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AVA Newsletter | Aberdeenshire Third Sector News
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Issue | June 2021
Welcome to this month's edition of the Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action Network Newsletter. Thank you for all your contributions, we really appreciate all input. You can also view the newsletter on your browser via the link at the top of this email and as ever, it is available on our website along with previous editions here.
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Contents: (click on heading links below to skip to the relevant section)
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Inspiring Aberdeenshire Finalists Announced
Inspiring Aberdeenshire is one of the council’s biggest annual events; celebrating the achievements and successes of the people across Aberdeenshire who go the extra mile for their communities, often with little or no other official recognition. Here at AVA, we would like to extend our congratulations to all of the 2021 finalists as well as everyone who was nominated. This year's virtual event will be held on the 21st August and will be available to watch via live stream. Read all about the finalists here: Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2021 - award finalists - Aberdeenshire Council
Volunteer Friendly Award Relaunch !
The Volunteer Friendly Award is a simple, user-friendly quality standard designed to support, recognise and reward groups and organisations that are good at involving volunteers. The Volunteer Friendly Award was redeveloped in 2021 by Volunteer Scotland and the TSI Scotland Network. The standard, process and offer have been refreshed and achievable requirements set for each level of your volunteer programme. The new process allows more groups to engage with the Volunteer Friendly Award and be recognised for the work they do. If you would like to know more about how to get started with the award, please contact AVA Development Officer, Lorna Sandison on 07964 036605 or email: Lorna.Sandison@avashire.org.uk and you can have a look on the Volunteer Friendly website too: https://volunteerfriendly.co.uk/
ABDNCommunity Volunteering Programme & ABDNConnect 
Internship Programmes
These programmes are designed to connect organisations with their amazing student talent, growing the number of internship and volunteering opportunities available for students and providing a structured programme to maximise the impact of these opportunities for both the student and the organisation. Bursaries are available to students taking on volunteering opportunities with charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups as part of the ABDNCommunity volunteering programme while funding is also currently available for SMEs to help towards the costs of taking a paid intern as part of the ABDNConnect programme. If you may be in a position to offer our students opportunities within your organisation via either of these programmes, the Careers and Employability team would love to hear from you. Further information and contact details are available here:
Placements, internships and volunteering programmes | Working With Business | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.uk)
Self Management for Rehabilitation Services
The Alliance is gathering third sector experiences of rehabilitation services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted access to health and care services across the country, not least to rehabilitation services. We know that this has led to a worsening of people’s physical and mental health. Efforts are now being taken to review and improve the rehabilitation support available to people across Scotland. A National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation has been set up to oversee work to deliver the Framework for Supporting People through Recovery and Rehabilitation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. To support this work, the ALLIANCE is gathering responses from third sector rehabilitation services on their experiences delivering services before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. If you run a service offering any kind of rehabilitation, please complete the online tool or download the form at https://tinyurl.com/42zpjk2x
What are reserves and why should charities have a reserves
policy?
OSCR has published a handy factsheet aimed at charity trustees of small to medium-sized charities looking to produce or update a reserves policy. It explains:
- What is meant by the term "reserves"
- The charity trustee’s responsibility to consider whether their charity needs reserves
- Key points to consider when developing a reserves policy
Download the factsheet here.
Malnutrition Advice Line Launched In Scotland
Following a successful pilot, Eat Well Age Well has launched their Malnutrition Advice Line nationally across Scotland. This advice line is a free phone line and aims to support older people who have a poor appetite and/or are experiencing unintentional weight loss to eat well and stay nourished at home. The advice line is available to people aged 65 years or older, their family members, carers, and health professionals supporting an older person to live at home in Scotland. The advice line has been set up and managed by Eat Well Age Well and is supported by trained staff and volunteers who are able to provide advice, information and signposting opportunities to further and/or support. The freephone number to call is 0800 13 88 220 and is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am – 4pm.
Introducing Grampian Autistic Society's Sensory Bus
A unique initiative for the North East of Scotland, the Sensory Bus will provide children and young people throughout Aberdeenshire with Autism Spectrum Conditions the opportunity to access, enjoy and gain real benefit from sensory resources and facilities. It is widely accepted that motivation and positive relationships are key and that children with this neurological condition learn best when they are having fun. The lower deck of the double-decker bus will house a calming, stimulating, and interactive multi-sensory environment, containing a variety of sensory equipment such as colour changing panels, acrylic mirrors, fibre optics, bubble tubes, tactile walls, rainbow bumpers and a projector with a variety of wheels. The upper deck of the Sensory Bus will be a Sensory Lounge area specifically designed for adolescents and teenagers, providing a safe environment where they can mix and socialise with others who understand their situation whilst developing their own knowledge and understanding of autism. Would you or your organisation like to get behind this amazing project by either donating or organising fundraising events to help GAS achieve its goal of launching the sensory bus by the end of 2021? Please contact Lisa Barnard to find out sponsorship opportunities and ways to support this project at bdo@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk or call 07807 691476. Individuals can contact Megan Linklater to find out how to donate or organise fundraising events at engagement@grampianautisticsociety.co.uk or call 07869 308240.
