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AVA: Supporting you to make a difference
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AVA Supports Communities throughout Aberdeenshire. If you or your group are based in Aberdeenshire and are looking for some support - contact your local Development Officer:
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Contents: (click on heading links below to skip to relevant section)
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For this months AVA Members Spotlight we are travelling west deep into Deeside.
Community owned Braemar Castle have agreed upon a phased opening. Within the Castle grounds they have a great space to put some creative ideas together to offer an enjoyable and safe place for firstly the local community (400) including our 50 volunteer-base, and then as restrictions ease, visitors (up to 20 people at one time) to spend some time. With the necessary safeguards in place (PPE handsanitizers, signage, contactless card reader) our volunteers and local community will be offered a variety of ways to get involved with developing the grounds, welcoming others, or simply enjoying the space for themselves. Castle character picnic tables and seating areas; mown grass spiral; home-made wind chime project; painted white lines for ‘long distance’ running track; an arena for social distancing meetings – singing, poetry/historical text readings, costume character monologues; a quiz trail through the woods; simple keep fit ideas, not forgetting the portaloos! We are delighted to support this initiative with our AVA Supporting Communities Fund.
Braemar Castle has also had a huge boost with recent support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. They have received emergency funding of £35,000. This will allow them to do many great things including reviewing our fundraising and events and tweak them to ensure they reach their target and just the other day they received a further £80,000 towards their renovation work from Wolson Foundation. Brilliant news!
We love working with this enthusiastic team of volunteers and staff at Braemar Castle who provide an experience second to none it what is a very special place. To get updates on what is happening at the Castle with their phased reopening check out their website http://www.braemarcastle.co.uk
Lumphanan Moving Pictures is a small group of very hardworking volunteers who normally provide a cinema experience in their local village hall. Over the last four months this has not been possible. The group asked us to help and they received an award from us from our AVA Supporting Communities Fund. We were delighted to help them fund a unique project called ‘Bags of Sunshine’ which is a service they provide to socially isolated and low income residents of Lumphanan, Torphins and Kincardine O’Neil. We think this project is brilliant. People receiving a ‘Bag of Sunshine’ receive a free delivery of 6 DVDs and a bar of chocolate or bag of popcorn. They are providing a vital link for people in their local community. Well done Lumphanan Moving Pictures!
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The prestigious national 2020 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration are now open.
Due to current Covid-19 government restrictions the launch event in partnership with the Glasgow Canal Cooperative and the Year of Coasts and Waters had to be cancelled. Although this was disappointing for all involved SURF are pleased to launch the application process online, making the materials available to download from the SURF website: https://www.surf.scot/surf-awards/
The SURF Awards are delivered each year by SURF, a regeneration forum with over 300 cross-sector member organisations across Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. The purpose is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland.
The 2020 SURF Awards will have a particular focus, where relevant, on rewarding and showcasing projects who have adapted, or created, services to support their communities through the Covid-19 crisis. Projects can be judged on up to two years of previous activity, and will not be negatively scored for failing to deliver planned activities for 2020 which were impacted by Covid-19.
This year’s five thematic categories include; Supporting Youth Employability sponsored by Skills Development Scotland, Creative Regeneration sponsored by Creative Scotland, Community Led Regeneration sponsored by Highlands and Island Enterprise, Scotland’s Most Improved Place sponsored by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Architecture & Design Scotland and finally Housing and Regeneration sponsored by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.
The winners of the 2020 Awards will be announced by a leading Scottish Government Minister at a celebratory dinner in Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel on the 10th December.
In response to Covid-19, Friends at the End (FATE) has been awarded grants from the National Lottery Community Fund, Foundation Scotland and the Wellbeing Trust to help people to put their end of life care plans in place. FATE formed as a voluntary society in 2000 and were awarded charitable status in 2018. Based in Glasgow, they work with people throughout Scotland.
These awards will help FATE to support more people (especially those in need by reason of age, ill health, and other disadvantage) to document their end-of-life wishes, by assisting with the preparation of Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, Advance Statements etc. FATE already offer this support to members via a telephone advice line, video conferencing and newsletters/e-bulletins and also cover the associated legal and registration fees for those who otherwise could not afford it.
You can find more information at: https://fate.scot/news/coronavirus-covid-19/
Audit Scotland has recently published its annual report and accounts for 2019/20, outlining
their performance and activity during the past year.
The report pays tribute to all those working so hard to save lives, support communities and protect jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report says the global crisis comes at a time when Scotland’s public services and finances are already under significant pressure from an ageing population, continuing inequalities and the climate emergency, as well as working to mitigate the potential effects of EU withdrawal.
Click here to read more about the Audit Scotland annual report
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Magpie News
Our Magpie staff are working very hard to prepare the shops for safe reopening as soon as possible. More information will follow as soon as it becomes available.
If you would like to make a donation to Magpie so that we can continue to support those in our community who need our help visit bit.ly/MagpieDonate or scan the QR code below.
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Furniture, household goods, clothes & bric-a-brac
Tillybrake Industrial Estate, Banchory AB31 5UN
Tel: 01330 823800
Visit the Magpie website at: www.magpieshops.org.uk
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Visit the AVA website for regularly updated funding information  at: https://www.avashire.org.uk/funding.html Our AVA Funding Officer can also assist with funding searches. Contact Donna Speed at: Donna.Speed@avashire.org.uk or Tel: 07964 036821.
COVID-19 FUNDING AND FINANCE
AVA has recently developed a file of Covid-19 funding information that can be downloaded and shared. It will be updated on a weekly basis and will show funds that are open at the time of publishing. You can download the file via the funding page of our website.
AVA SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND UPDATE
Please note our very successful AVA Supporting Communities Fund is now closed to new applications. In this phase we are delighted it has had such a wonderful uptake in communities all across Aberdeenshire, with money reaching the groups who really need support. A full list of the organisations to have received funds is available clicking here.
For help with other Covid-19 related funding please click here.
Kincardineshire Development Partnership - Supporting Communities Fund
On 18th March, the Scottish Government announced an investment of £350 million to support local communities and households in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding has been established as part of this investment package to provide financial support, targeted through community anchor organisations working in partnership with others in the community and with public services, in coordinating local responses to the pandemic.
KDP is delighted to have secured £3,000 for each of the 12 Community Council areas across Kincardine and Mearns.
The fund is currently available until mid-August or until all funds are allocated. Groups can apply for funds to help support COVID-19 related activities.
For guidelines and an application form, please click here.
For further information please contact KDP at officesupport@kdp.scot.
Independent Age Grant Fund open
Independent Age have launched our Independent Age Grants Fund to help smaller organisations across the UK support older people most affected by COVID-19. Through collaborative efforts, they aim to reach more people, particularly those who are:
- living in complex and challenging situations
- in danger of being out of sight and out of mind
They will be releasing £2 million across four sperate funding rounds. In each round they will be making £500,000 available where organisations can apply to receive up to £15,000 each.
Go to their website to find out more. You will also be able to also find further information on eligibility criteria, guidance on how to apply and links to download an application form.
MAP Supporting Communities Fund is now open for applications. The money has been received from the Scottish Government and MAP would like to support work in the community that addresses the evolving issues from the Covid19 crisis.
If your project focuses on supporting mental health issues, shielding individuals and vulnerable groups, MAP would really like to hear from you. The fund will prioritise community groups that have not already received funds themselves from similar streams. It cannot be used alongside other Covid19 support funds; double funding for the same activity is not permitted.
The fund will have a very swift turnaround time and MAP aim to ensure it is straightforward to apply for. Funds are released before the project takes place and you do not have to match the funds yourselves.
Please contact Kate Redpath on 07786 049344 or kate@marrareapartnership.org.uk for more advice and the application form.
CO-OP Local Community Fund 
Co-op Members have already helped over 21,000 local causes across
the UK, through their Local Community Fund. They re now looking to help projects that are supporting those most in need, improving
mental & physical wellbeing or building community resilience. The
fund deadline has been extended to 12 July for the following areas;-
Aberchirder, Buckie, Aviemore, Cullen, Dufftown, Aberlour, Fochabers, Forres, Nairn, Newtonmore,
Kingussie & Portsoy
Apply by 12 July at https://causes.coop.co.uk #ItsWhatWeDo
The Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund is open for not-for-profit community groups to apply for an emergency £500 grant to support their work with vulnerable groups in the local community. It will support groups who are doing things differently or doing new things to support those needing help at this time.
There is a simple online application form, and awards will be made weekly.
For more details please visit https://tescobagsofhelp.org.uk/grant-schemes/tesco-cv-fund/
The Community Enabler team at greenspace scotland can help you apply https://www.greenspacescotland.org.uk/tesco-bags-of-help-covid19-communities-fund
Aberdeenshire Group funding Success
Congratulations to Networks of Wellbeing who have been awarded funding to run both a relaxation group and a Chilling Women group for people living in Turriff and the surrounding areas.
For more informaiton on these activities visit http://www.networksofwellbeing.org/feature-activity.html
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Search for volunteering opportunities on the AVA Website
AVA has a volunteering opportunities search facility on our website which makes it easier to find opportunities in the Aberdeenshire area. You can refine your search depending on what kind of volunteering you are looking for and you can also make it area specific. Visit the AVA website at:https://www.avashire.org.uk/volunteering.html
SCILL Aberdeenshire - Volunteer Trustees Required
SCILL Aberdeenshire are looking for volunteers who might be interested in joining their Board of Trustees. SCILL won’t be able to resume activities until Phase 3 & 4 of lockdown easing but it would be nice to find out if anyone is interested in potentially getting involved. Parents or other relatives of children with Additional Support Needs, or former or current professionals in healthcare or in the area of additional needs would be most welcome. However, no specific background or qualifications are required.
SCILL (SCIO) is run by a committee of trustees responsible for governance and planning, supported by an Administrator. Trustees will help steer the charity and help prioritise activities to support children with Additional Needs and their parents/carers.
The role of trustee with SCILL (SCIO) involves attending monthly committee meetings and helping to run events during term time.
Current trustees include teachers and parents, and anyone with an interest in contributing to SCILL’s aims is welcome to join and contribute in their own way. Experience of ASN is not essential.
Contact admin@scill-aberdeenshire.org.uk for more information or register your interest at
https://search.volunteerscotland.net/organisation/00124000008nYXSAA2/scill-aberdeenshire
Age Peterhead - Volunteer Chairperson/Trustee Required.
Age Peterhead is a registered charity and provides a range of services for the elderly and disabled people in the Peterhead area.
They require a volunteer chairperson to oversee the running of the longstanding local charity. Ideally someone with computer knowledge, with the ability to get on with volunteers and clients and is motivated to improve and expand the organisation aims.
The Chairpersons role consists of supervising the duties of 18 volunteers being aware of and exploiting where possible, fundraising opportunities. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for someone who feels they can make a positive contribution to the community.
Phone 01779472331 or 01779821662 or email agepeterhead@gmail.com messages are collected during the lockdown.
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Diabetes Scotland is continuing to offer online guided mindfulness and seated yoga sessions for people with diabetes. Two one hour sessions per week take place via Zoom on Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 3pm led by Donna Booth of Vitality Retreat in Caithness. Anyone who is interested in taking part should email scotland@diabetes.org.uk for further information and log in details.
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/in_your_area/scotland/news/mindfulness-yoga
Summer Reading Challenge 2020 - New Themed Fortnight
Live Life Aberdeenshire launched their Fantasy Island Themed Fortnight on 6th July - https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/live-life-at-home/summer-reading-challenge/fantasy-island/, as part of the Summer Reading Challenge.
Join in online from the comfort of your home, garden or local area as they take you on a journey filled with fantasy and action packed activities. Visit their digital library where you can read, listen and share books together or complete one of their exciting sport, arts, craft or outdoor challenges linked to themes such as Fantasy Island and Big Read Picnic.You can also enter the prize draw to win some excellent prizes. Details of the prizes to be announced over the next few weeks.
Almost half of the people taking part are family groups so why not sign up yours.
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Power tools is a suite of personal development learning modules which have been set up to support the understanding of how learning, personal growth and mental health and wellbeing are connected.
This consists of the three building blocks which are;-
- Think and reflect
- Enquire and Grow
- Small steps to progress and change.
These lead to improved wellbeing and personal effectiveness.
Aberdeenshire Council are running online groups of 4 to 10 people facilitated by Community Learning and Development Practitioners. Sessions last approx 1.5 hours.
Moods and Mindset part 1&2: Monday 13th & 20th July 2.30pm
Who Are You? Self Identity: Wednesday 22nd July 1pm
Self Belief and Self Talk: Wednesday 29th July 10.30am
Participants will need either a laptop, computer, tablet or mobile phone which has a camera and microphone.
To find out more e-mail adultlearning.cld@aberdeeenshire.gov.uk or click here to book a session.
The Springboard Charity Wellbeing Fund
The Springboard Charity has launched their Digital Hospitality Academy across the UK and can now offer additional support to Scottish trainees. They are offering anyone who is currently not working or is unable to work due to Covid-19, tailored support to help find a job and to prepare for when social distancing is relaxed.
Once enrolled on the programme each trainee will have a needs assessment conversation with their programme manager and offered help with a smart phone and/or data package to access learning, help to purchase right to work id, interview clothes, uniform or travel tickets and childcare costs when moving towards work and personal needs including laundry costs or new spectacles.
Courses include:
• 121 mentoring and support from a Springboard employability specialist;
• Online modules including: Customer Service, Food Safety Level 2, Licensing, Cocktails, Wine and Coffee
• Live group training: Confidence & Assertiveness, CV Development, Interview Skills, Transferrable Skills, Guest Speakers
• Interview practice with employers
Registration is a simple process and access to the learning is guided by experienced staff. In addition to equipping trainees with skills for Hospitality Leisure and Tourism the Academy focusses on identifying and developing skills that can be transferred to other sectors.
Click here for more information.
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Proposed Aberdeenshire Local
Development Plan 2020 Consultation
On 5th March 2020, the Proposed Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2020 was agreed as the settled view of the council.
The Proposed Local Development Plan (PLDP) sets out the proposed policies that would be used to assess planning applications and identifies development opportunities across Aberdeenshire for the period to 2031.
Aberdeenshire Council are consulting on the Proposed Local Development Plan between 25th May and 31st July 2020. During this time formal representations, or responses, on content of the Proposed Local Development Plan can be accepted. Consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment – Environmental Report of the Proposed Local Development Plan is also taking place during this period.
You can view the Proposed Local Development Plan, download a response form, and view a range of material available to assist in the understanding of the plan-making process and the individual policies and proposals outlined in the proposed plan via https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/plans-and-policies/pldp-2020/
During the consultation period Aberdeenshire Council will promote the consultation via Twitter and Facebook. and will also be issuing regular newsletter updates.
Mapping Aberdeenshire Community Resources for Cancer Patients.
A new six-month project funded by Macmillan has been launched in Aberdeenshire to scope out the possibilities of how people with a diagnosis of cancer can be supported in the community to prepare for their treatment.
The Project is being hosted by Aberdeenshire Health and social care partnership to map out local community resources to support people beyond the COVID emergency period.
The Concept of ‘Prehabilitation’ supports people to optimise physical fitness, healthy eating and mental wellbeing as they prepare for treatment. Most other examples of Prehabilitation are based in hospitals, but this piece of work is looking at the possibilities for people to access support in their own communities. The project was agreed before COVID-19 and is looking to see what resources may be available as services adapt and settle in the future.
Amy Anderson the Prehabilitation Project Officer explains “We know about the great projects such as Move More and local Clan services – We’d be very interested to hear about any supports for people the Health and Social Care Partnership may not be sighted on, so we can map our ‘community assets’ for Prehabilitation across the Shire. This could be partnerships between local community organisations or qualified individuals sharing their expertise".
Please contact Amy direct on amy.anderson8@nhs.net if you have any details of relevant projects you would like the scoping study to know about.
Turning Point Scotland: Peer Support Service Survey
A message from Tracey Duthie, Aberdeenshire Peer Support Service, Turning Point Scotland.
“We want to take this service forward, and are looking for the views of community members and services on what and how you envision Peer Support. With your help we will be able to mould the service to the needs of Aberdeenshire community members and the services who support you.
The survey is anonymous but does ask where you live or the area so that we can pinpoint where there is a need, and it takes less than 5 minutes of your time. Family members and friends are more than welcome to take part, honestly the more the better.
So please take up this opportunity to enable Peer Support to grow stronger in your community.”
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/AberdeenPeerSupport
Call for Evidence on impact of COVID-19 on the rural economy and connectivity
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee recently launched an open-ended call for evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on rural communities.
If you’d like to contribute written evidence click here and email your response to rec.committee@parliament.scot.
From Response to Recovery; Fundraising Strategy and Covid-19
To help fundraisers like you in this hugely challenging time, the Institute of Fundraising have been working with THINK Consulting Solutions to put together an important new resource.
From Response to Recovery: Fundraising strategy and Covid-19 takes you through the key strategic questions and issues which face so many charities, providing you with tips, insight, and ideas about how to tackle the tough decisions ahead. Topics covered include strategic planning; brilliant fundraising basics; digital; people; and culture, innovation and behaviours.
This guide is an essential starting point for conversations with trustees, chief executives, and your fundraising teams. While the answers and approaches will be different for each organisation, hopefully having a resource that helps you initiate conversations and guides you through some of the key discussions ahead will be extremely beneficial.
Click here for more information or download the guide.
Near Me Public Engagement | 29th June to 24th July 2020
The use of video consultations for health and social care appointments in Scotland has rapidly escalated since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Prior to March, there were around 300 appointments using the Near Me system, by June, there were over 17,000 every week, with over 150,000 in total.
