ACVO News October 2024

ACVO NEWS
T H E L A T E S T F R O M A B E R D E E N ' S T H I R D S E C T O R
SANDY MATHERS:
CELEBRATING 20
YEARS OF SERVICE
AT ACVO TSI
O C T O B E R | 2 0 2 4

acvo.org.uk

ACVO News
October 2024
3
CONTENTS
THE LATEST UPDATES FROM AND FOR ABERDEEN’S THIRD SECTOR
4
ACVO UPDATES
The latest developments from ACVO and
updates from our team
26
GREC’S LANGUAGE CAFÉ: PROMOTING INTEGRATION,
COMMUNITY AND BELONGING IN ABERDEEN
Discover GREC’s Language Café: a welcoming space for migrants,
refugees, and New Scots in Aberdeen to practice English, build
social connections and create a sense of community.
XX
4
ACVO TSI CELEBRATES
SANDY MATHERS’ 20 YEARS
OF SERVICE
The team commend our
wonderful Governance and
Development Officer Sandy
Mathers as we mark this special
milestone of two decades service
with ACVO TSI.
Applications for
Year 4 of the
Communities
Mental Health
& Wellbeing Fund
are now open!
7
UP TO £15,000 AVAILABLE
FOR MENTAL HEALTH &
WELLBEING PROJECTS
Year 4 of the Communities
Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund
is now open! Apply now for up to
£15,000 to help support your
community-based project in
Aberdeen City.
14 NEWS FROM YOU
News from ACVO Members and other local
and national third sector organisations
30 VOLUNTEERING
The latest from Mike Melvin and
developments from Volunteer Aberdeen
32 FUNDING
Funding news, announcements and the
latest opportunities to get funded!
33 ACVO OPPORTUNITIES
33 FUNDING
34 VOLUNTEERING
38 EVENTS
40 VACANCIES
ACVO TSI 38 CASTLE STREET,
ABERDEEN, AB11 5YU
ENQUIRIES@ACVO.ORG.UK
WWW.ACVO.ORG.UK
OCTOBER 2024
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ACVO News direct to your inbox
every month? Sign up here.
Scottish Charity No: SC036845
© 2024 Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations.

ACVO UPDATES ACVO News
4
October 2024
Celebrating 20 Years of Service:
Governance Officer Sandy Mathers
marks two decades with ACVO TSI
T
his September we celebrated Sandy Mathers
completing 20 years of service at ACVO as
our esteemed Governance Officer.
Sandy was one of the first individuals in post (along
with Mike Melvin) as the concept of a Third Sector
Interface called ACVO was coming into being, formally
being a Standing Committee under VSA.
Within 10 minutes of accepting the job offer, Dundee
had also been in touch to offer him a similar job, so that
was a very narrow margin for us here in Aberdeen,
perhaps it was just meant to be.
At his staff celebration (which included an enormous
chocolate cake!), Sandy mentioned that he had worked
in the VSA building three times in his career and his
current office was in fact the office where he was
originally interviewed for the post at the newly formed
ACVO, 20 years ago.
We were delighted to hear that Sandy honestly believes
that this has been his happiest time in employment, and
he has really appreciated being part of a group of
people encouraging and fighting for third sector
organisations. Sandy’s sense of humour and candid

5
ACVO News
October 2024
ACVO UPDATES
approach to many of ACVO’s challenges have
benefitted the organisation tremendously and we owe
much to his expertise and knowledge base and his
experiences working for and closely with OSCR, our
national regulatory body.
A man of many talents, Sandy is also an accomplished
fiddler and does many live events as a performing
musician, we often hear him taping out tunes on his
desk and were delighted when he took to the stage for
a set at Celebrate Aberdeen a few years ago in his ‘Blue
Boys’ sunglasses.
Mike Melvin, Volunteering Services Manager at ACVO
TSI said, “Sandy has been and continues to be the most
wonderful colleague and good friend. The third sector
and volunteering in Aberdeen would not be what it is
today without all the great work and tremendous
dedication Sandy gives. I don’t think there is anyone
else in the whole of Scotland who knows so much about
good governance and certainly no one who can make
the subject of Constitutions so interesting! It is a great
pleasure to work with Sandy. Congratulations on 20
years at ACVO Sandy and here’s to many more”
“Sandy has supported hundreds of organisations and
thousands of Aberdeen's third sector volunteers and
professionals, with concise and expert advice that
allowed organisations and communities to thrive!
“Not only has Sandy delivered the most impressive
support, but he is a talented musician who's well known
and respected across the city's music scene and beyond.
It must be said with an equally impressive moustache!
“On behalf of the ACVO board and Aberdeen's
communities, may we express our gratitude for the
difference that you have made for so many people.
Perhaps another 20 Sandy?”
Maggie Hepburn, ACVO Chief Executive added “An
organisation is only as good as the people in it, and
ACVO are very lucky to have had Sandy’s wealth of
knowledge and experience all of these years, and
working alongside him I am grateful for his support,
kindness, curiosity and sense of fun! Thanks so much.”
Paul O’Connor on behalf of the ACVO Board said, "It is
with great pleasure that we recognise the outstanding
contribution and long-term service Sandy has given to
ACVO, spanning an impressive 20 years!
“An organisation is
only as good as the
people in it, and
ACVO are very
lucky to have had
Sandy’s wealth of
knowledge and
experience all of
these years”
Maggie Hepburn, ACVO Chief Executive

ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
6
October 2024
Community organisations, groups and clubs in
Torry & Cove:
the Community & Coast Fund
is open for applications with
£100,000 of funding
available to support projects in your area
L
of
ocal community groups and third-sector
organisations in the Torry and Cove areas of
Aberdeen are encouraged to apply for a share
£100,000 offered by the Community
& Coast Fund to help bring impactful projects to life. Managed
by ACVO TSI, Aberdeen’s Third Sector Interface, on behalf of
ETZ Ltd, the Fund offers grants of up to £3,000 or £10,000
for capital projects that will benefit the local communities and
is now open for applications as of September 30, 2024. These
projects can range from purchasing essential equipment to
developing new initiatives that enhance community spaces or
preserve local heritage.
Following the application process, local residents will be
invited to have their say via a public vote, allowing the
16,000+ community members in Torry and Cove to choose
which projects they would like to see funded. This democratic
approach ensures that local priorities are reflected, with
decisions driven by the people who live and work in these
areas.
Carole Monnier, ETZ Ltd Community Lead, said: “The
Community & Coast Fund is a great opportunity for local
groups to develop projects that make a real difference. By
putting decision-making in the hands of the community, we
ensure that the funding directly supports what matters most
to local residents. We hope to see some exciting ideas and
initiatives emerging from this process which will, in turn, help
inform our ongoing wider activity in support of local
communities."
The Fund aims to foster community growth while addressing
key priorities such as biodiversity, net-zero targets, wellness,
jobs & skills and preserving local heritage. Projects that focus
on supporting children, young people, families, and older
people are particularly encouraged to apply in this first year of
the Fund.
Maggie Hepburn Chief Executive of ACVO TSI, said: “Securing
funding is often a significant hurdle for local groups and we
are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for project
support. ACVO has a proven track record of distributing funds
to a wide range of community organisations across Aberdeen
and we consistently witness the transformative impact that
well-funded projects can have. We look forward to reviewing
the applications for the Community & Coast Fund and learning
more about the innovative initiatives proposed to benefit the
residents of Torry and Cove.”
Applications are open to third-sector organisations and
unconstituted community groups based in or operating within
Torry and Cove. There are two levels of grants available and
groups can apply for grants of up to £3,000 under Level 1 or
£10,000 with Level 2, to support capital spend for projects.
Applications will close on Monday November 4th at 12noon
with the public vote opening after the assessment process.
Apply now at communityandcoast.scot

