you need to with no set-up fees
and loads more.
Unlike banks, Credit Unions aim to keep money circulating within the community rather than
giving it to external shareholders. Credit Unions provide an ethical alternative for
people who are concerned about how their money is invested, and they provide financial
services to those who might be excluded.
For more information visit their website: www.grampiancreditunion.co.uk and click
on “Join Now” to download your membership application. Or call on: 01224 576990
. . . . next newsletter . . . .
The next Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action newsletter
will come out on the week beginning 25th May 2015.
The deadline for pre-arranged contributions for this edition is Monday 18th May, 2015.
We are always looking for local groups across the Shire to contribute to our newsletters.
Whether it be to advertise an event, showcase your work, appeal for volunteers or
celebrate a successful funding bid - whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it!
If you would like to include any information in future editions, please contact
Lindsay Allardyce on 01467 629072 or email Lindsay.Allardyce@avashire.org.uk
If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please let us know.
This newsletter is produced by Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and is available on request in larger print.
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Company number: 137343.
Scottish Charity Number: SC014223. Registered office: 72a High Street, Banchory AB31 5SS
contact us...
Registered office: 72a High Street, Banchory AB31 5SS tel: 01330 825027
email: mail@avashire.org.uk website: www.avashire.org.uk
facebook: www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireVoluntaryAction