ACVO News July 2025

July 2025

ACVO News

The Latest from Aberdeen’s Third Sector Community

© 2025 Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations Scottish Charity No: SC036845

JULY 2025

CONTENTS

About ACVO TSI

Updates from the ACVO Team

The latest insight and reflection on Aberdeen’s third

sector from our team here at ACVO TSI

News from Aberdeen’s Third Sector

News, updates, achievements and opportunities

from our member organisations and the wider sector

Volunteering

Mike Melvin with updates from Volunteer Aberdeen

and volunteers working to make change in the city

Funding

Funding news and opportunities to ensure your work

is sustainable and supported

Events

Connect with the wider third sector and join in with

the community at an event happening soon

Vacancies

Looking for your next career move? Find a rewarding

role working within Aberdeen’s vibrant third sector

ACVO (Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations) is the Third Sector

Interface (TSI) for Aberdeen. We have over 20 years’ experience working

in the city as the central hub of knowledge relating to the local third

sector. The work we do is reflected in our organisational values which are

central to our decision-making processes and are incorporated into

everything we do, namely: We put the Third Sector first; We empower

communities; We act on lived experience; We demand equality;

We stand up for those who need help most

© 2025 Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations Scottish Charity No: SC036845

Get in touch

enquiries@acvo.org.uk

www.acvo.org.uk

04

08

38

43

ACVO TSI 38 Castle Street

Aberdeen, AB11 5YU

enquiries@acvo.org.uk

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month? Sign up here.

30

Grampian

Inclusive Cycling

Bothies: Adapted,

Accessible Cycling

for Everyone

Watch our latest short film

with GICB and discover the

benefits of cycling in a way

that suits everyone at

Aberdeen Cycle Hub @

Seaton. With adaptive bikes

and friendly Ride Leaders on

hand, everyone is welcome

to build confidence, meet

new people and enjoy the

freedom of cycling,

32

Policy Through Lived

Experience: CFINE’s

Manifesto for Real

Political Change in

2026

CFINE amplifies voices of those

facing poverty and food

insecurity ahead of Scotland's

2026 election with their lived

experience group and survey.

24

All Aboard! The Tall

Ships Return to

Aberdeen, Steered by

Volunteers and the

Spirit of Community

This month, Aberdeen will

welcome the return of The Tall

Ships Races for the first time

since 1997. Ahead of the festival,

meet some of the volunteers who

will soon be dedicating their

time to help ensure the event

runs smoothly and showcase the

best of Aberdeen to visitors.

36

shmu Celebrates

Volunteers’ Week

with Angela Joss

‘Bee You’ Memorial

Award Presentation

shmu’s Volunteers’ Week

celebration shone a spotlight on

Aberdeen’s spirit of community,

honouring local volunteers and

presenting the 2025 Angela Joss

‘Bee You’ Award to Phionna

McInnes, Chief Ninja at We Too!

This month’s edition of

ACVO News highlights,

once again, the variety of work

taking place across Aberdeen’s

third sector and how much of it

is driven by collaboration, lived

experience, and, crucially, the

right kind of support.

A theme running through a number of the stories

is the importance of listening to people in meaningful,

ongoing ways. CFINE’s work developing

its lived experience group and manifesto is a

strong example (p.32). Giving people the chance

to shape decisions and policy based on their own

experiences isn’t just the right thing to do it

makes for better outcomes all round.

At ACVO, we’ve seen this firsthand with the Cash

First project. Our Year 1 Reflection event on

Wednesday 30th July at Aberdeen Town House

(book via page 6) gives us the opportunity to hear

from those who’ve been supported through the

Fund and the difference it’s made. These stories

presented within the interactive showcase are

powerful reminders that quick, flexible support

can lead to lasting change when it's delivered in a

trusted and responsive way.

As we head into July, there’s also a sense of

anticipation with the return of the Tall Ships to

Aberdeen (p.24) . It’s a major moment for the city,

but what stands out is the role volunteers are

playing in making it all happen.

But alongside all this activity, one thing remains

clear: none of it happens without resources.

Sustainable funding is essential to keeping these

programmes and partnerships going - not just

starting new things, but supporting what’s

already working well. Investment in the third

sector is investment in local people, and the

outcomes speak for themselves.

As we look ahead, the challenge is to ensure this

work is properly recognised and resourced. That

means continued investment, long-term funding

commitments, and a focus on what we know

works - listening to communities,

supporting trusted organisations,

and valuing the vital role the third

sector plays in the life of the city.

Maggie Hepburn

Chief Executive, ACVO TSI

maggie.hepburn@acvo.org.uk


Social Investment: Milestones,

Momentum and the Road Ahead

words by

Claire Shaw

Funding Officer, ACVO TSI

S in 2012, social investors must

As the UK’s social investment sector

marks two decades of evolution, here

is a reflection on some key players journeys,

milestones, and some of the challenges that

lie ahead. From pioneering funds to bold

new visions, the landscape is rich with

stories of impact, innovation, and ambition.

ocial investment has

come a long way - but

it’s not just about the numbers.

It’s about what’s really changing,

who’s feeling the impact, and

where we go from here. In this

piece, I’m taking a look at some of

the people and projects making

things happen, and what the

future might hold.

Big Issue Invest: Two Decades

of Purpose-Driven Finance

Founded in 2005, Big Issue Invest

has been a trailblazer in the UK’s

social investment movement.

Now celebrating its 20th

anniversary, the organisation is

taking stock of its journey.

Executive Chair Mark Porter,

writing in Pioneers Post, described

the sector’s transformation as

“exponential,” yet acknowledged

that the future remains “more

uncharted still.”

Over the years, Big Issue Invest

has backed hundreds of social

enterprises, helping to build a

more inclusive economy. But

Porter warns that the current

environment is testing. With

political support less robust than

now play a greater role in

addressing systemic

inequalities and supporting

marginalised communities.

Still, there is cautious

optimism. The Chancellor’s

recent commitment to a new

social impact investment

vehicle has sparked hope for

renewed momentum.

www.bigissue.com

Better Society Capital: £1

Billion Invested, £4 Billion

Unlocked

In April, Better Society Capital

(BSC) announced a major

milestone: £1 billion invested

into social enterprises and

charities since its launch in

2012. With £2.9 billion in coinvestment,

the total capital

unlocked for impact-led

organisations now approaches

£4 billion.

BSC’s investments have

supported over 3,750

organisations tackling issues

such as homelessness, fuel

poverty, and financial

exclusion. The organisation

reports that more than seven

million people have been

reached through its

investments, over 7,000 homes

have been delivered, and 60%

of its social lending has gone to

the UK’s most deprived areas.

“This is an exciting time for the

sector,” said Chief Investment

Officer Anna Shiel. “We see

exciting opportunities for

renewed engagement with the

new government to attract

more capital for social good.”

bettersocietycapital.com

Firstport: Empowering

Scotland’s Social

Entrepreneurs

In Scotland, Firstports mission

is to lead the charge in

supporting early-stage social

entrepreneurs.

A new economic impact report,

funded by the Scottish

Government and conducted by

Social Value Lab, highlights the

success of two flagship

programmes: the Social

Entrepreneurs Fund (SEF) and

LaunchMe.

Between 2021 and 2024, SEF

delivered £3.14 in social and

economic return for every £1 of

public investment. It supported

202 new social enterprises,

created 111.5 jobs, and helped

organisations increase

turnover and attract further

investment.

ACVO News | July 2025 | 04


LaunchMe, an investment

readiness programme,

delivered £6.20 for every £1

invested. It helped 30 social

enterprises secure funding,

create 64.5 full-time equivalent

jobs, and generate £1.4 million

in additional turnover.

Combined, the programmes

have generated an estimated

£24.7 million in financial return.

www.firstport.org.uk

Foundation Scotland:

Blended Finance for

Sustainable Growth

Foundation Scotland offers an

innovative, blended approach

to social investment through its

Social Investment Fund.

Designed to support social

enterprises, community

organisations, and charities, the

fund provides investments from

£10,000 to £250,000, with up to

25% available as a grant.

The fund supports working

capital, asset acquisition,

business growth, and capital

expenditure. Loans are typically

repayable over 10 years, with

terms tailored to each

organisation’s needs.

www.foundationscotland.org.uk

Social Investment Scotland:

£150 Million Invested and

Growing

Social Investment Scotland

(SIS) has invested nearly £150

million in 563 social enterprises

since 2001. According to its

latest impact report (April

2023–March 2024), 96% of SIS

customers are based in

Scotland, and the organisation

continues to expand its fund

portfolio.

SIS manages a wide range of

funds, including the

Community Investment

Enterprise Fund, Scottish

Social Growth Fund, and SIS

Ventures. These funds support

everything from net zero

transitions to poverty offering

flexible loans and equity

investments to organisations

tackling society’s biggest

challenges.

socialinvestmentscotland.com

Reflecting on the Social

Investment Sector

As the UK’s social investment

sector matures, the focus is

beginning to shift from proving

the model to scaling its impact.

With potentially new

government interest, growing

investor appetite, and a strong

foundation of success, the

sector is poised for its next

chapter. In a time when the

funding landscape is so

challenging - hopefully this

chapter will redefine how social

investment serves people and

planet.

These are just some of the

social investment products that

are on the market. To select the

right social investor for your

organisation, thoroughly

research all potential investors,

and evaluate their alignment

with your organisation's

mission and values. Consider

their investment focus,

experience, and the support

they offer beyond financial

investment. Crucially, build a

relationship with investors who

share your social mission and

can offer valuable guidance

and resources. Of course, you

can get in touch with me too if

you want to chat through any

ideas and concerns – email:

claire.shaw@acvo.org.uk

Disclaimer

ACVO TSI provides impartial

and objective advice. This

feature aims to highlight the

social investment landscape

and is not in any way

endorsing the organisations or

products highlighted .

New Trustee Information Requirements for Scottish Charities

S

tarting June 30, 2025,

the Office of the

Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

is updating its requirements for

charity trustee information. As a

charity, you'll need to submit

several key details for each of

your trustees, who are legally

responsible for the charity's

control and management. This

applies even if you call them

directors or committee members.

You'll be able to submit this

information through the new

"Manage Charity Trustees"

section on OSCR Online starting

on that date. It's not possible to

provide the details before then.

Here's what you need to

provide for each trustee:

Name

Home address

Email address

Telephone number

Date of birth

Date of appointment

To prepare for this change,

your charity should:

- Inform all your trustees about

these new requirements.

- Collect all the necessary

information from each trustee

- Ensure you have up to three

authorised "charity users" who

have a username and password

for OSCR Online, as they will

be the ones to enter this data.

OSCR will keep this

information secure and use it

to improve charity regulation

and communicate with

trustees when necessary.

Publication of Trustee Names

In early 2026, the first and last

names of each trustee will be

published on the Scottish

Charity Register. This step is

designed to increase

transparency and public trust,

giving donors and the public a

clear view of who is governing

each charity. If a trustee

words by

Alasdair Ross

Policy & Consultations Officer

believes that the publication of

their name could affect the

safety or security of any person

or premises, they can apply for

an exemption. OSCR will

provide more details on this

application process soon.

05 | ACVO News | July 2025


Volunteers’ Week 2025 Celebrated the Best in

Aberdeen, Let’s Keep That Momentum Going

words by

Mike Melvin

Volunteering Services Manager

Volunteers Week in June

was a powerful reminder

that volunteers represent the

very best of Aberdeen.

During the week, it was both

brilliant and inspiring to meet

and personally thank the

incredible individuals who are

making such a positive

difference in our communities

through volunteering, and it

was a pleasure to be able to do

this alongside ACVO colleagues

and the Lord Provost of

Aberdeen, Cllr Dr David

Cameron. ACVO thank

everyone who got involved and

marked Volunteers Week 2025.

As well as being a momentous

Volunteers Week locally, it was

a tremendous week across the

country in bringing volunteers

together. Over the course of the

seven days, the

#VolunteersWeek hashtag

reached more than 47million

people, sparked 175 million

impressions, and generated

over 21,000 mentions across

social media and press. There

were more than 86K

downloads of Volunteers Week

campaign resources, over 120K

visits to the national Volunteers

Week website, and many

inspiring stories formally

shared.

While Volunteers Week may be

over for another year we will

continue to recognise the

important and outstanding

contribution volunteers make

and help to build volunteering

in our city and communities

even more. Whether you are an

individual who might be

interested in volunteering or an

organisation seeking to recruit

more volunteers , ACVO is

always here and delighted to

assist.

Get involved

If you’re interested in

volunteering, visit Volunteer

Aberdeen to explore the latest

opportunities in your

community. Organisations can

also submit opportunities, visit

volunteeraberdeen.org.uk for

further details.

Stay informed with ACVO’s So

Why Don’t You... programme

on SHMU Community Radio,

broadcast live every Friday

from 2 to 3 pm. Episodes are

also available on demand at

acvo.org.uk/sowhydontyou

If you’re aged 12-25, ACVO

coordinates the Saltire Awards

locally - recognising young

volunteers for 10, 25, 50, 100,

200, and 500 hours of service.

Find info and get involved at

saltireawards.scot

Join ACVO and over 200

Scottish organisations as a

Volunteer Charter Champion

by pledging support at

volunteerscotland.net.

For info on the Volunteering

Action Plan for Scotland,

involvement opportunities,

and volunteer recruitment tips,

volunteeringactionplan.co.uk.

Got questions? Contact me at

mike.melvin@acvo.org.uk!

07| ACVO News | July 2025

Aberdeen Third Sector Updates

Hosted and coordinated by

CFINE, Staff and Volunteers

at the organisation

celebrated the award

Aberdeen Recognised With Gold

Sustainable Food Places Award

The prestigious award reflects a joined-up

approach towards sustainable food and

honours areas which are making healthy,

affordable, and sustainable food a defining

characteristic of their region. Aberdeen

joins only Brighton and Hove, Bristol,

Cambridge, Cardiff, and Middlesborough in

achieving the highest level of recognition.

s part of the award,

AAberdeen highlighted

two ‘areas of exceptional

achievement’, which reflect

cross-cutting areas of the food

system.

The first ‘Good Food for all’

expanded on how organisations

and groups are tackling food

poverty by creating access to

affordable, healthy food. The

local implementation of ‘Food

Ladders’ is promoting food’s

role in bringing people together

and supporting communities

in aspects wider than food,

towards a circular vision of self

organised community change.

Also highlighted, a systemic,

community-based approach to

tackling the underlying causes

of food poverty, including Food

Poverty Action Aberdeen,

Fairer Aberdeen funded

projects, and lived experience

initiatives which are shaping

ongoing action.

The second – ‘Food Citizenship

and Food for Good’ –

demonstrated food’s role as a

springboard for building skills –

growing, employability, and

life – and community

engagement. Activity

showcased engagement with

children and young people

including Northfield

Academy’s S1 ‘Healthy

Families on a Budget’ project

and crew community

collection. Additionally,

CFINE’s Warehouse Skills

Development Programme, the

Aberdeen Community Food

Network and NHS Grampian’s

Confidence 2 Cook were all

featured as examples of food’s

role in enabling positive

change.

The bid also drew attention to

further examples of best

practice, such as ‘Give Peas a

Chance’, the development of

the Mounthooly Roundabout

Forest Garden, and the work of

Aberdeen Fair and Sustainable

Trade Group. Sustainable Food

Places representatives also

visited Aberdeen as part of the

bid, which included meeting

with a wide range of

stakeholders and field visits to

Fersands and Fountain Centre,

Tillydrone Community Flat,

Earth and Worms Community

Garden, and Middlefield

Community Project.

Aberdeen first achieved a

sustainable food places award

in 2018, becoming the first in

Scotland to achieve a bronzelevel

award. In 2022, alongside

Edinburgh, Aberdeen achieved

a Silver award, and the Gold



is the latest development in

Aberdeen’s sustainable food

journey. On the achievement,

Granite City Good Food Chair,

Lesley Dunbar of Middlefield

Community Project – who

showcased how they have

embedded the ‘Food Ladders’

framework as part of the visit by

Sustainable Food Places

representatives – said “Our SFP

Gold Award is a great

achievement for Aberdeen – the

city and its communities. It

demonstrates the strength of

our partnership.

“Hundreds of people have

helped to achieve this award,

among them our 60 community

growing spaces and 93

Community Food Members. I’d

also like to thank the staff at

Aberdeen City Council who first

brought SFP to our attention

and thank CFINE who have

housed the SFP team at their

premises since the get-go. There

are so many people I could

thank”

Granite City Good Food is

hosted by CFINE who support

the coordination of the project.

CFINE Chief Executive, Fiona

Rae commented:

“Achieving the Sustainable

Food Places Gold award is

fantastic for Aberdeen and

demonstrates the true

commitment to achieving

sustainable outcomes for our

city. CFINE is delighted to play

an integral part in coordinating

Granite City Good Food, the

local Sustainable Food Places

Partnership, and I would like to

extend my sincere thanks to the

range of cross sector partners

across Aberdeen who have

contributed to achieving Gold.

Building a strong, engaged, and

active good food movement is

crucial to the future sustainability

of Aberdeen, and being

the first partnership in Scotland

to achieve the Gold standard is a

key part in driving this work

forward into the future.

I am delighted this partnership

has been recognised both

locally and nationally, and I

would like to thank Sustainable

Food Places for their ongoing

support.”

CFINE’s Sustainable Food

Coordinator, Martin Carle, who

coordinates Granite City Good

Food, celebrated:

“Achieving the first Sustainable

Food Places Gold Award in

Scotland is an amazing piece of

recognition for partners,

stakeholders, and communities

across Aberdeen. It

reflects a huge amount of effort

which has gone into embedding

a whole-systems approach

to sustainable food, and shows

the city has a lot to be proud of

and there is so much to be

excited about, looking to the

future.”

Aberdeen City Council has

been a core partner of Granite

City Good Food since its

establishment in 2017. The

local authority is one of the core

funders of the partnership. In

2023, Aberdeen City Council

was recognised as 5th strongest

local authority in the UK for

waste reduction and food, in its

‘Climate Action Scorecard,’ as

part of which involvement in

Granite City Good Food was

recognised as one of the key

Building a strong, engaged,

and active good food movement is

crucial to the future sustainability

of Aberdeen, and being the first

partnership in Scotland to achieve

the Gold standard is a key part in

driving this work forward

CFINE Chief Executive, Fiona Rae

indicators. Aberdeen City

Council Co-Leader, Councillor

Ian Yuill said “The award is

welcome recognition of

Aberdeen’s commitment to

sustainable food. Our joined-up

approach supports local people

and communities. It is good to

work with regional suppliers

and producers to help the

economy of the area. Keeping

business local brings additional

benefits including lower

transport costs and less carbon

emissions which is good for the

environment."

Leon Ballin, the Sustainable

Food Places Programme

Manager, said: “Granite City

Good Food has shown just

what can be achieved when

creative and committed people

work together to make healthy

and sustainable food a defining

characteristic of where they

live. While there is still much to

do and many challenges to

overcome, Granite City Good

Food has helped to set a

benchmark for the other 100+

members of the UK Sustainable

Food Places Network to follow.

They should be very proud of

the work that they have been

doing to transform our

collective food culture and food

system for the better.”

Across the coming months,

Granite City Good Food will

continue to develop its plans

and partnership around

sustainable food. Read more at

granitecitygoodfood.org

Efforts to grow the food movement

through skills - such as zero waste

cooking classes - were recognised as

a key achievement



All Life Chances teams up with Codona's to

give 200 young people a memorable day out

A group of 200 children

and young people from

across Aberdeen enjoyed a

fun-filled day at Codonas

Amusement Park on

nd

Sunday June 22 , thanks

to the beachfront

attraction’s generous

donation of free passes.

The youngsters, aged 8 to 16,

arrived at the entertainment

complex from the Northfield,

Middlefield, Tillydrone, and

Woodside areas of the city,

having been brought together

by a range of local schools and

community organisations.

Visitors to the amusement park

included pupils from Manor

Park Primary School and St

Machar and Northfield

Academies, along with children

and young people connected to

Printfield Community Project,

Middlefield Community Project

@ the Hub, and ALC Aberdeen.

The special passes provided by

Codonas gave everyone access

to a range of attractions,

including outdoor rides,

outdoor golf, indoor dodgems,

as well as each youngster’s

choice of either go-karting or

Laser Tag. Each child also

received a sweet treat of candy

floss, or a slushy, to top off their

experience.

The idea for the trip was sparked

following a meeting between

representatives from Codonas

and All Life Chances, a local

charity working to support

children, young people and

their families in Aberdeen.

Codona’s General Manager,

Gillian Gallan explains: “After

speaking with All Life Chances

and learning more about the

work they’re doing to support

children and young people, we

knew we wanted to get

involved.”

Susan Crighton, All Life

Chances’ Director of

Community Engagement

added: “Outings like these are

so good for children and young

people. They give them access

to new experiences, help build

their confidence and sense of

independence, and create a

real sense of inclusion and

belonging. Most importantly,

they offer a space where the

youngsters can relax, laugh,

and simply enjoy being

themselves. We’re so grateful to

Gillian and the team Codonas

for their generosity and for

recognising the importance of

moments like these.” The

event highlighted what can be

achieved through community

partnerships, and All Life

Chances hopes it will inspire

further collaborations that help

broaden opportunities for

young people across Aberdeen.