7
ACVO News
October 2024
ACVO UPDATES
Applications for Year 4 of the
Communities Mental Health &
Wellbeing Fund are now open!
The Scottish Government’s community fund returns
with £565,039 available for Aberdeen based projects
T
he team at ACVO TSI are thrilled to announce
that as of October 2nd 2024, the fourth year
of the Scottish Government’s Communities
Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund is open for
applications with local groups invited to apply for up to
£15,000 to support projects in the City.
The Fund is dedicated to supporting grassroots projects in
the local area, with the initiative having already transformed
the lives of individuals within our communities by distributing
nearly £2 million to 223 city-based projects during the
previous three rounds.
In March 2024, the Scottish Government reaffirmed its
commitment to mental health and wellbeing by allocating an
additional £15 million across Scotland to the Fund for 2024-
25. This significant investment aligns with the ScotGov
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy published last year,
emphasising the importance of supporting impactful
community-based initiatives.
Claire Shaw, Funding Officer at ACVO said, “ACVO is
delighted to be managing the distribution of the Communities
Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund on behalf of the Scottish
Government for a fourth year. The Fund has supported so
many innovative projects over the last three years that have
improved the mental health and wellbeing of communities
across the City. This year we are doing things slightly
different in that we have a closing date rather than offering
grants on a first come first served basis. I’d urge everyone
interested in applying to carefully read the Fund guidance
before starting their application.
“The whole team at ACVO take great pleasure in being able
to distribute grants to organisations working within our local
third sector and seeing the huge positive impact the money
has for people living within our local communities.”
This year, the Fund continues to support community-based
projects that address social isolation, loneliness, suicide
prevention, poverty, and inequality, while prioritising
prevention and early intervention.
A total of £565,039 is available for projects in Aberdeen City
and local groups can apply for two levels of funding: Level 1
(up to £3,000) and Level 2 (£3,001 - £15,000). Level 1
applications opened on September 25th 2024 while Level 2
applications opened on October 2nd. Both levels will close
for applications on Thursday November 7th 2024 at 12noon.
Applicants must complete an online application form,
accessible after passing an eligibility checker on the
application webpage. Guidance documents are available to
assist applicants, and the form allows users to save and return
as needed.
Those interested in applying can attend the ‘I'm Fine
Festival’ hosted by Aberdeen City Libraries and Healthy
Minds Aberdeen at Aberdeen Central Library to hear more
from ACVO’s Funding Officer Claire Shaw on Wednesday
October 9th. The morning session runs from 10.30 - 11.30
(book at https://bit.ly/imfine-am) or you can come along
from 17.30 - 18.30 for the evening session (book at
https://bit.ly/imfine-pm).
Claire is also running an online workshop the same day at
14:00 - 15:00, book your place via bit.ly/cmhwfund-9oct
Find out more and start your application now at
acvo.org.uk/cmhwfund

ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
October 2024
8
Aberdeen
Cash First
Project
The Cash First approach forms part of the
Scottish Government’s response to
financial hardship and their aim to reduce
the need for emergency food provision.
ACVO will co-design the Cash First Project in Aberdeen alongside partner
organisations with the aim of breaking the cycle of repeated financial crises.
There are hopes that the project will also reduce reliance on food banks within
Aberdeen City, positioning them as a last resort for emergency help.
T
insecure
he Scottish Government recognise that the
main reason why some people are
compromising on food is insufficient and
incomes. A human rights approach
is needed to ensure that everyone can afford an
adequate diet. This will require a co-ordinated rightsbased
plan to improve the response to crisis, as well as
preventative actions to secure household incomes for the
longer term. The Cash First approach aims to tackle these
concerns and reduce the need for emergency food
provision across the country.
Those in poverty have a much more challenging and
often un-dignified experience when trying to access food.
There are many barriers in place for those in poverty
when accessing food and essentials in crisis. It can often
be a lengthy process accessing food banks; finding your
local food bank, awaiting a professional referral, the costs
and time associated with travelling to and from the food
bank, not forgetting the time it takes an individual to
initially seek help due to the stigma and embarrassment
that can be associated with accessing emergency food. A
process that often then must be repeated again in
anything from a couple of days to a week later.
Providing emergency food banks can also be challenging
and complex for the third sector; especially due to the
heightened pressures during the cost-of-living crisis.
Food bank teams need to fight the ever-growing demand
for emergency food whilst facing a reduction in their
food donations and funding to cover essential running
costs. They have hopes and dreams to expand their
services in line with the needs of the community but
don’t have the space, time or capacity to be able to do
this due to the unpredictable nature of emergency food
provision.

9
ACVO News
October 2024
ACVO UPDATES
“The Scottish Government
recognise that the main
reason why some people
are compromising on food
is insufficient and insecure
incomes. A human rights
approach is needed to
ensure that everyone can
afford an adequate diet.
The Cash First approach
aims to tackle these
concerns and reduce the
need for emergency food
provision across the
country.”
Food parcels and in-kind support cannot solve poverty
and food insecurity, but raising incomes can. Cash first
provides people directly with money or pathways to
money when they are facing crisis, alongside adequate
advice and support which is fundamental to a Cash-First
approach.
Cash First will look to streamline and support existing
referral pathways to ensure those in poverty are
improving their access to ‘wrap-around support’ to
prevent future hardship. This will include advice
regarding benefits, housing, employment and health.
Why Cash First?
Cash First provides people directly with money and/
or pathways to money when they are facing crisis –
this can be through vouchers, cash payments or
direct payments.
It offers flexibility and choice for people to decide
what their immediate needs are and choice in what
they wish to spend the money on; that might be
purchasing the essentials, buying school shoes for
their child, or paying an energy bill.
Cash First can be an effective and dignified form of
support for people facing financial crisis.
The Aberdeen Cash First Project
ACVO is co-designing the Aberdeen Cash First project
alongside partner organisations with the aim of breaking
the cycle of repeated financial crises. There are hopes
that the project will also reduce reliance on food banks
within Aberdeen City, positioning them as a last resort
for emergency help.
A high proportion of those accessing emergency food
banks within Aberdeen City are single males from the age
of 18 to 45 - with a number of those from the
demographic facing repeat crises when in receipt of
Universal Credit.
The Aberdeen Cash First project will focus on this
demographic by establishing a flexible crisis fund to those
facing financial emergency. The crisis fund will offer
flexible options via vouchers, cash payments or direct
payments – for example, to household utility suppliers.
Get in touch
Future updates surrounding Cash First will be available
on the ACVO website at acvo.org.uk/cashfirst
but please get in touch with Amy Duncan, Cash First
Network Co-ordinator, at amy.duncan@acvo.org.uk, if
you have any further questions surrounding Cash First
or our Aberdeen project.

ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
October 2024
10
Latest update from The Promise in Aberdeen
from Gette Cobban: Senior Development Officer,ACVO TSI
#KeepThePromise in Aberdeen
Campaign Display Boards on Tour
any of our readers
attended the Promise
event back in June and
Mthere you will have seen
our #KeepThePromise in Aberdeen
Campaign display boards which
highlighted just some of the work
being done around The Promise in
Aberdeen. These boards have recently
been on display at the Aberdeen
Vaccination Centre within the Bon-
Accord Centre and have just recently
moved to Marischal College. They will
be on display at Marischal College
until mid-October.
You can find out more about the
campaign and hear stories from the
local organisations involved at
acvo.org.uk/keepthepromise. If you
have a venue that could host these
boards please get in touch, we’d love
to keep the tour going!
Visit from Kevin Stewart MSP
ACVO Funding Officer, Claire Shaw,
and myself hosted Kevin Stewart MSP
and his assistant Blair Fulton on Friday
6th September. We had a great
conversation about the current
Promise work within the city and Kevin
was able to add his experience of work
across Scotland.
He tells us that he hears very positively
about work in Aberdeen and it’s great
to hear that our third sector is being
noticed at Scottish Government level.
Kevin raised a motion in The Scottish
Parliament recently to mark The
Promise celebration event ACVO
hosted over summer to highlight the
third sector work in being done in
Aberdeen to #KeepThePromise.

11
ACVO News
October 2024
ACVO UPDATES
Promise Plan 24-30: Where are we now, where do
we need to get to and how are we going to do it
You will likely all know already
about the recent launch of the Plan
24-30 to help us move forward and
take the final steps towards
working to #KeepThePromise.
Whilst the plan still focuses on the
same five foundations ie. Voice,
Family, Care, People & Scaffolding
there is a great deal of focus on
what we need to do now to make
sure we do keep the promise made
by 2030.
Aberdeen Celebrating
Success Awards 2024
“I was delighted to get an
invitation to the Aberdeen
City Celebrating Success
Awards on 11th September
at Get Active at Westburn.
These awards celebrate and recognise
the efforts and achievements of our
local care experienced young people
in S3 to S6 and those who have gone
on to achieve beyond school.
The session was led by Larissa
Gordon, Virtual Head Teacher, who
was so proud of the achievements of
every single one of “her kids” and that
pride was so obvious for all who were
there. A lovely presentation from both
Shona Milne (lead officer for
Education) and Graeme Simpson (lead
officer for social work) also added to
the warmth of the afternoon. I sat
with a few folks from one of the local
schools and one very proud mum who
was drawn to tears as 2 of her
children won awards for their efforts.
One of my abiding memories of the
afternoon will be of a young person
approaching Forrest Templeton (who
recently retired from the Young
People’s Rights Service) challenging
him to a game of archery. Our
conversation was forgotten and he
was off to the Archery area. Despite
the rain he and the young person
who obviously really rated him as a
person were off for their archery
challenge. I was left standing, totally
forgotten
If you haven’t already had a look or
you would just like a refresh have a
look at the Plan 24 - 30 website
(plan2430.scot/what-is-plan-24-30)
which gives a useful refresh. It is
entitled “Reflect, Refocus, Reset”.
This is a good refresher and to help
get folks starting to think about
where we are now and what we
need to do next. You can also easily
get from there to the actual plan
itself and have a look through.
Something I would suggest you take
a look at and get your team involved
is the section around ‘Understanding
progress’ This will give you a chance
to look at where we are now and
think about what we need next to
move forward.
Within this same section you can
have a look at and download some
‘What matters questions’. These are
interesting to read just as questions
themselves but also perhaps a useful
resource for working with your
wider team as an exercise or activity
to get everyone involved.
Find updates
and resources
from The Promise
in Aberdeen now
on the ACVO
website!
acvo.org.uk/
thepromise

ACVO UPDATES
ACVO News
October 2024
12
Changes to
charity law
in Scotland
T
this
wo significant changes to charity
law in Scotland came into effect
week (1st October 2024).
These changes are part of the Charities
(Scotland) Act 2023 and aim to strengthen
the regulation of charities across the country.
Public Record of Removed Persons
One of the key changes is the introduction of a publicly
searchable Record of Removed Persons. This lists
individuals who have been disqualified from serving as
charity trustees in Scotland by the Court of Session.
Charities can use the database to conduct due diligence
checks on prospective new trustees.
It's important to note that being on this list is not the only
way someone can be disqualified from being a charity
trustee. Other grounds for disqualification include:
Having an unspent conviction for a dishonestyrelated
offence or an offence under the Charities and
Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005
Being an undischarged bankrupt or having a
Protected Trust Deed
Being removed from being a charity trustee under
Scottish, English, or other relevant law
Being disqualified from being a company director
Charities should regularly review these disqualification
criteria to ensure their trustees remain eligible for their
roles.
words by
Alasdair Ross
Policy and Consultations Offer
ACVO TSI/ Aberdeenshire
Voluntary Action
Connection to Scotland Requirement
Another significant change is the requirement for charities
on the Scottish Charity Register to demonstrate a
connection to Scotland. This means that charities must be
able to show that their activities have a meaningful link to
Scotland.
OSCR considers several factors when assessing a charity's
connection, including:
Whether the charity has or intends to have a principal
office in Scotland
Whether the charity occupies or intends to occupy
land or premises in Scotland
Whether the charity carries out or intends to carry out
activities in any office, shop, or similar premises in
Scotland
Whether the charity is established under Scottish law
Whether any of the charity's trustees or management
are resident in Scotland
Other relevant factors
To keep up to date with the latest news from OSCR
including updates to charity law, we recommend signing
up to their newsletter.

ACVO News
13 October 2024
ACVO UPDATES
One Network
Aberdeen
T
he inaugural One Network Aberdeen event,
held at Pittodrie Stadium on 18 September
2024, was an incredible success with over
40 stalls holders gathering from a wide
range of local third sector organisations across the
city.
Organised by Celebrate Aberdeen with partners
ACVO, Four Pillars, shmu, Mental Health Aberdeen
and Aberdeen FC Community Trust, the event brought
together Aberdeen's vibrant third sector for a day of
networking, collaboration, and meaningful discussion.
Dedicated to mental health and wellbeing in the
Aberdeen area, attendees shared valuable insights on
supporting people in the city.
The event provided a platform for
people to connect, exchange ideas and
form partnerships aimed at strengthening the support
available within local communities.
The positive energy in the room showcased the shared
commitment to improving lives, and the work we as
the third sector continue to do and provide for people
living in Aberdeen.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and
attended, making the first-ever One Network
Aberdeen event a great success!

NEWS ACVO News
14
October 2024
News from you
and other networks
Finalists announced for 2024
Celebrate Aberdeen Awards
The finalists have been announced for this year’s Celebrate
Aberdeen Awards, an event which recognises and celebrates
the huge contribution that the third sector makes to thousands
of lives across Aberdeen City and Shire.
T
his year’s event, which
returns for its fifth year,
comprises eight award
categories, the winners
of which will be announced at the
celebratory awards ceremony at the
Chester Hotel on Saturday, October
26th. It follows the annual Celebrate
Aberdeen parade which took place
on Union Street at the end of August.
Commenting on both the number
and calibre of award entries received,
Celebrate Aberdeen board member
Susan Crighton said: “The judges
always face a real challenge in
whittling down the number of
nominations to just three finalists for
every category. This year saw one of
our biggest number of submissions to
date, which made their task even
more difficult.
“It was great to see several
organisations put forward
nominations for the first time this
year. The submissions come from a
very diverse range of charities and
individuals, all of whom are doing
amazing things and are deserving of
awards.
“Celebrate Aberdeen was created to
give recognition to the many
wonderful people who work in,
volunteer for, and support our third
sector. We are delighted that we will
be shining a spotlight on some of
them at our awards night.”
Thanks to the generosity and
financial support of sponsors, all
award category finalists and their
guests, will attend gala awards event
for free, so that no one is unable to
attend because of cost.

ACVO News
15 October 2024
NEWS
Principal sponsors for 2024 are
energy sector operators CNR
International and CNOOC
International, both longtime
supporters of Celebrate Aberdeen
Awards. Other long-standing
sponsors and supporters include Cala
Homes, Aberdeen Inspired, Hampton
and Breakwater Agency with
Harbour Energy also coming on
board as a sponsor for 2024.
The finalists are:
Large Organisation of the Year
Aberdeen FC Community Trust
Camphill School Aberdeen
CLAN Cancer Support
Small Organisation of the Year
Absafe
SensationALL
Sunrise Partnership
Volunteer of the Year
Jenny Cruickshank, Home-Start
Aberdeen
"Celebrate Aberdeen was created to give
recognition to the many wonderful people
who work in, volunteer for, and support
our third sector."
- Susan Crighton, Celebrate Aberdeen board member
Kris Davidson, Befriend A Child
Linda Stephen, NSPCC
Fundraiser of the Year
Andrew Smith, The Archie
Foundation
Murran Crawford, Camphill
School Aberdeen
Fay McLeod, Shelter Scotland
Young Supporter of the Year
Amy-Lee Carr, Community
Outreach Group (COG)
Filip Cejar, The Archie
Foundation
Kelsey Seivwright, Denis Law
Legacy Trust
Campaign or Event of the Year
2023 Northfield & Torry
Community Fun Days, Denis Law
Legacy Trust
The Big Hop Trail, CLAN Cancer
Support
Dream Night Series, We Too!
Team of the Year
Befriend A Child
Mental Health Aberdeen
SensationALL
Heart of the Community
George Youngson
Jacquie Innes
Edward Obi

NEWS ACVO News
16
October 2024
Grampian
Opportunities:
Support in the
Right Direction
Grampian Opportunities in Inverurie are
pleased to have been one of the
organisations to receive Support in the
2027 and are delighted to offer this
dedicated service in Aberdeenshire and
throughout Grampian.
Self-Directed Support (SDS) is how Social
Care in Scotland has been delivered since
2014 and the principles of SDS are that
support is person-centred, and supported
people and carers have choice.
Self-directed support is about giving people
control of the support they receive, about
the life they want to lead, to be included in
every stage of the journey and to enable
people to find more creative, personalised,
and effective ways to achieve their needs
and outcomes.
Grampian Opportunities SDS team can help
in the following ways:
Providing advice and information about
Self Directed Support and the four
options
Workshops and information sessions
throughout Grampian
Support before, during and after
assessment and review
Help to think about your support
outcomes and make informed choices
Development of a first draft support
plan for your assessment
Support with self-advocacy
Peer support with respite activities
Please contact Grampian Opportunities at
info@grampianopportunities.org.uk /
Right Direction (SiRD) funding for 2024-
grampianopportunities.org.uk/support-inthe-right-direction
/ 01467 629675 if
you’d like any further information about
this new service.
Diversity Bridge SCIO
meets MSP Kevin
Stewart to discuss
expanding diversity
initiatives in Aberdeen
E
SCIO,
dward Obi, Bridgebuilder of
the recently registered
charity Diversity Bridge
met with Kevin
Stewart, Member of the Scottish
Parliament (MSP), to discuss the
charity’s growing impact, its future
plans, challenges, and opportunities for
collaboration aimed at supporting ethnic
minority communities in Aberdeen.
Building Bridges Across Aberdeen
Registered in April 2024, Diversity
Bridge SCIO has quickly established
itself as a key advocate for diversity and
inclusion within the city. The charity is
focused on building bridges across
communities and raising awareness
about the challenges faced by ethnic
minority groups. Through initiatives like
diversity awareness workshops and
community events, Diversity Bridge is
creating spaces for underrepresented
voices to be heard. A recent highlight
was the charity’s participation in the
Celebrate Aberdeen parade, where
interviews with attendees helped spread
the message of inclusivity and unity.
Cultural Exchange Experience for Black
History Month
Looking ahead, Obi shared plans for a
major event during Black History Month
—the Cultural Exchange Experience.
This session, aimed at children from
low-income households, will feature
cultural activities celebrating diversity
and promoting inclusion. The event will
provide a platform for ethnic minority
children to engage in cross-cultural
learning, helping to build understanding
and shared experiences. Obi
emphasised the importance of
partnerships with local organisations to
ensure the event’s success and
accessibility to all.
Challenges in Sustaining and Growing
Impact
During the meeting, Obi discussed the
challenges facing the charity,
particularly in securing sustainable
funding. As Diversity Bridge SCIO
continues to develop its programs - such
as school holiday activities for children
aged 5-14 - the charity needs consistent
support to expand its reach. One
challenge has been reaching newer
immigrant communities and ensuring
that ethnic minority groups are aware of
the services available to them. Obi
highlighted that continued support is
crucial for the charity to meet the
growing demand for its services.

ACVO News
17 October 2024
NEWS
Collaboration Opportunities with
MSP Kevin Stewart
Policy Advocacy for Ethnic Minority
Communities
About Diversity
Bridge SCIO
The conversation also explored how
Diversity Bridge SCIO could
collaborate with MSP Kevin Stewart
on initiatives supporting diversity and
inclusion. One proposal was to cohost
community forums that examine
how local policy decisions impact
ethnic minority communities in
Aberdeen. Stewart’s influence could
also help secure resources, including
access to affordable venues for
events, and help raise awareness
about the services offered by
Diversity Bridge.
Obi highlighted key policy areas where
Stewart’s support would be invaluable,
particularly in improving access to
essential services for ethnic minority
groups and addressing systemic
inequalities in employment, housing, and
education. Drawing on his experience in
HR, Obi emphasised the need for
policies that promote workplace
diversity and support marginalised
communities. These policy changes
would significantly benefit the ethnic
minority population in Aberdeen and
help create a more inclusive society.
Diversity Bridge SCIO is
a newly registered charity, established
in April 2024, committed to spreading
awareness about diversity and inclusion
across Aberdeen. Through workshops,
educational programs, and community
events, the charity works to empower
ethnic minority communities, foster
cross-cultural understanding, and build
bridges that promote unity and
inclusion.
For more information, please contact:
Edward Obi by email at
edward@diversitybridge.org.uk
Aberdeen Lads Club Community Project
receives £5,000 donation from CNOOC International
E
(ALCCP) to equip its after-school club
room, following a major
refurbishment of the charity’s
Tillydrone facility.
nergy business CNOOC
International has donated
£5,000 to Aberdeen Lads
Club Community Project
The funds given will be used to
furnish the recently created room
with modern tables and chairs, as well
as more comfortable seating and floor
coverings. Learning resources, games,
books, and art and craft materials will
also be purchased as a result of the
donation.
The Lads Club after-school club
caters for Primary School-aged
children from the local community
and beyond and provides a safe space
where young people can learn,
develop and build friendships.
CNOOC also donated a table tennis
table to the charity.
Commenting on the donation,
Aberdeen Lads Club manager, Angie
Johnston, said: “We are so grateful to
CNOOC for this incredibly generous
donation and really appreciate such
fantastic support for our childcare
services.
“Our after-school club is a vital part
of our offering and contributes
hugely to the development and
wellbeing of our younger children.
“As well ensuring there’s additional
time for them to continue to learn
and develop, it also provides a setting
where they can improve their social
skills, build their confidence and
engage in physical activities.”
Karen Lovie, senior executive
assistant and member of CNOOC’s
UK Community Investment
Committee, said: “We are delighted
to support Aberdeen Lads Club in
their continued efforts to provide
young people from across Aberdeen
with a safe, and welcoming afterschool
club.
“A vital service for the local
community, working families can be
reassured that their children are
being cared for, supported, and
encouraged to realise their full
potential in a fun and educational
environment.”
As well as its after-school club,
Aberdeen Lads Club also runs two
early years nurseries, junior and
senior youth clubs, and a number of
holiday clubs. It also offers a range of
family support initiatives.
For more information about
Aberdeen Lads Club visit
www.aberdeenladsclub.org.uk

ACVO News
19 October 2024
NEWS
From University of Aberdeen hallways to
asthma awareness frontlines: A veteran’s
bold new mission at Scottish asthma charity
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation is delighted
to announce the appointment of Pamella
Cumming as the new Health Promotion
Manager for the Aberdeen and Shire regions.
ith over 30 years of
experience in education
and school engagement,
Pam brings a deep
Wcommitment to improving the lives of
those affected by asthma and allergies.
Pam, who took early retirement from her
role at the University of Aberdeen,
embraced the opportunity to focus on
her well-being during her time off. She
enjoyed sea swimming, aqua Zumba, and
reconnecting with friends, using the time
to recharge. “Sometimes in life, we have
to look after ourselves before we can
look after others,” Pam reflected. This
period of rest and reflection ultimately
reignited her passion for helping others,
leading her to join the foundation.
Having lived with asthma since
childhood, Pam has a personal
connection to the cause. "I was shocked
to learn that three people die from
asthma every day, and 90% of those
deaths are preventable. It’s even more
alarming that one child is admitted to
the hospital every 20 minutes for an
asthma attack," she said. "I’m excited to
work toward reducing these figures and
supporting schools in my community to
improve school attendance and
education outcomes for youngsters with
asthma."
In her new role, Pam will deliver asthma
awareness training to adults, young
people and children with asthma and
engage with local businesses and
schools to raise awareness and improve
health outcomes for people living with
asthma. "I’m thrilled to re-establish my
connections with schools and return to
what I love most — engaging with young
people and making a difference in their
lives."
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, CEO of the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation,
welcomed Pam to the team, saying,
"Pam’s background in education, paired
with her personal experience with
asthma, makes her an ideal fit for this
role. Her passion and drive will
"I’m thrilled to re-establish my connections
with schools and return to what I love most
- engaging with young people and making
a difference in their lives."
- Pamella Cumming, Health Promotion Manager at Asthma
and Allergy Foundation
undoubtedly benefit the communities
we serve."
Vicki McGrain, Head of Services and
Health Promotion, added, "We are
excited to have Pam onboard. Her
expertise and enthusiasm will greatly
enhance our efforts to promote asthma
awareness and reduce preventable
asthma-related incidents."
Pam’s appointment marks an exciting
new chapter for the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation in its 15th year of operation
as it continues its mission to improve the
lives of individuals affected by asthma
across Scotland, helping them to live
longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.
To find out more about Asthma and
Allergy Foundation’s life-changing
programs and initiatives, or to sponsor
asthma and allergy workshops in
schools, please visit their website at
www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk, email
info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk or call
01224 973001.

NEWS ACVO News
20
October 2024
Charlie House seeks Santa
Claus and Santa Paws for
fundraiser: Sign up now for
The Santa Run 2024
She added: “We believe in creating
special memories to cherish especially at
Christmas time. It is a sad reality that for
some of the children we support, it may
be their last Christmas. We are
encouraging as many people as possible
to sign up to take part to help spread
awareness and raise funds for our vital
work of supporting families when they
need us most.”
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David
Cameron said: “The Charlie House Santa
Fun Run is an event I look forward to
every year as it helps mark the start of
the festive events programme in
Aberdeen. The event attracts hundreds
of participants and is the ideal start to
our much-loved Christmas parade, and
both events are always well supported by
the thousands of people who take to the
streets to watch the spectacle.
Registration is open for Aberdeen’s ever-popular Santa Run,
which this year invites four-legged friends to join in on the fun.
rganised by local charity
Charlie House in
partnership with Aberdeen
City Council, the Santa Run
Oraises vital funds to support children with
life-limiting or life-threatening conditions
and will take place on Sunday, November
17, at 5:25pm.
Kicking off Aberdeen’s Christmas parade
celebrations, the run will see participants
tackle a 1km route starting from Holburn
Junction, heading down Union Street,
onto Union Terrace, past His Majesty’s
Theatre and finishing outside the
Aberdeen Art Gallery, where they will
receive their medals.
Open to all abilities, including wheelchair
users, participants must be aged 16 or
over to register themselves. Those aged
15 and under must be registered and
accompanied by an adult throughout the
event.
Santa suits and bib numbers for
attendees, as well as festive hats for
participating pooches, can be collected
from the check-in station at Fountainhall
Church, formerly known as Queens Cross
Church, Albyn Place, from 3:30pm until
5pm on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Ticket prices start at £10 for children and
wheelchair users, £15 for adults and £7
per pup. Full details on ticket options for
families and four-legged friends are
available on the Charlie House website.
Charlie House event organiser, Katie
Bremner, said: “We’re so excited for this
year’s Santa Run! What better way to start
your Christmas festivities than by dressing
up as Santa and running through the city
centre with your family and friends! It is
important to us at Charlie House that our
activities and events are accessible to all
and the Santa Run is the perfect event for
all abilities and the whole family to enjoy.
“Our mascot Charlie Dog is especially
excited for the Santa run as, for the first
time, we’re inviting four-legged friends to
join in the fun! Every penny raised by our
Santa Claus and Santa Paws will go
towards providing essential support and
services for families across the Northeast.”
“Charlie House does some great work
across our city and the surrounding
region – their support is a vital lifeline to
so many families who benefit from their
help. It is therefore extremely important
that we continue to support events like
the Santa Fun Run, to allow Charlie
House to continue delivering their muchneeded
resources and services to
improve the lives of children and their
families.
“I would encourage anyone who is willing
to pull on a Santa suit to sign up and take
part – your support will be very much
appreciated!”
Charlie House is an Aberdeen-based
charity dedicated to improving the
quality of life for children with lifelimiting
or life-threatening conditions and
their families in the north-east of
Scotland.
It delivers inclusive and accessible
activities for families enabling them to
engage socially, make memories and
meet other families in similar situations,
and also provides information as well as
emotional and practical support for the
whole family.
To register for the Santa Run 2024 or
donate and support the work of Charlie
House, please visit:
www.charliehouse.org.uk/
events/santa-run-2024

NEWS ACVO News
22
October 2024
Water cycle workshop aims to inspire Aberdeen
school children to protect precious resource
Scottish Water and Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) are teaming up to inspire hundreds
of local school children across the North-east to become responsible water citizens.
T
he partnership,
announced one year after
Scottish Water launched
its nationwide education
programme Generation H2O, will see
ASC deliver a series of workshops
focused on the various stages of the
water cycle, including the processes
involved in making water safe to drink.
The workshops, which are funded by
Scottish Water, will look to inspire P5
to P7 school pupils to become more
responsible with their use of water,
recognising the importance of
conserving and protecting such a
precious natural resource.
In addition to the delivery of the
sessions at ASC, the programme will
feature a community outreach element
to ensure harder to reach groups have
the opportunity to participate.
Chief Executive of Scottish Water, Alex
Plant, announced the partnership at
the Annual Consultative Meeting of the
publicly owned utility company, which
was this year held at ASC.
He said: “In recent years, the increasing
impact of the climate crisis is becoming
more and more apparent through the
extreme weather events we are
experiencing – these include drier and
warmer summers which put our water
resources under increasing pressure,
while demand continues to rise.
“There has never been a greater need
to equip young people with the
knowledge and skills required to
protect Scotland’s water. To date, we
have had 667 teachers register to use
the materials offered through
Generation H2O, reaching 34,213
young people. We are looking forward
to continuing to expand those numbers
in the coming years.
“As part of this drive, we are delighted
to sponsor this Water Cycle Workshop
at ASC which will help school pupils
across Aberdeen City and Shire build
their STEM skills and become
passionate about protecting one of our
most precious resources. Educating
young people about these issues will
help us to inspire a change in the way
they think about water usage, and we
know that they can also be very
persuasive when talking to their
families about these same issues!”
Bryan Snelling, Chief Executive Officer
at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We
are honoured to partner with Scottish
Water to spread awareness of the vital
importance of conserving one of our
most precious natural resources.
“Thanks to the support of Scottish
Water, our new workshops will allow
us to engage with hundreds of school
pupils from the North-east of Scotland
and beyond, in addition to various local
community groups, as we explore the
many small changes we can make that
will ultimately have a big impact on our
consumption and use of water.”
The workshops will be delivered from
January 2025 and are available to
schools across Aberdeen City,
Aberdeenshire, Moray and parts of
Angus. It is hoped to involve more than
300 pupils through the workshops,
with an additional 10 community
outreach sessions.
Teachers can register for Scottish
Water’s free Generation H2O
resources through the National Schools
Partnership: Scottish Water Generation
H₂O - For Primary Schools - National
Schools Partnership
All lessons are aligned to the Scottish
Curriculum for Excellence experiences
and outcomes, and United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, and
are designed to develop important
transferable skills including creativity,
collaboration, problem-solving and
critical thinking that can aid them in
the future workplace.

ACVO News
23 October 2024
NEWS
Aberdeen’s nautical heritage to be celebrated
in art trail - The Tall Ships Short Story
Organisers of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 have partnered with Clan Cancer Support
to bring a nautically themed art trail to Europe’s largest free family event.
T
he Tall Ships Short Story
will run alongside Clan’s
public art trail planned for
next summer, The
BookBench Trail, which will feature
BookBench sculptures across the northeast,
Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
The Tall Ships Short Story Trail will
showcase twelve specially designed
BookBench sculptures in key city centre
and coastal locations around Aberdeen,
with the project funded by the UK
Government through the UK Shared
Prosperity Fund.
Event partners hope the sculptures, which
can comfortably seat two adults, will
provide a unique cultural experience for
people of all ages to enjoy during the
festival which is expected to attract
400,000 visits and 50 Tall Ships from 19
to 22 July 2025.
The Tall Ships Races has been brought to
the city for the first time in almost 30
years thanks to concerted effort between
Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired
and Port of Aberdeen.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City
Council’s culture spokesman, said: “Clan’s
sculpture trail will be a very welcome
addition to the many events we have in
store for the Tall Ships 2025 event when
it reaches Aberdeen. Not only will the
sculptures be an attraction in their own
right but their auction will raise funding
for a very deserving cause which all the
Tall Ships partners are delighted to
support.”
Kate Timperley, Aberdeen Inspired’s
project manager, said: “The Clan
partnership is a fantastic addition to the
event programme and the funds and
awareness raised will benefit so many.
We are sure the hundreds of thousands
of visitors coming for the Tall Ships Races
will enjoy discovering all the city centre of
Aberdeen has to offer as they explore this
special sculpture trail.”
Roddy James, chief commercial officer at
Port of Aberdeen, said: “Clan’s sculpture
trails have brightened up the city’s streets
for many years and raised significant
funds for its essential services.
Aberdeen’s rich maritime heritage will
provide inspiration for the artists and the
Clan partnership supports our efforts to
leave a lasting legacy from The Tall Ships
festival.”
The sculptures will remain in their
locations for the duration of The
BookBench Trail which is due to run from
early July until September next year.
Following the completion of The
BookBench Trail, one of the specially
designed sculptures from The Tall Ships
Short Story will be auctioned off in aid of
Clan Cancer Support. The remaining
sculptures will return with new stories for
the Festival of the Sea in 2026.
Clan chose the BookBench sculpture,
which depicts an open book, because of
its lifeline listening support service which
enables anyone impacted by a cancer
diagnosis to open up and tell their story.
Fiona Fernie, CEO of Clan Cancer
Support, added: “We are delighted to
agree this partnership with The Tall Ships
team and to have such an iconic
international event featured within The
BookBench Trail.
“We’ll be asking artists to submit
nautically themed designs for this special
project and with our region’s strong
connection to the sea, we’re sure these
BookBenches will be much cherished
sculptures in our trail next summer.”
Artists are due to be invited to submit
their designs for The BookBench Trail and
The Tall Ships Short Story this Autumn
with shortlisting taking place in the new
year.
For more information about The
BookBench Trail please visit:
www.clancancersupport.org/the-bookbench-trail

NEWS ACVO News
24
October 2024
New Chair and Vice Chair
announced by Grampian
Housing Association
A
t their 50th Annual
General Meeting, members
of Grampian Housing
Association (GHA)
welcomed hearing it had been another
successful year. Achievements in
performance improvements and new
initiatives in service delivery as well as a
solid financial position were reported.
Following the AGM, Jim Cargill was
elected by the Board as the new Chair of
Grampian Housing Association, while
Ritchie Johnson takes over as Vice
Chair.
Jim Cargill has been a Board Member
since 2018 and became the
Association's Vice Chair one year later.
He is Chief Executive of PlanSea
Solutions Ltd, a local technology
company deploying artificial intelligence
(AI) to achieve cost and emission
reductions in the marine logistics sector.
Jim has over 40 years experience in the
oil and gas industry. He also served two
three-year terms on the Board of
Montrose Port Authority.
Ritchie Johnson has been on Grampian's
Board for three years. Previously
Director of Business Services at
Aberdeenshire Council, he has worked in
Social Housing for 25 years. His
experience includes leading a number of
"I have a long standing
commitment to
housing and all the
services and values
that can bring to
people's lives."
- Ritchie Johnson,
Vice Chair
other Council services too, including
social work, various corporate services
and education. He also serves on the
Board of NHS Grampian.
Commenting on his election, Jim Cargill
said "I believe that the provision of
affordable housing is key to the health
and wellbeing of our communities.
"Having served five years as Vice
Chairman I feel I am well positioned to
embrace this opportunity to become
Chairman.
I am confident my extensive experience
in business development roles can
support the Association to deliver its
strategic objectives for the benefit of
tenants and customers."
Ritchie Johnson said "I have a long
standing commitment to housing and all
the services and values that can bring to
people's lives.
"This aligns well with Grampian's vision
of being recognised as a great customer
focussed social landlord.
"Using my experience and wellestablished
local relationships I am
looking forward to supporting Jim in
driving Grampian's strategic direction
forward."
Thanks and appreciation were expressed
to Dr Abhi Agarwal who had completed
his five year tenure as Chair. The
Scottish Housing Regulator welcomed
Abhi as a new Board Member, appointed
by Scottish Ministers, from 1 October
2024.
Craig Stirrat, Chief Executive of
Grampian Housing Association,
congratulated Jim and Ritchie on their
election and said "These new
appointments come at a time when we
are focussed on delivering The
Grampian Deal , our new customer
experience initiative.
L-R: Jim Cargill and Ritchie Johnson.
"This ensures at feedback from our
tenants drives service improvements
and delivers on our commitment to
digital participation or those who want
to be able to access services in this
way."
Members receiving the Annual Review
at the AGM heard about the
Association's successes in: practical help
for tenants through its money advice,
housing support and energy advice
projects; launch of a new tenant and
customer portal providing 24/7 access
to services; building new homes for
social rent at locations in Aberdeenshire
and Moray; energy efficiency, including
a zero carbon heating project and the
launch of GOALS, a new centre of
excellence for learning and development
with opportunities for colleagues and
tenants alike.
The annual accounts were also
presented and provided insights into the
Association's financial standing at yearend
with stable cash balances,
reassuring members of it's fiscal
robustness.
The Association's priorities are informed
by The Scottish Government's Housing
to 2040 vision and the Association is
committed to creating a more
sustainable and resilient future.
The challenges facing the Association in
achieving this are balancing the need to
continue to support tenants with the
cost of living crisis whilst maintaining
and improving the standards of tenants'
homes, providing high quality services
and delivering value for money by
keeping rents affordable. The
Association also wants to continue to
grow through its new build programme.

25 October 2024
his project begins with a
ACVO News
NEWS
Aberdeen Care & Repair receives funding
boost for Early Intervention Project
to support independent living
Aberdeen Care & Repair have been granted some funding for equipment
from the Health Improvement Fund for their Early Intervention Project.
T
team.
free survey, conducted by
one of the highly trained
The questions cover
both the person and the property,
expertly identifying potential issues or
hazards and providing advice, and action
to help support independent living both
in the short term and long term. The
funding will be used to purchase smaller
items like plug in motion sensory lights,
grab rails, easy to use cups, can and jar
openers, easy to read clocks, day light
bulbs and long handled grabbers for
picking up items. Some of these items will
be offered free of charge to those
individuals who are taking part where the
need has been identified by the survey.
The survey is considered the master key
to the Care and Repair services.
Identifying the needs of the client gives
the framework to unlock the potential of
the clients home and help them live
independently for as long as possible.
Many people find that the minor changes
Aberdeen Care & Repair can help them
with really are effective, highlighting areas
of concern and signposting to services
which can help. Sometimes making use of
other Care and Repair services that can
assist with minor repairs or adaptations at
a fair price. Benefit checks are carried out
as part of the survey and help ensure that
clients are getting the finances they
qualify for and helping the elderly
population feel more safe and secure
while living in their home.
Some results of the surveys carried out
the in the last 12 months identified the
following:
53% of people required some kind of
work at their property
35% of people were referred on to
Occupational Therapy
14% of people required action in
relation to safety/security
15% of people required action in
relation to electrical safety
53% of people required action in
relation to trips and falls prevention
36% of people had security or safety
equipment fitted/provided
100% received a benefit check,
resulting in 50% requiring some form
of action, 25% of these required
assistance to claim benefits
75% had an unpaid carer, and 26%
were unpaid carers
23% felt their housing needs were not
met
50% felt lonely
29% required assistance to access
online services
This service is available to older people,
people with a disability or long term health
problem living in Aberdeen.
If you would like further information or
would like to arrange an early intervention
survey, contact the Aberdeen Care &
Repair team on 01224 625822 and select
option 1.

ACVO News
October 2024
26
GREC’S LANGUAGE CAFÉ:
PROMOTING INTEGRATION,
COMMUNITY AND BELONGING
FOR NEW SCOTS IN ABERDEEN
As a multicultural city, it’s important
for Aberdeen to offer spaces that
foster integration and connection in
order to build thriving, inclusive
communities for migrants, refugees
and New Scots. One space in
particular is the Language Café, an
initiative run by the Grampian
Regional Equality Council (GREC).
As a registered Aberdeen-based
charity with 40 years of service, GREC
works to tackle prejudice and
discrimination, celebrate diversity and
build positive community relations
across the North East of Scotland.
For seven
years, the
Language Café
has provided a
welcoming environment for migrants,
refugees and New Scots to practice
communicating in English, meet new
people in similar situations and access
essential services if necessary.
Through this initiative, GREC
helps newcomers to Aberdeen
integrate not only by breaking down
language barriers but also socially and
culturally, ensuring they have the
support they need to settle in the city.
Adriana Uribe, Language & Integration
Development Worker, founded the Language Café
back in 2017. Reflecting on its beginnings, she shares:
“When I first joined GREC, the idea was to produce
a language café as this was during the time when
Syrian refugees first arrived in Aberdeen.”
Initially, the idea was to hold language cafés in various
areas across the city, but the model soon evolved as
Adriana explains: “We realised very quickly that
doing this in localities was not going to work. So, we
created one language café in the city centre, and it
started to grow from there.”
Now, the café it held at the Aberdeen Arts Centre
and runs weekly every Thursday, 11am to 3pm,
during term time.

ACVO News
The café has become more than just a place to
practice English: “It’s about understanding things like
volunteering in the community, accessing health
services, finding a job, and much more,” says Adriana.
“We create a space where people can become
friends, learn about the city, and feel like part of the
community. These interactions help newcomers gain
practical knowledge and build confidence as they
navigate their new life in Aberdeen.”
Elahe Alavi, once a long-time volunteer with the
Language Café and now GREC’s Communications
Assistant & Language and Integration Project
Worker, says: “The Language Café is a friendly
environment for everyone to meet each other.
“It’s become very popular because it’s a safe space
without judgment. It’s not just a café, it’s a place
where they can make friends and boost their
confidence whilst practicing their English.”
The informal, friendly atmosphere of the café helps
attendees feel comfortable. This is vital for those
who might otherwise feel isolated.
Elahe adds: “A lot of times, those who attend have
told us they are very lonely, but when they come to
the café they feel lively again and connected to
society.”
As well as practicing communicating in English, the
café provides opportunities for participants to engage
with the local community and its services. Each week,
a guest speaker from various organisations joins the
café to share information about services available to
attendees.
27 October 2024
Elahe Alavi, Communications Assistant & Language and
WE CREATE A SPACE
WHERE PEOPLE CAN
BECOME FRIENDS,
LEARN ABOUT THE CITY,
AND FEEL LIKE PART OF
THE COMMUNITY.
Integration Project Worker

ACVO News
October 2024
28
THE LANGUAGE CAFÉ IS A
FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
FOR EVERYONE TO MEET
EACH OTHER.
Susan Baines, Volunteer
Furthermore, for volunteers like Susan Baines, the
café is an enriching experience: “I’ve only been in
Aberdeen for two years, but I found the Language
Café early on and have really enjoyed volunteering
here ever since.”
“It’s a real melting pot of people. Volunteers like
myself come and sit at each table to help others
meet them where they are. What I love is how we
can help people improve their English speaking skills
through the group activities that GREC organises.”
These activities spark conversations, allowing indepth
discussions amongst those who attend. Susan
shares an example: “Today, we were given
photographs of different people, and we had to guess
their names, skills, and abilities.
“We thought of different words like ‘creative’,
‘reliable’ and ‘zany’ which is great for building
language skills with those who come along to the
café.”
For many, the Language Café is a crucial social
lifeline. Susan continues: “Fifty to sixty people come
every week because it’s a space where they will
receive a warm welcome.
“They meet people who also live in Aberdeen, they
learn more about the city and they feel like they can
fit in. If they didn’t have this space, there’s so much
lost potential for friendships and communication.”
Guillermo Medina, Language Café & New Scots
Development Worker, highlights the support that
GREC offers at the café: “It’s a welcoming space
where people can communicate in English, but also a
place where they can access support for navigating
what is a new city to them.

ACVO News
“We have caseworkers available if someone needs
help with benefits, or if they have been a victim of
discrimination. The Language Café connects people
to all the services available from GREC.”
Guillermo continues, describing the relaxed feeling of
the café: “It’s not about attending a formal class,
testing your grammar or sitting exams. It’s about
feeling safe, making friends and building social
connections with people who are in the same
position as you. It’s a place where you can be
yourself without any worry.”
The impact of the café extends beyond those who
attend, as Adriana explains: “In the long-term, people
who come to our café are able to pass on what they
have learned to their families, children and
communities, creating a more interactive
participation in everything they do.”
29 October 2024
The Language Café is held at Aberdeen
“Aberdeen is a very mixed and diverse city, and
spaces such as our Language Café are crucial because
they create a sense of community,” Adriana
continues.
“If people are disengaged, it’s difficult to move them
forward – but when they do engage, they go on to
volunteer at local organisations, they become active
citizens in their communities and they have a greater
chance at being a part of bigger projects and
aspirations for Aberdeen as a whole.”
Susan echoes this, stating: “If we want society to
work properly, we need to be open to learning from
others. The Language Café provides that opportunity,
and I am proud to be part of it.”
Guillermo Medina, Language Café & New Scots
Development Worker
GREC’s Language Café is much more than just practicing
English. It’s about creating a space where people feel
welcome, where they can connect with others and where
they can build a sense of belonging in a new city where
they otherwise may feel isolated.
By providing a space like the Language Café, GREC is
helping to shape a more inclusive, welcoming Aberdeen –
where everyone, regardless of where they are from, can
feel at home.
ABERDEEN IS A
VERY MIXED AND
DIVERSE CITY, AND
SPACES SUCH AS
OUR LANGUAGE
CAFÉ ARE CRUCIAL
BECAUSE THEY
CREATE A SENSE
OF COMMUNITY.
Arts Centre, 33 King Street, Aberdeen,
AB24 5AA every Thursday between
11am – 3pm (excluding holidays).
Looking to find out more about the
Language Café? Visit
grec.co.uk/language-support or email
language-cafe@grec.co.uk
To find out more about GREC and
the work they do, visit their
website at grec.co.uk

Funding
ACVO News
October 2024
32
The Cycle Access Fund
opens for applications
The Cycle Access Fund aims to get more people in the North
East cycling by providing grants for bikes and equipment
T
bikes
he Cycle Access Fund is a
capital grant fund,
enabling organisations
to support access to
in their community.
Providing access to a bike in an
affordable, easy and convenient way
is a vital contribution to reducing
health and income inequality. It makes
our communities safer and more
pleasant by reducing short car
journeys. This fund from Cycling UK
aims to address these concerns by
providing grants for the purchase of
bikes for individuals and organistions
Many people in Scotland experience
barriers to accessing a cycle and,
with the Cycle Access Fund, Cycle UK
aim to tackle different barriers and
help more people to cycle.
Funding is available to organisations
wishing to purchase, refurbish, or
repair cycles for use within their
communities and applications may
also be made to fund associated
equipment and other relevant costs.
In 2024-25, CYCLE UK have been
funded by four Regional Transport
Partnerships (RTP) in Scotland, which
means that the Cycle Access Fund is
being provided only in specific
regions of Scotland. The Cycle Access
Fund is available to organisations
whose registered business/charity
address is in SPT, Sestran, ZetTrans
and Nestrans areas of operation
Funding is available in four strands:
Individuals: funding for organisations
working with those that are
financially struggling to enable a cycle
and equipment to be purchased for
individuals from their community.
Shared: to organisations to purchase
cycles and equipment that enable
cycle sharing schemes such as bike
libraries, pool cycles, bike subscription
schemes, loan cycles and bike share
schemes.
Repair: to bike repair organisations/
bike recycling centres and bike shops
to repair cycles belonging to people
that are financially struggling.
Recycle: to bike repair organisations/
bike recycling centres to repair cycles
for donation to people that are
financially struggling.
Visit cyclinguk.org/cycle-access-fund
to find out more.

33
ACVO News
October 2024
Opportunities
Henry Duncan Grants
Corra Foundation
Corra’s Henry Duncan Grants 2024 is for women led organisations in Scotland
that support women and girls within their local communities.
Henry Duncan Grants will provide unrestricted funding of £40,000 across five
years (£8,000 per year) to charities and registered not for profit organisations
with a yearly income of up to £250,000. Henry Duncan Grants will support
Women Led organisations whose work has a focus on addressing the impacts of
gender based violence of women and girls. Henry Duncan Grants will also
support Women Led Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic organisations who are
working on issues that impact women and/or girls in their communities.
We anticipate making grants up to a total of £865,000. Approximately 21-25
organisations in total are likely to receive funding. In recognition of historic
inequity in funding, Corra will commit 50% of this fund budget to support
organisations that are led by women from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic
communities.
Henry Duncan Grants will close for applications on 30th October 2024 at 12
noon.
If you would like to speak to a member of the team about your application, at
any stage of the process, please email henryduncan@corra.scot or phone 0131
444 4020 then option 2 followed by option 1.
Community
Funding Available:
up to £40,000 across
5 years
Applications close:
30/10/2024
Find out more at acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding
Community & Coast Fund
ETZ Ltd/ACVO TSI
The Community & Coast Fund supports projects in the Torry and Cove areas of
Aberdeen. With up to £100,000 available each year, the fund focuses on initiatives
that promote community growth, support children, young people, families, and
older people, and address goals like biodiversity, net zero, and local heritage.
Grants of up to £3,000 or £10,000 are available to apply for now, and local residents
get to decide which projects receive funding through an online voting process called
Participatory Budgeting.
Community
Funding Available:
Up to £10,000
The Community & Coast Fund is delivered by ACVO, Aberdeen’s Third Sector
Interface, with over 20 years of experience supporting local organisations. ACVO is
managing the fund on behalf of ETZ Ltd to ensure it benefits the Torry and Cove
communities. ACVO has a strong track record in fund management and has
previously worked with Participatory Budgeting processes, making them well-placed
to oversee the distribution of grants and empower local residents to shape how
spending reflects local priorities.
Applications close:
04/11/2024
Find out more at on communityandcoast.scot
ACVO Events
Funding
discover more funding opportunities collected with
Aberdeen's third sector in mind on our funding portal at
acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding

Opportunities
ACVO News
October 2024
38
Events
Events in October
7th
9th
10th
Empower Aberdeen
A community fair, providing direct access to
support available across Aberdeen.
Join in on a day of sharing services,
experiences and networking with other likeminded
organisations in Aberdeen to
improve the lives and homes of those living
in our city/area.
About the event
Scarf, is marking its upcoming 40th
anniversary with this special one-day event,
timed to coincide with Challenge Poverty
Week. The free expo will feature almost 40
not-for-profit and third sector organisations
offering advice on energy efficiency,
finances, housing, food banks, wellbeing,
and more.
Supported by Vital Energi, Poverty Alliance,
and Community Planning Aberdeen,
Empower Aberdeen aims to provide visitors
with easy access to valuable resources and
support networks.
Tackling Financial Disadvantage
in Migrant Households
Join us for the launch of our report as part
of Challenge Poverty Week 2024. Hear
about our ongoing work to explore
effective solutions and end cycles of
poverty and inequality
Migrant Policy Scotland (MPS) and our
partner organisations have gathered
evidence that migrant households face
considerable financial disadvantages and
barriers to overcoming these which are
insufficiently seen or understood in antipoverty
policy measures and interventions.
While a great many services and support
organisations are working exceptionally
hard to support service users, including
migrants, the current landscape of provision
is not working well to meet migrants’ needs.
This event will present our findings and our
ongoing work to explore and design
effective solutions through changes to
policy and practice.
Online Lunch & Learn: Effective
community engagement
Join ACVO’s Policy and Consultations
Officer, Alasdair Ross, for an informal
lunchtime session on what to consider
when engaging with your communities of
people and place. We will also look at
what is happening locally to strengthen
the voice of communities through
Community Planning.
This free online member’s event will cover:
An overview of the National Standards
for Community Engagement
Introduction to the local Community
Empowerment Strategy and Outcome
Improvement Group
A quick guide to useful tools and
further information
Date Mon 7 October 2024
Date Wed 9 October 2024
Date Thu 10 October 2024
Time
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Time
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Time
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Cost
Free
Cost
Free
Cost
Free
Organiser
Scarf
Organiser
GREC
Organiser
ACVO TSI
Venue
Aberdeen Music Hall,
Union Street,
Aberdeen, AB10 1QS,
Venue
Online
Venue
Online
Find out more via ACVO Events
Find out more via ACVO Events
Find out more via ACVO Events

