AVA Magazine - September 22

AVA |September 2022 9
Sandra joked that in all that time one of the main goals
was to move from the Industrial Estate, which raised a
few laughs and smiles of satisfaction after finally getting
there after 5 years. Sandra went on to describe the new
building as ‘a sanctuary for people who find life getting
tough’.
The Provost of Aberdeenshire, Judy Whyte, officially
opened the new headquarters with an overwhelming
cheer from the crowd. Judy stressed the importance
of our physical health alongside emotional and mental
wellbeing and that charities like Now are so important
to communities especially in times of crisis.
One of the volunteers, Fiona, came forward to thank
Fiona Alderson, the Service Manager, adding that
Fiona likes to stay out of the limelight, but she wanted
to highlight that without her at the helm and her team
behind her none of this would have happened. The
volunteer, Fiona, had been supported through NoW
herself and at the beginning of her journey, couldn’t
leave her house but now had stood in front of a crowd,
thanking Fiona and her team for all their hard work.
Fiona now supports the groups that she attended,
starting slowly with tea and coffee to now being fully
involved.
Spending time in the new premises, you could sense
the excitement for the opportunities this has opened
for NoW, the community and other community groups,
as NoW have always worked collaboratively with other
organisations in the area, allowing more diverse ways of
working and coming together.
Fiona Alderson, spoke fondly of Alastair and Janets
rooms, both very dedicated to the works of NoW, and
how she felt it important to have both Alastair and Janet
recognised and not lose the sense of them and the work
they both carried out, always having the community at
the heart of everything they did. The rooms are lovely
and airy and have a warm welcoming feeling to them,
and I am sure Alastair and Janet would be so proud
to be at the heart of the work being carried out within
them.
A beautiful spread of sandwiches and cakes were on
offer, whilst everyone tucked in the room had a lovely
sound of chatting and laughing. Fiona Alderson, cut the
beautiful cake to mark the celebration but also to wish
NoW a ‘Happy 30th Birthday’.
Speaking with staff on forthcoming plans for the building,
enthusiasm was oozing in the conversation, so watch
this space folks - Networks of Wellbeing are at the heart
of the Marr community, offering individuals such an
important service and are always looking at new ways
to support the community. Thank you for all the hard
work you do in your community and for the third sector.