Mrs Crighton concluded: “We

believe that real, lasting change

happens when we work

together. This special day is a

brilliant example of how local

Lara Munro, Director of Operations

at All Life Chances, with some of the

young people who enjoyed a day out

at Codonas Amusement Park

partnerships can create

meaningful, positive

experiences for children and

young people.”

“We hope it inspires even more

collaboration across the city.”

Launched earlier this year, All

Life Chances fosters

community connections in

Aberdeen by offering

professional, practical, and

financial support to existing

charities, groups, and schools.



Attendees of Living Rhythms: Stories and Beats

of Resilience at Inchgarth Community Centre

Living Rhythms:Diversity

Bridge SCIO Celebrates

Refugee Week with Music,

Culture and Community

Diversity Bridge SCIO proudly hosted

a vibrant and emotive vibrant and

emotive event titled Living Rhythms:

Stories and Beats of Resilience on

th

Saturday, 16 June 2025 at Inchgarth

Community Centre, in celebration of

Refugee Week 2025

T

he event brought together

community members, artists,

new Scots and advocates for a day filled

with powerful storytelling, cultural

performances, and shared humanity.

The theme of this year’s Refugee Week,

Milestones, was brought to life through the

voices and experiences of both established

and emerging Scots, underscoring journeys

of resilience and hope.

Opening the event, Diversity Bridge

founder and Chief Bridge Builder Edward

Obi welcomed guests with the message:

“This event is a celebration not just of

refugee journeys, but of our collective

humanity. Every rhythm, every story

shared here today brings us one step closer

to a more connected, compassionate

Scotland. Refugee Week reminds us that

no one builds bridges alone - we must do it

together.”

The programme featured dynamic

performances and storytelling from across

cultures. Special guest Esther Akintade

delivered an energetic and engaging

performance that lit up the room,

while Hassan, a New Scot, moved

the audience with a song in his

native language. Hossa shared

a beautiful demonstration of

the Attan dance, an Afghan

tradition that brought

everyone to their feet.

Guest speaker and Aberdeen

councillor Deena Tissera

shared: “Refugees enrich the

fabric of our society. Today’s

event reminds us that behind

every displacement is a story of strength

and contribution. The warmth and unity

here are what community is all about.”

Adding her voice to the occasion,

Professor Mirela Delibegovic, FRSE, said:

“As someone who came to this country as

a refugee myself, I know the power of being

welcomed, seen, and heard. Events like

these create the spaces that allow all of us

to thrive — regardless of where our journey

started.”

The event was made possible through a

grant from the Scottish Refugee Council,

with special support from Aberdeenshire

Council, who helped transport 14 New

Scots to the event. Diversity Bridge SCIO

extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees,

performers, volunteers, and community

supporters who made Living Rhythms a

real celebration.

L-R: Cllr Deena Tissera, Edward Obi

and Professor Mirela Delibegovic, FRSE



Touch of Love Outreach

Celebrated with Double

Win at SCVO Scottish

Charity Awards 2025

Aberdeen based charity, Touch of Love Outreach, has

been honoured with not one - but two major awards -

at the prestigious SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2025

The charity triumphed in

the Charity of the Year

(turnover under £100k)

category and also captured

the coveted People’s Choice

Award, reflecting both

expert panel recognition

and widespread public

support.

Since being founded in 2020 by

Jane Akadiri, Touch of Love

Outreach has made a profound

impact on Aberdeen’s minority

ethnic and New Scots communities,

delivering essential

services that resonate deeply

with vulnerability and

compassion.



Reflecting on their success, Jane

said “For TOL, winning both

these awards - especially the

People’s Choice, powered

entirely by public votes - is both

humbling and energising.”

“It reflects the dedication of our

team, volunteers, supporters,

and the communities we serve

here in Aberdeen.”

“Your votes, heartwarming

encouragement, and your belief

in us carried us all the way to

win the People's Choice Award.

We could not have achieved this

without you. This victory

belongs to all of us. Thank you

for standing with us, cheering

us on, and showing the nation

the power of community love

in Aberdeen. We remain

committed to creating safe,

inclusive spaces where

minority ethnic communities,

young people, and families can

thrive. Thank you for your

partnership, encouragement,

and belief in our work.”

The Scottish Charity Awards,

organised by the Scottish

Council for Voluntary

Organisations (SCVO), are

among the most prestigious

accolades in Scotland’s third

sector. They celebrate the

outstanding contributions of

charities, community groups,

and volunteers who are

transforming lives and

strengthening communities

across the country.

The award comes after another

year of impactful work from

Touch of Love Outreach.

In 2024 alone, Touch of Love

Outreach delivered vital

support to 10,757 individuals

across Aberdeen and

surrounding communities

through its core programs. The

charity operated two culturally

sensitive food banks, distributing

over 10,000 food

parcels to families in need

ensuring that food provision

was not only accessible but

respectful of dietary traditions

and dignity.

Youth empowerment was a

cornerstone of their work, with

457 children and young people

aged 5 to 21 participating in

culturally relevant activities

that helped build confidence,

leadership, and belonging.

Additionally, the charity

offered mental health and peer

support to over 500 New Scots

mothers, creating safe,

nurturing spaces through

dedicated mum-and-baby and

toddler groups bridging

isolation with community.

This transformative impact has

not gone unnoticed. Alongside

their double win at the 2025

Scottish Charity Awards, Jane

Akadri recently won the

accolade of Inspirational

Leader at the National Youth

Work Awards 2025, also held

during last month. The

organisation also earned a

Certificate of Commendation

at the 2024 Black Scottish

Awards, cementing the

charity’s reputation as a vital

force for equity, inclusion, and

grassroots change in Scotland.

These recent honours not only

mark a milestone but reinforce

Touch of Love’s vision for 2025

expanding existing services

and launching new, culturally

attuned programs to reach

more families, mothers, youth,

and individuals in need.

Find out more about their

work at touchoflove.org.uk

For TOL, winning both these awards -

especially the People’s Choice, powered

entirely by public votes - is both humbling

and energising. It reflects the dedication of

our team, volunteers, supporters, and the

communities we serve here in Aberdeen.

Jane Akadiri, Founder of Touch of Love Outreach



Archie’s Child Bereavement

Service Launches New Book

to Support Grieving Children

Scottish children’s charity The Archie

Foundation has launched Storm Clouds

and Rainbows, a new book created by its

Child Bereavement Service team to

support young children coping with

bereavement, drawing on years of

experience helping them process grief.

T

he beautifully illustrated

book, has been brought

to life by Aaron Gale at Doric

Books, features Archie, the

charity’s mascot, holding a

child’s hand and walks readers

through a series of activities,

journalling and points for

discussion.

Children are prompted to share

their feelings, memories, photos

and drawings of the special

person they have lost, including

making a memory jar or box.

The book’s launch is being

supported by a Storm to

Rainbow challenge on social

media, which invites followers

to share their photos of storms

or rainbows to raise awareness

of the resource.

Caitlin Parkin, bereavement

support worker at Archie’s Child

Bereavement Service (ACBS),

was involved in the creation of

the book. “We are so proud of

Storm Clouds and Rainbows

and hope it will provide support

and comfort, particularly to

children aged between five and

12 who have experienced the

death of someone close to

them,” she said. “We worked as

a team to pool our experience of

working directly with bereaved

children, their families, schools

and support networks, and we

gathered feedback directly

from bereaved children to

compile this book of activities

to guide them through their

loss.

“By providing young children

with support and tools they can

use throughout their lives, we

hope to help them to better

understand their grief and

emotions. Every child is

different, and we believe that

with appropriate support,

information and guidance all

young people will manage their

grief.”

Memories are an important

part of the grieving process,

said Caitlin.“Looking at photos

or movies and remembering

happier times reminds the

child that memories are still

special and these have not been

lost,” she added.

“The book helps the child to

build a memory box, gathering

special items which hold

memories of the person and

their unique relationship.”

To find out more you can

We are so proud of

Storm Clouds and

Rainbows and hope it

will provide support and

comfort, particularly to

children aged between

five and 12 who have

experienced the death of

someone close to them

Caitlin Parkin

Caitlin Parkin, bereavement

support worker at ACBS

visit archie.org/getsupport for

more information about the

practical, financial and

emotional support available

from The Archie Foundation,

or archie.org/bereavement for

details of the Archie Child

Bereavement Service.

Copies of Storm Clouds and

Rainbows are available through

the Archie Child Bereavement

Service or the book can be

purchased for £10.



Rape Crisis Grampian awarded £1,000

from Celebrate Aberdeen Parade fund

R

ape Crisis Grampian

(RCG) has been chosen

as this year’s recipient of the

Celebrate Aberdeen Parade

collection fund.

The organisation will use the

£1,000 fund to purchase

personal alarms, door stop

alarms and window alarms,

essential safety tools that will

directly support survivors of

sexual violence by helping them

feel safer in their homes and

communities.

The funding pot came from the

collecting buckets carried by

volunteers during the 2024

parade. Around 130 organisations

took part in last year’s

parade, and all were invited to

bid for the street collection

donation, outlining how they

would use the money if

selected.

Since the parade in 2011,

thousands of pounds have been

raised by the generosity of the

spectators who line the parade

route. One hundred per cent of

the money collected is donated

to the selected organisation.

“We are wholeheartedly

grateful to Celebrate Aberdeen

for the generous award of

£1,000 in support of our work

at Rape Crisis Grampian,” said

RCG Manager Wilma

Thomson.

“Many survivors accessing

RCG services face differing

safety issues because their

perpetrator knows where they

work or live. The items which

we will buy thanks to Celebrate

Aberdeen's funding award will

enable us to provide a level of

reassurance where it is very

much needed.

“This support not only

provides practical resources

but also sends a powerful

message of solidarity and care

to those we support. Heartfelt

thanks to the organisation for

standing with us in our aim to

create a safer, more supportive

environment for survivors

across the north-east.”

RCG is a voluntary organisation

founded in response to

survivors who said they needed

a specialist service for those

affected by rape, sexual abuse,

and exploitation.

“Rape Crisis Grampian

provides invaluable support to

survivors of sexual violence

and we’re very pleased to name

it as this year’s recipient,” said

Members of the team at Rape Crisis

Grampian, Emma Jeal, Smrithi

Earayil, Eiona Scott, Andrea Tait.

Celebrate Aberdeen board

member John Slater.

“The calibre of applications is

always high and shows how

much good work is happening

across our region. Thanks to all

who applied - it’s never easy

choosing just one recipient and

also thank the public whose

generosity in the collection

buckets makes this possible.”

Nominations open now for the

Celebrate Aberdeen Awards 2025

Nominations are now open for

the sixth annual Celebrate

Aberdeen Awards, which

recognise the individuals,

organisations, and volunteers

making a difference across the

North-east’s third sector.

There are eight award

categories this year, including a

new Community Impact of the

Year award. The awards are

open to all third sector

organisations in Aberdeen city

and shire, covering work

carried out between April 1,

2024, and March 31, 2025. The

deadline for entries is Monday

August 18, with finalists

announced on September 17.

Winners will be announced at a

gala ceremony on Saturday,

November 1, at the Chester

Hotel.

The awards follow the

Celebrate Aberdeen parade on

Saturday, August 23, featuring

around 130 organisations

marching through the city

centre. Parade registration

closes on Wednesday, July 30.

To submit a nomination or

learn more, visit

celebrate-aberdeen.org.



Aberdeen Science

Summer Escape R

Family-friendly escape room available

Scarf recognised with a

win at the 2025 Energy

Efficiency Awards

Scarf has been named Regional Vulnerable

Customer Support Organisation of the Year at

the Energy Efficiency Awards – recognising

the organisation’s work to support households

experiencing fuel poverty through practical

energy efficiency advice and support.

The Energy Efficiency Awards

celebrate the best in energy

efficiency work across the UK,

recognising those making a

meaningful difference in

people’s lives through

innovation, delivery, and

support. The award highlights

Scarf’s continued impact in

communities across Scotland,

helping people to stay warm,

reduce their energy bills, and

access the support they’re

entitled to.

In the past year alone, Scarf’s

Home Energy Advice Team

responded to over 6,000

enquiries, with two-thirds of

callers living in fuel poverty.

Tailored advice and support

helped remove over a third of

these households from fuel

poverty. Home visits,

community events, and

financial support remain a core

part of Scarf’s offer, with

services shaped around the

needs of those most at risk.

David Mackay, Co-CEO at

Scarf, said “This award is a real

recognition of the work we do

every day. Whether it’s helping

someone access funding,

reduce their bills, or feel more

in control of their situation –

the impact is real. I’m proud of

what the team delivers, and

this highlights the difference

we’re making."

The award was presented at the

national Energy Efficiency

Awards ceremony in Glasgow,

following a nomination from

MPC Energy Ltd. Scarf is a

registered charity and social

enterprise, founded in 1985,

that partners with government,

private, and third sector

organisations to help reduce

fuel bills and carbon emissions.

It delivers energy saving

services to households,

communities, and businesses

across Scotland.

A

berdeen Science Centre

is challenging its visitors

to step into the shoes of a

detective as they solve a series of

clues to unlock the secrets of its

new Summer Escape Room.

This interactive and familyfriendly

experience will be

available at Aberdeen Science

Centre from Saturday, July 5 to

Tuesday, August 19, and will

encourage teams of up to six

people to work together to

uncover a science-based

mystery.

Sponsored by audio visual

company AV One Solutions,

escape room participants will be

tasked with tracking down a

missing scientific formula by

solving puzzles and riddles left

behind by the fictional Prof. I

Terole. Players will go up

against a ticking clock as they

seek to identify the traitor

among the professor’s team of

scientists and recover the lost

formula before it is gone

forever.

Perfect for seasoned

investigators or first-time

sleuths, this 45-minute

immersive experience is

designed to challenge all

members of the family,

featuring puzzles that reward

collaboration, critical thinking

and curiosity.

Erin Flett, head of business

development at Aberdeen

Science Centre, said: “At

Aberdeen Science Centre, we



Centre Launches

oom Experience

at local visitor attraction this summer

aim to foster a love of science

through hands-on and

immersive experiences, and the

introduction of our Summer

Escape Room is a fantastic way

to do just that. Thanks to the

support of AV One Solutions, we

have been able to add this fun,

educational and interactive

activity to our varied offering in

time for families to enjoy during

the school summer holidays.

“The Summer Escape Room is

an exciting, story-driven

challenge that will see our

visitors solve the mystery of a

missing laboratory formula,

using creativity and intuition to

crack the case, as they discover

fun and interesting science facts

along the way.”

The Summer Escape Room is

recommended for teams of

between four and six people,

making it an ideal activity for

families, friends or small

groups looking for a fun and

hands-on challenge. However,

this activity can also be

completed solo or in smaller

groups. The experience is

suitable for children aged 6 and

above, but all participants

under 17 must be accompanied

by at least one adult.

Escape room tickets will cost

£25 per group taking part, in

addition to the standard

admission ticket to Aberdeen

Science Centre.

Find out more at

aberdeensciencecentre.org

Aberdeen author pledges to

donate book proceeds to Clan

An Aberdeen author has pledged to donate the proceeds of his newest

book to the charity which supported his family during a cancer

diagnosis.

Roy Burnett will launch his third published title, Brace for Impact,

at a special event on Thursday, July 3, at Clan House in Aberdeen.

Roy began writing while living and working as a Regional Manager

in the Middle East in the 1980s and has already sold more than 900

copies of his first two books Eye for an Eye and Retribution.

His latest novel is based on the life and times of his uncle Jimmy

Johnson from Aberdeen who served with the Gordon Highlanders

and the Commando regiment in WWII.

Despite being wounded and spending two years as a Prisoner of

War, Jimmy remained resilient until his liberation before the war’s

end.

Roy has chosen to donate all the proceeds from the sales to Clan,

following the support the charity provided his daughter Lyne when

she was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Lyne attended the charity’s

Aberdeen wellbeing facility for listening support and complementary

therapies while she was undergoing treatment.

Roy is a volunteer for the charity and often drives the Clan minibus

from Clan House to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to deliver accommodation

guests to their hospital appointments. He hopes the

proceeds from his next book launch will help provide support for

other families going through a cancer diagnosis.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Clan for the support they gave my family

during one of the most difficult chapters of our lives. Since my

daughter’s recovery, I’ve tried to give back through volunteering for

the charity, which has also been very rewarding for me.

Fiona Fernie, Clan’s CEO, said,

“Roy’s generous donation

honours his family’s journey with

Clan, We’re incredibly grateful

and look forward to welcoming

many to the event at Clan

House on July 3.”

17| ACVO News | July 2025


Befriend a Child

Raises More Than

£35,000 at 50th

Anniversary Ball

Befriend a Child celebrated 50 years

of impact at their Golden Anniversary

Ball on Friday the 30th of May 2025 at

The Chester Hotel, raising £35,600 for

local children the charity supports

across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

T

he evening brought

together supporters,

volunteers and partners to

honour five decades of

transforming the lives of local

children and young people.

Guests enjoyed performances

from Mark Cameron

Dance/Corporate, Right Here

Productions and the event was

hosted by local talent Kevin

Littlejohn. Special thanks go to

Headline sponsor WM Donald,

who have supported Befriend a

Child’s Big Kids Ball for the

fourth year, and Print sponsor

One Design.

Sarah Misra, CEO at Befriend a

Child said: “We are delighted by

the success of the evening and

the amount raised. We couldn't

have done it without our

wonderful sponsors, guests and

supporters who all contributed

to making the evening

th

incredible. Our 50 year marks

an incredible milestone for the

charity, and we are pleased to

have celebrated it whilst raising

vital funds for local children"

The charity's waitlist for its

services is ever-growing and is

currently sitting at 36 children

and young people. The money

raised on the night will help

fund places within the charity's

1:1 befriending programme for

children living in challenging

life circumstances.

The ball saw former volunteer

befriender, Katie Elder, share

her heartwarming experience

of befriending with the charity.

Having started her volunteering

journey in 2015, Katie

befriended Kai for the 6 years

and said befriending is the best

thing she has ever been

involved in. Her emotional

speech highlighted the

difference she has made to her

befriendee and how they still

keep in touch all these years

later.

Jean Gordon, Head of

Operations at Befriend a Child

said: "Through our 1:1 support

and group activities we aim to

build new life skills and

increase confidence and selfesteem.

Through providing a

positive adult role model, our

befrienders help to reduce

social isolation and improve

the overall wellbeing and

quality of life of the children

and young people we support."

Find out more about Befriend a

Child at befriendachild.org.uk

The Befriend a Child Team

Katie Elder – volunteer

experience speech



Centre Launches

oom Experience

at local visitor attraction this summer

Headline sponsors WM Donald

Help Inform

Research on

Improving

Volunteer

Recruitment

& Experience

Does your organisation work with

volunteers? Your experience is

essential to ongoing research by

NESCAN Hub and the University

of Aberdeen, which aims to

improve how volunteers are

matched with opportunities

across North East Scotland.

By completing a short,

anonymous survey, you’ll help

identify the real challenges faced

in volunteer recruitment and

contribute to developing

practical, effective solutions. The

survey takes just five minutes,

and your insights will directly

support efforts to strengthen

participation and impact in the

sector. The survey for

organisations can be accessed

here

Volunteers and those looking to

get involved are also invited to

take part. A separate survey

explores what motivates

individuals to volunteer and what

they look for in a role — helping

ensure their needs are better

understood and met. Access the

volunteer survey here

All responses are confidential and

used solely for research and

programme development.

For more information, contact

researcher Léa Gabriel-Sabatier at

l.gabriel-sabatier.24@abdn.ac.uk.



YAHYAS Hub: Creating

Opportunities for Young

New Scots

We’ve achieved so much

this year in no small thanks to

the community around us.

SABINA PORTER

Guest article from

Young Trustee, YAHYAS Hub


T

his May marked the anniversary

of YAHYAS Hub’s first official

year as a charity, from a grassroots idea in

2023, aiming to help and support

disadvantaged youth with skills

development, and to overcome challenges

such as social isolation and poverty.

Based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire,

YAHYAS’ (Young Adults Helping Young

Asylum Seekers) Hub was created to fill the

gap, not just in services, but in belonging

and creating a safe place; a friendly, nonjudgemental

hub where these young

people socialise, support and empower

each other to learn skills and get equipped

with the right knowledge and tools needed

to build a successful future when their

status is granted. This will help to grow a

community of new Scots and locals,

learning, respecting, sharing cultures and

uplifting each other.

In our first year we’ve hosted three cultural

events and delivered ten separate

workshops that promote skills

development, wellbeing and relaxed

language practice; supporting community

integration by providing opportunities for

learning and growth while connecting with

local young adults.

In Grampian there are around 250 young

new Scots, over half of them are

unaccompanied, and 16-18 years old. They

are isolated and disorientated arriving

alone in a new country, especially so

young. While access to housing, education

and legal support is crucial we know that

healing and growth happen through

community.

We focus on providing new Scots, aged

16–26, with opportunities that centre skills

development and peer-led support.

Participating in a variety of workshops like

wood & glass work, cooking, and

functional art gives them the chance to

socialise with locals and build core skills

like communication and leadership,

giving them the tools, they need to build a

successful life in Scotland and contribute

positively to the local economy.

We’ve had great success with our Go Deep

Games Scotland partnership, it’s helped

to develop trust, hope and purpose.

Through the collaborative games, based

on learning about ourselves and

communities, our New Scots have grown

in confidence, leading to them facilitating

the workshop with other community

groups!

Of course, we all also deserve times to

relax and party. Our cultural events

share traditions, and offer fun

games with prizes, endless dancing

(till tidy up time), and the

overarching feeling of warmth

and joy that only comes from

community.


YAHYAS Hub was created to

fill the gap, not just in services, but in

belonging and creating a safe place.

This will help to grow a community

of new Scots and locals, learning,

respecting, sharing cultures and

uplifting each other.

Sabina Porter, Young Trustee at YAHYAS Hub

Over the last year we have won 2 awards.

In 2024, our cause connected with a

young group at Ellon Academy who

represented us in their YPI and won first

place!

We were later awarded an Anne Frank

Award by GREC and Action for a Fairer

World, not only for our work with young

asylum seekers, but also for our

engagement with local young adults.

We’ve achieved so much this year in no

small thanks to the community around

us. Our volunteers and partnerships with

NESCAN, Go Deep Games Scotland,

GREC, CFINE and Bennachie Crafts have

helped us deliver activities that facilitate

and foster inclusion, social justice and

empowerment.

Get Involved

If you’re an organisation, educator,

creative or someone who believes in

building a fairer future – we'd love to hear

from you.

Our strengths lie in collaboration and

community. Let’s keep creating

opportunities!

Want to support, collaborate or

volunteer? Reach out to as at

info@yahyashub.org

Connect on Facebook, LinkedIn or

learn more on our website at

yahyashub.org



Community Planning

Aberdeen Share Results

from Your Place, Your

Plans , Your Future

Between March 24 and May 18, 2025, thousands of

Aberdeen residents took part in Community Planning

Aberdeen’s Your Place, Your Plans, Your Future

consultation, sharing what they value most about their

neighbourhoods, and what they’d like to see improved.

T

he engagement process

which allowed residents

share their views and inform

multiple plans and strategies at

once, saw 2,087 people engaging

in the process - more than four

times the number who took part

in 2023. Over 13,000 comments

were collected across 14 key

themes, painting a vivid picture

of what matters most to people

living and working in Aberdeen.

Feedback was gathered through

online and paper surveys, locality

events, targeted outreach

sessions, and a youth-designed

version tailored specifically for

children and young people.

What the Community Said

Residents were asked to rate

various aspects of community life

on a scale of 1 to 7, with lower

scores indicating areas where

more improvement is needed.

These scores were then averaged

across all responses to determine

general sentiment in each theme.

The five highest ranking themes

were:

1.Natural Space – 5.0

2. Play and Recreation – 4.3

3.Facilities and Services – 4.2

F4. Social Interaction – 4.2

5.Feeling Safe – 4.2

The five lowest ranking themes

were:

1.Influence and sense of control

- 3.3

2.Traffic and parking - 3.4

3.Work and Economy - 3.7

4.Care and Maintenance - 3.8

5.Public Transport - 3.8

Since CPA last asked in 2023,

overall 8 themes show

improvement, 3 have stayed

the same and 3 have scored

lower (Work and Economy,

Public Transport and Streets

and Spaces). For almost all

themes (with the exception of

public transport, social

interaction and influence and

sense of control) the lowest

scores (or shared lowest) were

in Scottish Index of Multiple

Deprivation 1.

During the consultation period,

987 people completed the

survey (615 online and 372

paper copies), 134 took part in

locality events and 379 in the

facilitated outreach sessions.

587 children and young people

who took part in a children and

young people designed version.

ACVO also hosted an in person

event in April to allow the city’s

third sector to share their views.

The lively and interactive

session utilised the Place

Standard Tool, enabling

participants to evaluate their

communities based on themes

such as housing, health and

local development. By offering

a platform for the third sector

ACVO’s Partnership Manager,

Jane Russell at the third sector

engagement event in April

to amplify the voices of those

they support, the event

ensured that a diverse range of

views were heard, including

those from communities that

are often underrepresented.

What Happens Next

The feedback gathered through

this consultation is now

playing a central role in

shaping several of Aberdeen’s

long-term strategic plans.



These include the forthcoming

Local Outcome Improvement

Plans (2026–36), Locality Plans

(2026–36), and the Children’s

Services Plan. All are currently

being developed by Community

Planning Aberdeen in

collaboration with local groups

and organisations. Further

community engagement will

continue over the coming

months, with draft plans

expected to go out for

public consultation in early

2026. The consultation results

are also informing a number of

wider strategies and policies

across the city. These include

the next Local Development

Plan Evidence Report, which is

due to be considered by Aberdeen

City Council in summer

2025, alongside a new Play

Sufficiency Assessment.

Other key plans being shaped

by this feedback include the

Health and Social Care

Strategic Plan, scheduled for

review by the Integrated Joint

Board on July 1, the Local

Housing Strategy, to be

discussed by the Communities,

Housing and Public Protection

Committee on August 26, and

the Community Learning and

Development Plan, which will

go before the Education and

Children’s Services Committee

on September 6. A proposed

Visitor Levy will also be

considered by the Finance and

Resources Committee on

August 6.

Residents can follow the

progress of these plans and

find out more by visiting the

Community Planning

Aberdeen website


TALLSHIPSABERDEEN.COM

ACVO News Features

ACVO News Features

Are you looking for a fun, friendly way to

get active in Aberdeen? Grampian Inclusive

Cycling Bothies (GICB) run free weekly

sessions designed for people of all ages and

abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

un in partnership with Sport

RAberdeen and Grampian Disability

Sport, these drop-in sessions are held

locally at the Aberdeen Cycle Hub @

Seaton on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Watch our short film featuring Beth

Douglas at one of GICB’s Aberdeen sessions:

They feature a wide range of adaptive

bikes, making cycling more accessible for

those with Additional Support Needs,

mobility issues or a lack in confidence that

might make riding a standard two-wheel

bicycle more challenging. GICB ensures

that everyone can experience the freedom

and fun of riding a bike in a way that suits

them.

The sessions are led by qualified Ride

Leaders who are happy to advise on

anything, from helping you choose a bike

to answering any questions you may have

about cycling. Anyone is welcome to try

out the range of adaptive bikes in a relaxed,

traffic-free environment to help build

confidence in cycling.

Beth Douglas, Project Activator, says:

It’s great to see people come

out of their shell when they get

on the bikes. It’s a really open

session where you can come

along, have a go, stay for five

minutes or stay for the whole

time. You are welcome to do

whatever and we would love to

see everyone here.

Families, carers, support workers and

individuals are all encouraged to come

along and have the opportunity to meet

new people, build confidence and enjoy the

outdoors – all made possible by GICB’s

adapted cycling sessions.

To find out more, check out the GICB

Facebook Page for their latest schedule

and book your free place through their

Eventbrite. To get in touch with the GICB

team, email gicb.gds@gmail.com


ACVO News Features

Policy Through Lived Experience:

CFINE’s Manifesto

for Real Political

Change in 2026

CFINE amplifies voices of those facing poverty and

food insecurity ahead of Scotland's 2026 election.

“If you’re living

in poverty,

dealing with

systems that

don’t work, you

know better

than anyone

what needs to

change”

s Scotland prepares for the 2026

national elections, Community Food

Initiatives North East (CFINE) is

leading an ambitious effort to put the

Avoices of people experiencing poverty, food

insecurity, and exclusion directly into the political

spotlight. Through the development of a Lived

Experience Manifesto, CFINE is ensuring that those

with the clearest insight into the impact of current

policies are the ones helping to shape what comes

next.

This isn’t symbolic engagement. It’s about building

political pressure through real participation.

“If you’re living in poverty, dealing with systems

that don’t work, you know better than anyone what

needs to change,” says Sean McVeigh, Development

Worker at CFINE. “It just makes sense that

your voice should be central. If lived experience

isn’t part of the solution, then whatever policies are

being made are going to be out of touch.”

From Listening to Action

CFINE's lived experience work formally began in

2023 after years of discussion and prior engagement.

It was initiated as part of CFINE's role within

Food Poverty Action Aberdeen, with the aim of

bringing people with first-hand experience of

poverty into decision making processes.

“It took a while to get it going," Sean recalls. "We

were meeting, people would come once and then

not return. But we realised quickly that if you’re

living in crisis, being asked to regularly commit your

time is a big ask. So we adapted, persevered, and

slowly built something more sustainable.”

After a year of monthly meetings, the group coproduced

a report with CFINE development staff,

aimed at informing Food Poverty Action Aberdeen,

Aberdeen City Council, The Scottish Government,

and other key stakeholders about the experience of

residents with first hand experience of food poverty

and food insecurity.

That work laid the foundation for the current

manifesto project. “We’ve always wanted this to

lead to real change, not just tick-box feedback,” Sean

says. “This manifesto is how we take that forward.”

Policy Through Experience

The manifesto is being built on testimony gathered

through group sessions and a newly launched Lived

Experience Survey, which CFINE hopes will capture

a broader range of views across the region.

“We realised it’s not always easy for people to attend

meetings,” explains Will Redpath, Operations and

Development Assistant at CFINE. “So we designed a

short survey – just five or ten questions – to gather

experiences of poverty, the cost of living crisis, and


ACVO News Features

Top Left from L-R Kirsty,

David & CFINE Pantry Team

member Beth Robertson: Top

Right Sean McVeigh,

Development Worker at

CFINE: Bottom Will

Redpath Operations and

Development Assistant at

CFINE

and what solutions people want to see. That forms

the backbone of this manifesto.”

Will sees the project as a shift in power. “It’s not top

down. It’s people telling us directly: this is the

problem, and here’s what might actually help. The

people most affected by these policies are the ones

who should shape them. It feels like common sense

when you say it, but it’s not how things usually

work.”

Sean agrees: “We want to say to politicians: here is

lived experience, here is evidence, here is what

people are saying. It’s no longer good enough to say

you care about poverty if you’re not listening to the

people actually living through it.”

He adds, "We’re trying to build something that’s

meaningful - not just stories to pull on heartstrings,

but something that has the power to shape what

comes next. There’s been a lot of chat, but not

enough action. This is our way of saying, 'Here's

what real people are telling us. Listen.'"

The Reality of Living It

For group member Kirsty, the work is personal as

well as political. Her experience navigating social

services, disability benefits, and mental health

systems has shown her how often those systems are

built for efficiency, not people.

“They just expect you to fit into a box. But you can’t

always do that,” she says. “Whether it’s digital


ACVO News Features

David and Kirsty

exclusion, poverty, mental health, disability -

whatever it is, we get slotted into systems that don’t

always work for us as they should. And when you

try to say that, it often feels like you are not being

listened to.”

Having found CFINE through Healthy Minds,

Kirsty credits the organisation with helping her get

connected to services she didn’t know existed. “You

often have to dig for support or opportunities in

your local area. And when you’re struggling, you

don’t always have the strength to seek things out for

yourself. That’s why these kinds of groups matter.

They empower you to take the next step, and they

help others to do the same.”

“Information not being shared is hurting people,”

she says. “It’s hurting people with disabilities, it’s

hurting people in poverty, and it’s keeping people

isolated.”

She also sees stigma as a huge barrier: "Stigma is

such a big reason why people don't share their voice.

But it just takes one person to speak out, and then

someone else goes, 'Yeah, me too.' It creates this

ripple effect. It builds confidence. It builds

community."

Kirsty also stresses that poverty doesn’t exist in

isolation - it intersects with mental health, housing,

education, and community support. “Poverty isn’t

just about not having enough money for food,” she

says. “It’s the house you live in, it’s your mental

health, it’s how connected - or disconnected - you

feel from everything around you. And if we’re

serious about tackling poverty, we need to stop

looking at all these things as separate issues and

start listening to the people who are living it every

day.”

Kirsty hopes that the voices being shared now will

lead to real action. "The government works for us.

But sometimes they need to be reminded. You can't

keep making policies that sound good on paper but

don't work in real life. That's why this manifesto

matters. It needs to come from the ground up."

David, another participant, reflects on how isolating

it can be. “Once I get home, I don’t hear from

anyone. It’s like I’m cut off. But through CFINE, I’ve

found out about support in my own community I

didn’t know was there.”

Stigma is such a big reason

why people don't share their

voice. But it just takes one person to

speak out. It creates this ripple effect. It

builds confidence. It builds community.

Kirsty, lived experience group participant


ACVO News Features

Will Redpath, Operations and

Development Assistant at CFINE

There’s power

in what people

are sharing, and we all

have a responsibility

to act on it. This

manifesto is how we

make that happen.

Sean McVeigh, Development Worker at CFINE

Sean Mcveigh

Development

Worker at CFINE

From Food to Voice

CFINE’s work has always combined practical

support with dignity and empowerment. The food

pantry is one example. “Being able to choose what

food you get makes a big difference,” says Beth

Robertson, a member of the pantry team. “We show

people how to cook, give them confidence, and help

them feel in control again. It’s not just about feeding

people - it’s about giving them the tools to feed

themselves and their families, and to make

informed, healthy choices.”

That same principle - centering agency and lived

experience - runs through the manifesto project.

“This is about shifting the narrative from statistics to

stories, from numbers to names,” says Will. “When

you hear someone talk about their life, it lands

differently. That’s what we’re trying to get across to

politicians.”

“We’re often told to trust ‘evidence-based policy,’

but too often that evidence is disconnected from the

people it’s supposed to represent. When someone

has lived through a broken system, what they have

to say isn’t a side note - it’s critical knowledge. It’s

exactly the kind of insight that should be driving

policy.”

To broaden participation, CFINE is also planning

targeted events for underrepresented groups.

“We’re going out to different communities – faith

groups, young people, disabled people – to make

sure we’re not just hearing from one group,” Sean

says. “And we're working with SHMU to produce

videos and digital content so that the message gets

out in different ways.”

The final manifesto will be shared directly with

MSPs, candidates, and key decision-makers across

Scotland.

Be Heard

The Lived Experience Survey is now open, and

CFINE is calling on anyone with experience of

poverty, food insecurity, housing challenges, or

exclusion to take part. Every response will help

shape a manifesto grounded in real insight and

lived reality.

Take the survey here: bit.ly/40fjCW3

“The goal is simple,” says Will. “We want to build

something that politicians can’t ignore. These aren’t

just statistics - these are real lives, real people, and

they need real solutions.”

Sean adds “There’s power in what people are

sharing, and we all have a responsibility to act on it.

This manifesto is how we make that happen.


ACVO News Features

ommunity spirit was in full force at

Cshmu’s Volunteers’ Week

celebration on the evening of Wednesday

4th June to honour their volunteers and

present the 2025 Angela Joss ‘Bee You’

Memorial Award.

Attendees from across Aberdeen gathered

at Woodside Community Centre to

recognise the invaluable contributions of

local volunteers. The event, which was

organised and hosted by the team at shmu,

paid tribute to the individuals and

organisations dedicating their time and

efforts to improving life in the city.

“We’re so proud to host this celebration,”

said Sarah Igesund, Senior Adult

Development Worker.

“Volunteers are at the heart of everything

we do at shmu. This event is about shining

a light on all their amazing efforts and it is a

joy to see so many people come together

this evening to celebrate one another.”

The highlight of the night was the ‘Bee You’

Award ceremony, presented in memory of

the late Angela Joss who was a

hardworking, selfless advocate for all things

community and volunteering in Aberdeen.

A short film, produced by shmu’s

Multimedia Mob, introduced the three

inspiring finalists – Phionna McInnes from

We Too!, Dave Ironside from AFC

Community Trust and Sarah-Jane Foxen

from Danestone Community Council –

showcasing the impactful work they do

across the city.

Following the screening, Phionna McInnes

was announced as the 2025 Angela Joss

Award winner.

Volunteers are at the

heart of everything we do at

shmu. This event is about

shining a light on all their

amazing efforts and it is a joy

to see so many people come

together this evening to

celebrate one another.

Sarah Igesund, Senior Adult Development Worker.

“Angela was such a force for good and such

a force of connection – connecting people

to make good stuff happen,” said Phionna.

“I think it’s really important to have

Angela’s legacy live on through this Award

and it’s important that we don’t forget the

work that she started and that we all make

a commitment to make sure it keeps going.

“We don’t shout enough about the

volunteering that is done in this city.

There’s good stuff happening in Aberdeen.

What an absolute privilege to win this

year’s award, thank you.”

Fellow finalists Sarah and Dave were

gracious and enthusiastic in their support.

“I think it’s a great honour to have been

nominated,” said Sarah. “To hear there

were over 60 other nominees and then

becoming one of the top three finalists has

been amazing. It’s been such an amazing

turnout tonight and congratulations to

worthy winner Phionna.”

Dave added: “It’s been a phenomenal

night. I’ve been so chuffed to have made it

to the top three finalists. It just shows you

there’s a lot of good work that goes on in

Aberdeen done by so many unseen

workers and unheralded people. Phionna

is an absolute force of nature and truly

deserves the win.”

Steve Joss, Angela’s husband, shared

heartfelt words about the ongoing legacy of

the Award: “Angela would be so proud. She

spent so much time volunteering. Without

these people, the city would be a lot worse

off. It’s nice to see so many people being

nominated this year and Angela would

have been so proud of them getting the

recognition they truly deserve.”

The evening ended on a high, full of

appreciation and inspiration – a fitting

tribute to Aberdeen’s thriving community

of volunteers during this special week of

celebration and recognition.

Watch the short film introducing this years’ finalists of the Angela Joss ‘Bee You’ Award.


Volunteer Aberdeen

Local Miscarriage

Support Charity

Receives the

King's Award for

Voluntary Service

ISS Miscarriage Support were

M recently presented with the

prestigious King's Award for Voluntary

Service. The national honour recognises

the outstanding contribution made to local

communities by groups of volunteers. It

has an equivalent status for voluntary

groups as the MBE has for individuals and

is the highest award that a voluntary

organisation can receive. The award was

presented by Aberdeen Lord Lieutenant,

Cllr. Dr. David Cameron, and Deputy

Lieutenant, Lady Gillian Milne.

MISS Founder Abi Clarke stated, “I feel

honoured to receive the King's Award for

Voluntary Service on behalf of MISS. I am

truly grateful for the support we received

during our nomination last year. Founded

in 2017 after experiencing my own

miscarriage, I am thankful to have turned

a deeply traumatic and sad time into a

positive by establishing a charity. We now

have a dedicated team of 45 members,

including 12 staff and 23 volunteers, and

we provide essential services and projects

across Scotland. I extend my heartfelt

thanks to all our partners and stakeholders

for their continued support.”

All at ACVO extend our huge congratulations

to MISS on receiving the Kings

Award for Voluntary Service.

For more information about MISS please

visit: miss-support.org.uk . More details

about the Kings

Award for Voluntary

Service are available

at: kavs.dcms.gov.uk

Recognition on the

national stage for

our local organisations

emphasise how valuable

and vital they are.

Mike Melvin

Volunteer Services Manager

It’s always a proud moment when local

organisations in Aberdeen and the North

East receive national recognition and

recently, we've had more than one reason

to celebrate.

As well as MISS Miscarriage Support

joining other local organisations such as

Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland

(A-ND), AberNecessities and Shopmobility

in the ever expanding list of Aberdeen

based recipients of the Kings Award for

Voluntary Service, Touch of Love also had

reason to celebrate this past month.

At the 2025 Scottish Charity Awards,

Touch of Love won both Charity of the

Year (under £100k) and the People’s

Choice Award. These honours are a

brilliant acknowledgment of the incredible

work Touch of Love does to support

minority ethnic communities in our city.

That the public voted them into the

spotlight shows just how deeply their work

resonates.

“Recognition like this matters. It

reminds us - and the rest of the

country - just how vital our local

charities and volunteers are. Some

of these organisations may be

small in size, but their impact is

tremendous.”

I also see that spirit thrive in our city’s

young people through my work with the

Saltire Awards, which ACVO delivers on

behalf of the Scottish Government. Youth

volunteering continues to grow with over

23,000 hours logged in Aberdeen this past

year - a 19% increase - with over 500 new

young volunteers stepping up.

It’s inspiring and a sign of a hopeful future.

Awards and national recognition don't just

celebrate success; they validate the heart

and effort our communities pour into

making life better for others.

Volunteer

Aberdeen


Funding

CashBack for Communities

The funding, which reinvests criminal assets recovered through the Proceeds of

Crime Act, will provide the opportunities and the tools to support young people

to make informed decisions about their future.

Applications for funding are now open, and the deadline for applications is

Thursday 7 August 2025 at 12pm noon.

The next phase of funding will provide up to £26 million from April 2026 to end

of March 2029. Organisations can apply for grants between £150,000 and

£1,500,000.

In this phase, CashBack for Communities partners will deliver early and effective

prevention activities for children and young people aged 10-25. By

strengthening ties with local communities, we will provide positive activities for

young people facing the greatest challenges.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from: not-for-profits (this includes registered charities

and not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee or shares),

organisations working in Scotland and organisations with a

track record of delivering similar services.

Find out more at acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding

Community Justice

Funding Available:

up to £1,500,000

Applications close:

07/08/2025

Arts & Culture

Funding Available:

£1,000 - £100,000

Applications are

ongoing

The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations

Creative Scotland

What the fund supports

The fund will continue to support organisations to deliver a wide range of creative

activity.

This includes funding for:

a specific one-off project or production or

a period of creative research and development or

a longer term programme of work.

It can also support organisations to undertake business and organisational

development that will:

enhance their business sustainability through the development of new or more

diverse income streams

or

consider broader organisational development costs.

Examples of the types of activity that the fund can support can be found in the

Guidance for Applicants. It is not exhaustive and is provided to give applicants an

indication of the types of activity that can be applied for. If you have any queries

about what you are wanting to apply for, please contact our Enquiries Service

before starting your application.

Find out more at acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding

Funding

discover more funding opportunities collected with

Aberdeen's third sector in mind on our funding portal at

acvo.org.uk/opportunities/funding


Events

Events

Events in July

3rd

8th

9th

How Can Community Members

Have More Influence on Where

Funding Goes?

We are bringing together some local funders

and community members to discuss ideas of

how to influence and shape where and how

local funding is delivered, and we would love

to hear your views on this.

Funders, in the last few years you must have

been inundated with applications! Do you feel

that you know enough about what needs

funding in the City and meets your charitable

purpose? What would you like to know more

about?

Community members, there are more ways to

get involved with how funding decisions are

made, such as Participatory Budgeting. Does it

feel like you are involved? What action could

be taken by Funders to hear more from a

community about what is needed to really

show an impact?

Choir Concert - in support of

Godfrey’s Voice SCIO

The Choir of St. Bride’s Anglican Church,

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Works by: Rutter, Wilby, Chilcott, Wesley,

Totney along with Canadian folk music.

Conductor: Arthur McGlashan

Organist: Ian Sadler

Donation in support of Godfrey’s Voice SCIO

Charity.

ACVO Event – Simple Ways To

Reduce Costs

Online Lunch & Learn

We’re always looking for ways to help bring

the costs of operating down – even just a little.

Join ACVO’s Policy & Consultations Officer

Alasdair Ross and Funding Officer Claire Shaw

as they introduce a few simple ideas including

accessing funding to bring energy costs down

and how you can use public sector

procurement frameworks to save on

everything from stationary to mobile phone

contracts.

Date Thu 3 July 2025

Date Tue 8 July 2025

Date Wed 9 July 2025

Time

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Time

from 7:00 pm

Time

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Cost

Free

Cost

Free - donations accepted

Cost

Free

Organiser

The Grampian Engagement

Network & Community

Planning Aberdeen

Organiser

St James Episcopal Church

Organiser

ACVO TSI

Venue Trinity Hall, 164

Holburn Street,

Aberdeen, AB10 6DA

Venue

St James Episcopal

Church, 1-3 Holburn Street,

Aberdeen, AB10 6BS

Venue

Online - Microsoft Teams

Find out more via ACVO Events




Events

Introduction to Suicide

Prevention

It is estimated that 1 in 20 people have

thought about suicide in any given year, which

shows us why it’s so important that we all do

our bit to start the conversation and tackle

stigma.

These sessions are free of charge and open to

anyone living or working in Aberdeen City or

Moray. They are for anyone who wants to stay

informed and get the opportunity to come

together and learn from others. This is whether

you are looking for an initial overview or have

done some sort of suicide prevention training

previously and looking for a refresher.

The session covers:

• Introduction to the statistics and prevalence

of suicide

• Stigma – why does this still exist?

• Spotting the signs that may suggest someone

is having thoughts of suicide

• Asking the question around suicide, the

power of listening and remembering what we

can do within the remit of our roles

• Signposting to support and resources; our

boundaries/looking after ourselves

Intergenerational training for

trainers and practitioners

The course is interactive with regular screen

breaks throughout the day and will be

delivered via Zoom.

GWT is pleased to confirm that the training

courses have been CPD accredited by the CPD

Standards Office which aids you in your career

progression and advancement.

Benefits of CPD

CPD helps employees keep their knowledge

and skills up-to-date. It also ensures that the

professional standard of their qualifications

and registrations is maintained. Furthermore, it

contributes to their professional sense of

direction. Completing CPD helps build their

confidence and credibility, allows them to

showcase their achievements and equips them

with tools to cope positively with change.

Training courses will be of interest to those

who are keen to embed intergenerational

approaches within their programme of work.

Participants can request a certificate awarding

them with 4 hours of accreditation.

Aila Website Launch &

Gambling Harm Training

Gambling Harm Training

Better understand how gambling can impact

individuals and communities. Leave feeling

equipment to support and signpost individuals

who are impacted by gambling, their own or

someone else’s.

Welcome to the Aila Website Launch!

Aila is a website that has been co-designed

with a group of women who have lived

experience. It is a website for women who

experience harm from their own, or someone

else’s gambling. Aila has been designed for

women at any point of their journey. Aila has

been created with the aim to raise awareness,

reduce stigma and prevent people from

experiencing harm from gambling.

Aila is an online space where women can

explore available support options, speak to

someone who gets it via a live chat function,

browse other women’s stories in the Lived and

Living Library, gain a better understanding of

gambling harm, and access useful tools to

support their experience.



Date Thu 17 July 2025

Time

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Time

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Time

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Cost

Free

Cost £50 - £100

Cost

Free

Organiser

SAMH

Organiser

Generations Working

Together

Organiser

Aila

Venue

Online

Venue

Online

Venue

John Comper Hall,

Gallowgate, Aberdeen,

AB25 1EA




9th

16th

17th

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

Senior Community Development

Practitioner

NESCAN Hub

£39,000 - £40,500 Full time 37.5 hours per week Fixed Term Aberdeen

Closing date: 16/07/2025

Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

Are you a values-driven Community Learning & Development (CLD) professional passionate about climate justice and

community empowerment?

NESCAN Hub is seeking a Senior Community Development Practitioner to support the next phase of our Just Transition

Communities Project (JTCP) -helping communities across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire co-create fairer, greener

futures.

You’ll play a key role in supporting community-led action on climate and social change – mentoring staff, developing

innovative training resources, and enabling communities to influence policy and build community wealth. You’ll also

contribute to the evolution of participatory practice and regional collaboration as part of a dynamic, ambitious team.

What You’ll Do:

Shape CLD practice that supports a just transition across the region

Support communities to implement action plans from previous community assemblies

Mentor and guide Community Development Officers

Develop and deliver inclusive learning resources and participatory training

Collaborate with strategic partners and advocate for community-led transition models

Evaluate impact and share learning across networks

Download Job Description

Fundraiser & Business Development

Lead

NESCAN Hub

£41,000 - £44,000 Full time 37.5 hours per week Fixed Term Aberdeen



The North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN) Hub is a regional community climate action hub, and charity

registered in Scotland, covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Our vision is to contribute to the creation of a flourishing,

connected and sustainable North East Scotland through the provision of dedicated support for community led climate

action.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Fundraiser & Business Development Lead, who will play a pivotal role in supporting

the operation, development and financial security of the charity. This role will be responsible for securing funding, fostering

strategic partnerships, driving business development initiatives, and working with the senior management team to provide

strategic support to the organisation and board with planning and managing resources.

As part of a dynamic, values-driven network and organisation, focused on tackling climate change in North East Scotland, this

is an excellent opportunity for someone with proven fundraising and business development experience and the right skillset

and characteristics to develop and strengthen strategic relationships and find and secure diversified funding for NESCAN

Hub.

Download Job Advert


Vacancies

Counsellor – Prison Service

Aberdeen Foyer

£27,477 - £31,007 (DOE) Part Time

14.5 hours per week Permanent

HMP Grampian, Peterhead Closing date: 14/07/2025 Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

The Aberdeen Foyer Counselling service offers therapeutic support, free of charge, for clients in Aberdeen and

Aberdeenshire. We work alongside other internal Aberdeen Foyer teams supporting existing clients in achieving their

potential. We accept referrals from within Aberdeen Foyer and external agencies, as well as self-referrals.

We offer a specialised therapy experience tailored to the needs of each client. Therapy is offered on an individual basis with

weekly sessions that can take place either in person or virtually. Additionally, our team offers a variety of training sessions

and workshops for Foyer staff and clients to raise psychological awareness and contribute to co-creating a psychologically

safe environment.

The aim of the counsellor is to provide confidential, one-to-one counselling to support those who are struggling with

emotional or mental health issues. This may include anxiety, depression, low mood, anger management and a range of other

issues. As counsellor, you will help to remove psychological barriers that prevent clients from achieving their full potential,

whether with education or employment, as well as improving their wellbeing and mental health in a non-judgmental

environment.

The successful candidate will be a qualified, registered counsellor in their chosen modality who is excellent at engaging with

and listening to clients. They must be keen and ready to undergo additional training provided by HMP Grampian as part of the

induction. You will have experience of working with, supporting, and engaging with clients on a one-to-one basis.

Communication and interpersonal skills are paramount as we need an individual who will be able to work emphatically while

maintaining clear boundaries. The candidate will be a supportive team member to fellow counsellors.

Download Job Pack

Download Job Profile

Counsellor

Aberdeen Foyer

£27,477 - £31,007 (DOE) Part Time

29 hours per week Permanent

Banff, Fraserburgh

and Peterhead areas



The Aberdeen Foyer Counselling service offers therapeutic support, free of charge, for clients in Aberdeen and

Aberdeenshire. We work alongside other internal Aberdeen Foyer teams supporting existing clients in achieving their

potential. We accept referrals from within Aberdeen Foyer and external agencies, as well as self-referrals.

We offer a specialised therapy experience tailored to the needs of each client. Therapy is offered on an individual basis with

weekly sessions that can take place either in person or virtually. Additionally, our team offers a variety of training sessions

and workshops for Foyer staff and clients to raise psychological awareness and contribute to co-creating a psychologically

safe environment.

The aim of the counsellor is to provide confidential, one-to-one counselling to support those who are struggling with

emotional or mental health issues. This may include anxiety, depression, low mood, anger management and a range of other

issues. As counsellor, you will help to remove psychological barriers that prevent clients from achieving their full potential,

whether with education or employment, as well as improving their wellbeing and mental health in a non-judgmental

environment.

The successful candidate will be a qualified, registered counsellor in their chosen modality who is excellent at engaging with

and listening to clients. They must be keen and ready to undergo additional training provided by HMP Grampian as part of the

induction. You will have experience of working with, supporting, and engaging with clients on a one-to-one basis.

Communication and interpersonal skills are paramount as we need an individual who will be able to work emphatically while

maintaining clear boundaries. The candidate will be a supportive team member to fellow counsellors.

Download Job Pack

Download Job Profile


Vacancies

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Practitioner – Southview Gardens

Penumbra

£24,374 - £25,687 per annum (£12.50 - £13.17 p/h equivalent) Full time

37.5 hours per week

Fixed Term

Aberdeen



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 Southview Gardens service you can start your day knowing what you do really

does make a difference!

We are looking for a highly motivated Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join a dedicated team on a fixed term

basis, delivering high quality, person-centred support to five adults within their own homes in the community of Nigg.

You will become part of a dynamic service demonstrating professionalism, safeguarding, reflective practice, and continuous

service improvement including provision of supervision to others staff and working closely with the Service Manager.

By collaborating with individuals, their families, and multi-agency professionals, you will strive to promote positive mental

and physical wellbeing through preventative and early intervention approaches. Recovery often involves supporting

individuals during periods of distress, so it is important to do so sensitively with individuals when developing coping

strategies and accessing the right services at the right time.

In doing so, you will support individuals to increase their life skills in line with their preferences and the Health and Social

Care Standards. This often involves a variety of housing support needs and care at home assistance too.

Promoting communication is essential, so individuals can meaningfully participate in decisions and choices that matter to

them, whilst expressing their own personality and talents. As a key worker, you will assist individuals to progress and review

their recovery via a range of coaching approaches and toolkits.

Download Recruitment Pack

Relief Mental Health & Wellbeing

Practitioner – Intensive Housing

Support Service

Penumbra

£12.50 plus £1.51 holiday pay = £14.01 p/h Flexible

Hours as required

Relief

Aberdeen




come to the right place. Working within our Intensive Housing Support service you can start your day knowing what you

do really does make a difference!

In collaboration with the Integrated Drugs Team, our Intensive Housing Support Service provides recovery-focused support

for individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges. Using a strengths-based approach to

addressing barriers to recovery, we work to promote self-management, resilience building and connecting positively to

community resources to promote ongoing wellbeing.

The Intensive Housing Support Service supports individuals and families in Aberdeen City affected by substance use. We aim

to support individuals to reduce their substance use, reduce harm associated with substance use and to support individuals to

make informed decisions about their medication prescription as per MAT standards implementation. Our team will provide

advice on how such support is accessed and how this may benefit.



Vacancies

Mental Health & Wellbeing Worker

– Aberdeen Mental Health Service

Penumbra

£23,810 per annum (£12.21 p/h) (Pay award pending) Full time

37.5 hours per week

Permanent

Aberdeen




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!

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.


Facilitator

Growing2gether

£25,000 – £26,000 (pro-rata) Flexible

9.00 – 17.00 on working days

Aberdeen City Closing date: 03/07/2025 Find out more and apply at acvo.org.uk/vacancies

Support the delivery of Growing2gethers 16-18 week Nursery Mentoring programme in Aberdeen.

This post is initially for 2 days a week on 2 Nursery Mentoring programmes.

Support the Lead facilitator who is responsible for the integrity and effective planning, coordination, implementation of the

Growing2gether Nursery Mentoring Programmes.

To establish and maintain good working relationships with participating secondary and primary schools to ensure effective

delivery of the programme.

To train up from a Facilitator, to a Lead facilitator role

You will assist and co-deliver on two Nursery programmes with the intention of becoming the Lead Facilitator in future

cohorts.

Essence of Role – Key Tasks, Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Co-deliver an agreed number of Cohorts per term.

Take responsibility for learning the setting up and managing projects in an on-going capacity.

When needed, liaise with stakeholders – schools and nurseries

Host nursery VIP visits to support the development of the Charity.

To feedback to the Programme Manager development opportunities within schools, as well as alert them to any issues


Download Application Form


Vacancies

NRPF Project Worker

No Recourse North East Partnership

£27,332 FTE Part time

15 hours per week

Fixed Term

Aberdeen



The NRPF Project Worker will coordinate the Partnership meetings, support training sessions on NRPF-related issues, and

work alongside Partnership members and other key stakeholders to ensure quality advice and support is provided to those

with NRPF in the North East.

An ideal candidate has project delivery experience, takes initiative, builds collaborative relationships, delivers engaging

presentations, communicates clearly, is organised, tech-savvy, and skilled in networking.

Although not a requirement, we strongly encourage applications from individuals with direct experience of NRPF and

applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by NRPF.

Training will be provided for those without in-depth knowledge of NRPF and its complexities.

The Project Worker will report to the NRNE Partnership facilitators and receive line management from GREC’s General

Manager.



NRPF Development Worker

No Recourse North East Partnership

£27,990 Full time


36.25 hours per week Aberdeen

Fixed Term


The NRPF Development Worker will expand the NRNE Partnership, raise awareness, and represent the Partnership

nationally and locally. They will influence and develop anti-destitution policies by engaging public bodies, participating in

relevant local authority initiatives, and collaborating with relevant organisations. They will manage and support the Lived

Experience Group, and key Partnership communications, including drafting NRNE Partnership policy responses, and

managing the Partnership website and social media.

An ideal candidate will be organised, have strong communication and collaboration skills, be able to take initiative and work

independently, and be passionate about alleviating barriers for those from minority communities in the UK.

Although not a requirement, we strongly encourage applications from individuals with direct experience of NRPF and

applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by NRPF.

Training will be provided for those without in-depth knowledge of NRPF and its complexities.

The Development Worker will report to the NRNE Partnership facilitators and receive line management from GREC’s

General Manager.




Vacancies

Money Advice Worker (Outreach)

Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau

£23,029.54 - £25,848.26 Full time

35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Fixed Term

Various - Aberdeen



We have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to provide comprehensive debt, budgeting and income

maximisation advice and support to clients in various locations across Aberdeen.

This ranges from contacting and negotiating with creditors, preparing financial statements, and supporting clients to

undertake their chosen debt remedy. The role involves assessing the client’s situation, dealing promptly with any

emergencies, undertaking case work and liaising with external organisations as necessary to support the client as much as

possible. The role also involves ensuring that the client’s details are fully captured on our online recording system and that all

statistical data is captured for funding purposes. This role involves attending various outreach locations and as such the

ability to travel around Aberdeen between locations is essential. This post is funded through the Fairer Aberdeen Fund.

Up to 6% employer pension contribution for both positions

36 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays (calculated pro-rata)

Temporary until 31st March 2026

(thereafter subject to continued funding)


Download Job Advert

Money Advice Worker (Foodbank Project)

Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau

£9,209.20 - £10,337.60 Part time

14 hours per week

Fixed Term

Various - Aberdeen



We have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to provide comprehensive debt, budgeting and income

maximisation advice and support to clients attending foodbanks in various locations across Aberdeen.

This ranges from contacting and negotiating with creditors, preparing financial statements, and supporting clients to

undertake their chosen debt remedy. The role involves assessing the client’s situation, dealing promptly with any

emergencies, undertaking case work and liaising with external organisations as necessary to support the client as much as

possible. The role also involves ensuring that the client’s details are fully captured on our online recording system and that all

statistical data is captured for funding purposes. This role involves attending various outreach locations and as such the

ability to travel around Aberdeen between locations is essential. This post is funded as part of a partnership with Trussell and

British Gas Energy Trust.

Temporary until 31st March 2026

(thereafter subject to continued funding)

Up to 6% employer pension contribution for both positions

36 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays (calculated pro-rata)


Download Job Advert


Vacancies

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Worker – Papermill Gardens

Penumbra

£23,810 per annum (£12.21 p/h) (Pay award pending) Full time

37.5 hours per week

Permanent

Aberdeen




come to the right place. Working within our Papermill Gardens service you can start your day knowing what you do really

does make a difference!

Our Papermill Gardens service delivers a high-quality Care at Home and Housing Support service for adults with severe and

enduring mental health challenges. Supporting 11 individual tenancies and community- based outreach support, the service

operates on a 24/7 basis.

With the aim of equipping people with the skills needed to live independently and meaningfully within the local community, a

strengths-based coaching approach to recovery is used to build confidence, maintain motivation, and promote resilience.

Alongside this we also provide practical support with food preparation, medication, budgeting, and other daily living skills.

Promoting participation and inclusion is a core value of the service, through working alongside people to deliver innovative,

creative, and personalised interventions and opportunities.

You will be experienced and passionate about working in a person-centred way with adults who experience mental health

issues or adults who are expressing their needs through distressed behaviour and substance misuse. With a strong interest in

people and a commitment to helping others, you will strive to make a positive impact on people’s lives and tailor support to

enable people to fulfil their best potential.


Family Support Worker

includem

£24,757 Full Time

37 hours per week (flexible between 8am – 10pm, 5 days over 7)

Permanent

Aberdeen



Includem is recruiting for a Family Support Worker to join our service providing Targeted Family Support in Aberdeen.

Applicants should demonstrate skills in delivering support through an early intervention model supporting families in their

communities. In addition, this service will also support young people who are in conflict with the law. Applicants should

demonstrate skills report writing, case management, supporting young people in conflict with the law including diversion

from prosecution and knowledge of court and child protection processes.

Includem is committed to developing employees and will help you achieve the relevant qualifications required to carry out

the role. These qualifications will be fully funded by includem. The successful candidate should have a full driver’s license and

access to a car.

You must have a valid driving license and access to a roadworthy vehicle

Be available between 8am and 10pm

Be flexible to work weekends

Have minimum of 2 years Social Care work experience

To apply please send your CV to recruitment@includem.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 1st August 2025 at midnight. Successful Candidates will be invited to the two stages of

interview group and individual.



Vacancies

Volunteer Coordinator

CFINE

£24,354 Full Time

36.25 per week

Fixed Term

Aberdeen



The primary purpose of this role is the coordination and development of CFINE’s volunteer programme.

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.

Contract: Fixed Term until June 2026

Location: CFINE, 2-4 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen AB11 5RW with travel throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and

Highlands.

To apply, please request an application form for this post by emailing scockburn@cfine.org. Complete and return your

application accompanied by a letter stating why you are suitable for this post, to Sarah Cockburn, Marketing & PR Officer, 2-4

Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW or by email to scockburn@cfine.org


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

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Not a member? Join now for as little as £25 per year.

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visit acvo.org.uk/vacancies for more details


acvo.org.uk

ACVO News July 2025

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