University continues to support the local economy with study
discount
The University of Aberdeen is delighted once again to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate study as it continues its support for local people and businesses as part of the regional recovery in response to the impact of the pandemic. The second phase of the regional discount scheme – known as the University of Aberdeen Community Discount – is open to all residents of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray, who plan to apply, or who have applied already, to on-campus and online programmes with a September 2021 or January 2022 start date. Find out more here: University continues to support local economy with study discount | News | The University of Aberdeen (abdn.ac.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 the relevant AVA Development Officer for more details.
Take a Break is open for 2021 applications. Take a Break
is Scotland’s short breaks fund for carers of disabled children, young people, and their families. Grants can be used for a break away, towards leisure activities or outings; sports equipment, and much, much more. The application deadline is 21st June 2021.
The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme is open and helping Sc ots
who are struggling with energy bills. The Scottish Government has increased funding for the scheme to help support a ‘green recovery’ from the coronavirus pandemic and help tackle fuel poverty in Scotland. To find out more, call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm.
The Jo Walters Trust is again inviting applications for projec t
funding that will provide educational opportunities to people in the outdoors as well as offering a grant of up to £1,000 to support projects which help and inspire pupils to engage with mathematics.
Bank of Scotland's Our Reach programme is suitable for chari ties that can demonstrate they address disadvantage or social exclusion. This will ensure that our funding will reach the most vulnerable people across Scotland, to provide them with opportunity and equality and making positive, sustainable change.
This year’s Henry Duncan Grants will fund community-ba sed
support for mental health and wellbeing. The fund is open to small charities and voluntary groups supporting communities experiencing disadvantage to improve mental health and wellbeing by reducing isolation and loneliness. This includes Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and rural communities. Organisations should have an annual income up to £50,000.
ASDA Foundation Bringing Communities Back Togethe r & Green
Token Giving have now re-opened. Bringing Communities Back Together is a new grant which will be targeted at reuniting communities, celebrating togetherness, and supporting groups as they resume their activities in person again. Green Token Giving means Asda customers have the chance to vote for their favourite local good cause when they shop in-store. For more details, visit: https://www.asdafoundation.org/how-to-apply
The Catalyst Fund offers loans starting at £50,000 and is designed to support ambitious social enterprises to start and scale their business through social investment by offering a patient, revenue-based repayment model.
The Tampon Tax Fund is to allocate the funds generated fr om the VAT on sanitary products to projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls. Applications close on the 4th July 2021.
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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
 It's Volunteers' Week!
AVA is celebrating Volunteers' Week this year with a series of blogs highlighting and saying THANKYOU to volunteers across Aberdeenshire and beyond, including our own amazing team at our Magpie shops. Look out for the links from our Facebook page and you can read all our blogs on the AVA website. Let us know if you are celebrating your own volunteers this week too by contacting Lorna Sandison at: volunteering@avashire.org.uk
Introducing the AVA Volunteer Bulletin!
We are keen to present up-to-date volunteer opportunities across Aberdeenshire in a bulletin that will link to relevant social media channels and websites. This bulletin is part of our aim to make our communities volunteering rich areas; where volunteers and volunteer organisations are really valued and supported. To receive the new AVA Volunteer Bulletin, you can sign up on our website here: https://www.avashire.org.uk/volunteering.html. To feature your volunteer roles, just email Volunteering@avashire.org.uk and one of our Development Officers will be in touch.
Call for Volunteers
Charlie House is super excited to bring Curated Aberdeen to you every Friday - Sunday from 4th June. Curated Aberdeen, which is located in the lower mall of the Bon Accord Centre, will be home to around 30 stallholders and will support local children’s charity Charlie House. All stallholder fees will go directly to the charity as part of its charity partnership with Bon Accord. The market is set to be a long-term fixture within the centre and open Friday - Sunday every week. They are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support the Curated Aberdeen & Charlie House team during market opening hours Friday - Sunday. Morning and afternoon slots are available: Friday 9:30 – 1pm & 1 – 5pm; Sunday 10.30 – 1.30pm & 1.30 – 5pm. Volunteer opportunities include being a welcome host at the entrance to the market, assisting on the Charlie House stand selling merchandise and raffle tickets, and assisting shoppers with general enquiries where possible. Interested? Email joan@charliehouse.org.uk or for more information about Charlie House, visit www.charliehouse.org.uk
Physical Activity Leaders required
Versus Arthritis is looking for individuals willing to lead short health walks in your area, lead on other physical activities, or facilitate virtual support groups. Full training and ongoing support for volunteers will be available. They are also looking for expressions of interest from anyone keen to become an instructor of Tai Chi or Qi Gong for arthritis. If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4bvx2sjr
Gardening Helper Volunteer
Friends of Ellon Cemetary are looking for volunteers to help keep the cemetery tidy, and to weed flower beds, planters, and between headstones. When Covid rules allow, the team meets every Monday evening at the Cemetery. If you are interested, message them on their Facebook page or visit here to find out more.
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The Alliance Annual Conference 7th -11th June
As Scotland recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, Alliance wants to learn from everyone’s experiences and explore positive change in health and social care – to help shape a more equal future that ensures people with lived experience are at the centre. Find out more here.
Carers Week 7–13 June 2021: Make Caring Visible and Valued
Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign that celebrates and recognises the vital contribution of the UK’s unpaid adult and young carers, who support family members and friends who are older, have a disability, mental or physical illness, or need extra help as they grow older. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. During Carers Week 2021 employers, schools and organisations are encouraged to recognise the vital contribution made by unpaid adult and young carers across the UK. The theme of Carers Week 2021 is “Make Caring Visible and Valued”. Quarriers provide a Carer Support Service for Aberdeenshire Adult Carers and Young Carers. To celebrate Carers Week, Quarriers are hosting a series of events for Aberdeenshire Carers including a drop-in session to the Quarriers office at Wardes Road, Inverurie on Tuesday 8th June 10am to 2pm and the launch of a photography session and a Carers Self-Advocacy course. For more information on the events or the support services provided by Quarriers, telephone 01467 538700 or email aberdeenshirecarers@quarriers.org.uk or Facebook: Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service.
Warmer Homes Scotland Event - 10th June at 2pm
Join Home Energy Scotland for an interactive online event where they will discuss the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, and how they can work together to help fuel poor households. Find out more about the events here.
Chat for Change Workshops 9th & 11th June
Join Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) and Scottish Recovery Network at one of their free mental health and wellbeing online workshops which will build on what is important to you, your local area, and your work. Chat for Change workshops provide an opportunity to do just this as you meet new people, explore ideas, and identify opportunities to collaborate. You can register for any of the events using the links below:
Exploring a Human Rights-Based Approach to Digita l Health
and Social Care
The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), Scottish Care, and VOX (Voices Of eXperience) are working together to support the development of rights-based digital health and social care policy and practice across Scotland. They are looking to engage with people who access services and people who provide support to refine their proposed 6 principles for a human rights based approach to digital health and social care. They also want to co-develop practice-based scenarios that illustrate their application in health and social care and seek to collect stories and real-life examples of human rights-based approaches in digital health and social care. They are hosting three events to gather views and experiences. These workshops will be held online on the following dates:
To register, follow any of the individual links above or contact DHCscot@alliance-scotland.org.uk.
Volunteers and the Law - 15th June at 10am
This seminar, delivered by Black Country legal firm Higgs & Sons in partnership with SCVO, will aim to provide voluntary sector leaders and managers with information, guidance, and food for thought on some of the legalities of utilising volunteers within an organisations delivery model. The seminar is open to any voluntary and community organisation active in Sandwell and Dudley and contains something for everyone.
Register your interest here: Volunteers and the Law Tickets, Tue 15 Jun 2021 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Peer2Peer Development Programme - Information Session
22nd June
Are you a group, organisation or service in Scotland interested in developing peer approaches and roles? Peer2Peer wants to work with you as part of their new development programme. Find out more at their information session on 22nd June 2021. For more information or to book your place email info@scottishrecovery.net with your name, contact details, and your group, organisation, or service. Booking closes on Thursday 17th June 2021.
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Free Microsoft Training for Charities
SCVO has partnered with Microsoft’s Experience Centre training team to provide FREE training on Microsoft products to Scottish charities. The sessions will run every other Wednesday from 2nd June to 15th December. To book your place, just click the link below. This will take you to the Microsoft website, where you will complete your registration: https://tinyurl.com/v3cytxt7
2050 Climate Group is now accepting applications for the
Young Leader Development Programme
The Youth Leadership Development Programme is a free course that aims to equip young people aged between 18 and 35 years old who are residents in Scotland with the leadership skills and climate change knowledge they need to take action on climate change. Now in its fifth year, applications are open to join the programme. The programme will kick off in September 2021 and run until March 2022 and will consist of six events which will include speakers, workshops and opportunities for collaboration and action. More information and how to apply can be found on their website here.
PAMIS Understanding Communication and Behaviour
14th & 28th June
This two-day course will support you to understand and explore strategies that help the people you are engaging with. It will support you to understand and explore strategies that help the people you are engaging with. It will also provide you with increased confidence to understand the reasons for some of the sensory-behaviour challenges you face on a day to day basis.