39
ACVO News
October 2024
Opportunities
Challenge Poverty Week –
Screening and Dialogue
Fairer Aberdeen Fund partners invite you to
a special event to mark Challenge Poverty
Week (7th – 13th October 2024).
The event is aimed at raising awareness of
the lived experience of poverty and
inequality of Aberdeen’s communities, as
well as creating a space to share, consider
and discuss opportunities and ideas that will
help us make the shift towards a fairer and
more equitable society.
The event will include a combination of
short films, presentations, panel Q&A, and
lived experience discussion groups – a
detailed programme will be shared nearer
the time.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Inchgarth Health and Social
Care Networking Event
We would like to invite you and your
colleagues to our health and social
gathering at Inchgarth Community Centre.
Inchgarth has loads of opportunities for
everyone and we have people from some of
our groups happy to share information
about how their group helps people.
Come see what the likes of Create, Future
choice, Phoenix club and Inchgarth’s men’s
group have to offer, while taking the
opportunities to have a tour of our fantastic
and unique facilities.
There will be a chance for everyone to
network at the end of the event with some
refreshments provided as well. This will be
a great opportunity to see what Inchgarth
has to offer as Aberdeen’s largest, busiest,
and most successful centre where we are
also about to embark on a £5 million pound
extension, allowing us to provide even
more opportunities.
ACVO Training: Committee
Skills
If you want to feel more comfortable
serving on a committee, whether you’re a
novice or you’re a seasoned committee
veteran, then there will be something in
this session for you.
Led by ACVO Development Officer Sandy
Mathers it’s designed to make you more
confident as a committee member. The
session will cover the following topics;
Role of the Committee
Role of the Committee Member
Roles of the Office Bearers, before,
during and after a meeting
Financial record keeping
Legal Responsibilities
Recruitment & Retention
Date Fri 11 October 2024
Date Wed 16 October 2024
Date Wed 30 October 2024
Time
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Time
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Time
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost
Free
Cost
Free
Cost £11.55
Organiser
Fairer Aberdeen Fund
Partners
Organiser
Inchgarth Community Centre
Organiser
ACVO TSI
Venue
Aberdeen Music Hall, Union
Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS,
Venue
Aboyne Place, Aberdeen,
AB10 7DR
Venue
38 Castle Street, Aberdeen,
AB11 5YU,
Find out more via ACVO Events
Find out more via ACVO Events
Find out more via ACVO Events
11th
16th
30th
Discover more events from and for
Aberdeen's third sector and add yours
free of charge to our public calendar at
acvo.org.uk/events

Vacancies
ACVO News
October 2024
40
Administrative Assistant
Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE)
£12 per hour Part Time 16 hours per week Fixed Term Aberdeen
Closing date: 09/10/2024
Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies
This post is a supporting and administrative role, supporting the SAFE team; coordinating meetings and events; inputting
new referrals, managing the email inbox; and managing and dealing with enquiries.
CFINE operates to cooperative, or ‘Community Development’, principles which underpin and permeate
the organisation and its activities. The ethos and values are:
➢ inclusion, dignity, and respect.
➢ equality of opportunity.
➢ collaboration and partnership.
➢ mutuality and reciprocity.
➢ recognising that everyone has something to offer.
➢ those affected by an issue should be integrally involved in solutions; and
➢ enterprising.
To apply, please request an application form for this post by emailing sleys@cfine.org Complete and return your
application and a letter stating why you are suitable for this post, to Sam Leys, Business Development Manager,
Operations, 2-4 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW or by email to sleys@cfine.org – Closing date: Noon, October 9th
2024
Please note, that a full job description will be sent upon request for an application form.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Practitioner (Peer)
Penumbra
£24,374 – £25,687 per annum (£12.50 - £13.17 p/h equivalent) Full Time 37.5 hours per week
Permanent
Aberdeen Closing date: 07/10/2024
Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies
If you are looking for a rewarding career and to work within an epic team that will help you grow and thrive, then you have
come to the right place. Working within our Penumbra 365 service you can start your day knowing what you do really does
make a difference!
Our brand-new Penumbra 365 Service in Aberdeen will be a single point of access for people aged over 18 who are seeking
mental health, wellbeing or distress support. From reaching out to our Welcome Team, people will be given the time and space
to explore options that best fit their needs; there is no wrong door.
Working within a vibrant team, you will deliver a range of supportive interventions, including relational signposting, 1:1
coaching, specialised distress management planning, and Workshops on Wellbeing. Drawing on your local knowledge, strong
communication skills and flexibility, you will actively seek opportunities to promote the service to all communities across the
city.
Your unique knowledge and understanding gained from managing your own mental health challenges will be integral to the
role. Through sharing learning from your own lived/living experience, you will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible.
Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, you will promote self-management and opportunities for improved
health and wellbeing. With passion, and compassion, you will bring creativity and positivity to finding ways to empower people.
The post will be based in our North area office and across a variety of community settings across Aberdeen City, which may
include Kittybrewster Custody Suite. The role will work as part of an operational rota to support delivery 9am – 10pm, 7 days
per week.

41
ACVO News
October 2024
Opportunities
Substance Use Worker – Recovery Services
Alcohol and Drugs Action
£26,413 – £29,236 Full Time 37 hours per week Permanent
Aberdeen
Closing date: 28/10/2024
Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies
ADA is an award-winning charity, delivering specialist services to reduce harms and promote recovery of individuals and
families affected by alcohol and drugs use in the Northeast of Scotland.
We are excited to be able to offer new Substance Use Worker roles based in our Aberdeen City Recovery Service due to a new
long-term contract award and further funding announced for new innovative Project work.
We are looking for candidates that have a background in Community Learning, Nursing, Social Work, Counselling, or other
related field/s. To be successful you must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the needs of those affected
by alcohol or drug use. Ideally, you will have experience of working with substance users and knowledge of effective
interventions.
​PVG membership is essential for this post.
To view the job description and apply, please visit: https://alcoholanddrugsaction.peoplehr.net/ Please note that only those
who apply via the link and complete an online application form will be considered.
​If you have any queries or questions please contact recruitment@alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk.
If you’re passionate about reducing harm and maximising opportunities for change then we need you!
Closing date: Monday 28th October 2024, with interviews to be arranged for the following week commencing Monday 4th
November 2024.
Team Manager (Aberdeen) – Maternity Cover
includem
£37,602 Full Time 37 hours per week (flexible between 8am – 10pm, 5 days over 7) Fixed Term
Aberdeen
Closing date: 13/10/2024
Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies
Includem requires an experienced Team Manager to lead our services based in Aberdeen on a 12-month fixed-term basis, to
cover a period of maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team that is co-located at Craigielea
Children’s Centre, working in partnership with Aberdeen Children and Family Social Work.
The key responsibilities of the Team Manager include, but are not limited to:
Manage service delivery to maximise capacity and ensure compliance with contract specifications.
Maintain a young people focus in relation to services delivered by ensuring best outcomes achieved and recorded for young
people.
Lead a team of professionals, with responsibility for all elements of people management.
Engage effectively with partner agencies on a day-to-day basis, in addition to seeking new opportunities for
partnership/collaborative working.
About You
With proven experience of managing and supervising professional individuals delivering high quality services, you will be able
to maximise service delivery resources efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of children, young people, and families.
With knowledge of young people policies and legislation, you will put risk enablement at the heart of your decision making. In
addition, you will possess:
Educated to degree level in relevant qualification in Social Work or Social Care, or a willingness to work towards this.
Ability to embrace challenges, take initiative, originate action, and work well with a great deal of autonomy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to challenge and influence a variety of stakeholders with
well-reasoned arguments.
Excellent attention to detail with a focus on continuous improvement.

ACVO News
Vacancies 42
October 2024
Mental Health & Wellbeing Worker - Full Time
& Part Time positions available
Penumbra
£23,650 per annum pro rata (£12.13 p/h equivalent) Full Time: 37.5 hrs | Part Time: 30 hrs
Permanent
Aberdeen Closing date: 25/10/2024
Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies
If you are looking for a rewarding career and to work within an epic team that will help you grow and thrive, then you have
come to the right place. Working within our Aberdeen Mental Health Service you can start your day knowing what you do
really does make a difference!
Please note there are both full time and part time positions available, please see ACVO Vacancies online for more details, to
download the full job description for both and to access the relevant application forms
The service provides housing and care at home support to people with mental health issues. All support is provided on an
outreach basis within people’s home or community. The service is available to people aged over 18, who live in Aberdeen City.
As a Mental Health and Wellbeing Worker, you will support people to:
Take control of their life.
Feel safe and secure in their home.
Budget and manage their money.
Access information on benefits and matters relating to their tenancy.
Work with other agencies and organisations.
Utilise local facilities within their community.
Learn about volunteering, education, and employment.
Explore all opportunities.
Manage their medication regime.
Build skills around managing and maintaining their household chores.
As a mental health charity, we really value the wellbeing of our staff. That’s why we want you to know that you’ll be joining a
friendly team, who will give you a supportive environment to help you thrive in your role, including all the training you need to
feel confident and equipped.
Find a rewarding
career within
Aberdeen's third
sector- keep up to
date with recent
vacancies at
acvo.org.uk/
vacancies
Looking to reach Aberdeen's third sector
community with news of your vacancy?
ACVO can help you find your new team member! Advertise your vacancy with us and have
it featured in our ACVO Opportunities bulletin, our digital magazine ACVO News as well as
on our site and shared via our social media feeds
ACVO Members enjoy a discounted advertising rate of £25*.
Not a member? Join now for as little as £25 per year.
*Regular advertising charge for non members £100 per advert
visit acvo.org.uk/vacancies for more details

acvo.org.uk