Building on this and looking to the future the Scottish Government has produced a vision that all health and care consultations in Scotland are provided by Near Me whenever it is appropriate.
To raise awareness about this vision an engagement exercise is now underway across Scotland. The purpose is to find out what people think about having their appointments by Near Me, how it might be improved for the future and to help to identify why people have not used this free and confidential service.
The engagement will include inviting the public to take part on an online survey https://www.nearme.scot/views or the option to phone or email their views to the National Near Me team.
The findings will be analysed and published and will feed into the wider evaluation which will inform the future use of Near Me. Engagement will of course be ongoing.
If you require further information please contact Maimie Thompson – who is overseeing the public engagement and survey ; by emailing her direct via mnthompson@btinternet.com or by phone on 07522 516043.
Food Insecurity Consultation Results - Local action to tackle food insecurity during the coronavirus crisis
The Poverty and Inequality Commission are very grateful for the response and experiences which were reported from each of Scotland's 32 local authority areas. They have already sent copies of this report to organisations who completed the survey and who requested a copy of the report.
The report and the Commission's response to it, can be accessed via: https://povertyinequality.scot/publications/ Please feel free to share news of the report among your network if you consider this appropriate
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Stroke Association Telephone Support
Stroke Association's ‘Stroke Connect’ service, works with hospitals to connect stroke survivors that have been recently discharged from hospital with their services and provides information and advice.
Their ‘Here For You’ service involves weekly calls with a volunteer, providing peer support and a listening ear to stroke survivors and their family members.
For more information please telephone 0303 3033 100 or contact Jennifer Kennedy via Jennifer.kennedy@stroke.org.uk or 0777 650 8592.
Cora Foundation COVID-19 Self Help Guide Books
The University of Glasgow, with assistance from colleagues at Lancaster University, the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick, have published a series of guided self-help booklets developed to support people with mild to moderate learning/intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The booklets can be used with the support of family members, friends, volunteers and carers and are also suitable for social work and health professionals. The booklets are intended to give people with learning/intellectual disabilities an opportunity to talk through their feelings with people providing support to them. There is a guide accompanying each booklet, explaining how the content can be delivered.
Copies can be downloaded via https://www.scld.org.uk/covid-19-guided-self-help-booklet-series/
Co-op member Pioneer Job Vacancy Banff/Portsoy/Aberchirder
The role is four hours a week at £9.18ph and will appeal to anyone who wants to help their community. The role involves connecting and communicating with community groups and acting as a catalyst, supporting those in need, the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the community and building resilience for the future.
For more information visit. https://jobs.coop.co.uk/member-pioneers
Offer of RENT & BUSINESS RATES FREE property for Charities in and around WESTHILL
Avire are able to offer Office space for charities which can be used for Charity Work, Administration, Training or even just for storage. Sizes range from 10,399 – 20,798 sq ft approx. The only costs you will incur for using this property will be utility bills.
If any Charity is looking for additional space to use, Avire can offer a 1-3 year lease with a 28 day rolling break clause.
For further information or to arrange viewing please email lucyrobinson@avire.co.uk or telephone 01295 256 338
Free Statistical Help for third Sector Organisations
Royal Statistical Society (RSS) are running a pro bono initiative, Statisticians for Society, which connects third sector organisations with volunteer statisticians who are willing to provide expert help with collecting, analysing and presenting data.
Statisticians for Society is a National Lottery funded programme that was launched in 2017 to encourage RSS members to use their skills and knowledge for public good. It is open to any third sector organisation based in the UK with an annual income of less than £500,000.
The RSS is a charity and membership organisation that promotes the importance of data and statistics. They have over 10,000 statisticians, data analysts and data scientists around the UK and overseas. You can read about organisations that have benefitted from the initiative.
The Foyer have put together a small response team to able to provide support to clients who may be struggling due to COVID19,
They aim to provide immediate support with;
COUNSELLING- They have additional counsellors in place to provide a remote service
BASIC LIVING NEEDS - They can help with Food or Housing needs, Personal Safety, Fuel top ups, Money management and debt advice
GENERAL WELLBEING - they can help with Coping with Isolation, General health or Recovery
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY - Provide access to Digital Equipment and provide training for computer skills
WIFI or help with data/top ups on phones
SUPPORT NETWORK - Connecting with other sources of help Contact with other people
FIRST CONTACT:
Tel: 07848 022834 (Agnes) or 07971 730620 (Cath)
firstcontact@aberdeenfoyer.com
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