Register here: PAMIS Understanding Communication and Behaviour Tickets, Mon 14 Jun 2021 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
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 Scottish Government Consultation Hub
The Scottish Government wants to make it as easy as possible for those who wish to express their opinions on a proposed area of work to do so in ways that will inform and enhance that work. They have a consultation hub on their website where you can view and take part in consultations as well as see consultations that have already been archived. Visit the hub here: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/
Local Place Plans Regulations Consultation
Local Place Plans are a way for communities to achieve change in their local area. They are a tool for local communities to think about how to make their 'place' better, agree on priorities and take action to make change happen. Earlier this year, the Government published proposals for regulations to support the development of Local Place Plans. To participate in this consultation, please visit Local Place Plan Regulations consultation - Scottish Government - Citizen Space. In addition to the consultation, this draft guide has been produced by the Scottish Community Development Centre and is designed to help communities decide whether a Local Place Plan is right for them. SCDC is also looking for feedback on the document by 25th June 2021: draft-how-to-guide-pdf-format.pdf (transformingplanning.scot)
No One Left Behind Survey
The Third Sector Employability Forum (TSEF) has developed a survey to capture experiences, hopes and fears regarding the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind (NOLB) employability policy and engagement with your Local Employability Partnerships (LEPs). TSEF intends to use the results to inform dialogue with the Scottish and Local Government. This survey is aimed at both third sector employability providers and third sector employers with an interest in employability. It should take you no more than ten minutes to complete and closes on 24th May. Please share this survey widely across your networks so that we can get as representative a view as possible. The survey can be accessed here - https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90342686/Your-experience-of-Local-Employability-Partnerships-LEPs-TSEF
Covid Testing Facilities Survey
NHS Grampian would like to understand how to support people in communities across Aberdeenshire to access COVID testing easily, even when they have no symptoms. This is because 1 in 3 people who are infected do not show any symptoms and can spread the infection without knowing. NHS Grampian would like to hear from you to help plan COVID testing facilities in your area. Please click the link to give your feedback: 5274 Asymptomatic Community Testing v2 (snapsurveys.com)
Social Enterprise Scotland Survey
Social Enterprise Scotland is conducting a survey to inform social enterprise development and procurement practice as part of the launch of their 'Corporate Challenge' to support businesses from the private, public and third sector to purchase more goods and services from social enterprises. Backed by the Scottish Government, the scheme will see £1 million spent with social enterprises in the initial phase of the programme and the launch of a new website directory to make it easier to find social enterprise suppliers across Scotland. You can complete the survey here: Social Enterprise Scotland survey
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Shut Out Scammers
As part of the Shut Out Scammers 2021 campaign, Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards department will be deploying Rapid Response Teams to respond to all public concerns about suspect cold callers. Take a look at this video for tips on how to look out for each other and help prevent this type of abuse.
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Shut Out Scammers 2021 campaign
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Silver Sunday - Sunday 3rd October 2021
Silver Sunday is a national campaign to tackle loneliness and isolation, where people of all generations can come together by hosting fun and free activities for older people. A day where older people can meet new people, visit new places, try new activities, and connect with their local communities and the generations around them. Find out how you can join in here: Silver Sunday | The National Day for Older People, 3rd October 2021
Outreach Worker Vacancy 
South West Aberdeenshire CAB is looking for enthusiastic, socially aware individuals to join their team as an Outreach Officer/Generalist Adviser working in the South West area of Aberdeenshire, which covers Deeside, Lower and Upper Donside, and East Garioch. Email enquiries@swacab.org.uk for an application pack. The deadline for applications is Thursday 5th June.
Assistant Project Worker Vacancy 
Due to recent growth in the Aberdeen area, Includem now has a fantastic opportunity for motivated, positive, resilient individuals who really believe in young people, are flexible regarding hours of work, and can help to deliver their innovative approach. Includem are committed to developing employees and will help you to achieve the relevant qualifications required to carry out the role. Ideally, the successful candidate should have a full driver's licence and access to a car. If you would like more information regarding this role, please contact Includem's HR department on 0141 212 8800 who will arrange for an informal chat with one of our managers. Or you can apply directly online via the Includem website at: www.includem.org.
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The next AVA Third Sector Newsletter will be published the week beginning 5th July 2021. The deadline for contributions to this edition is Friday 18th June 2021. We are always looking for local groups across the Shire to contribute to our newsletters. Whether it be to advertise an event, showcase your work, appeal for volunteers or celebrate a successful funding bid - whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it! If you're an AVA member and would like to promote your work in our Members' Spotlight, please get in touch.
If you would like to be included any information in future editions, please contact newsletter@avashire.org.uk
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