Volunteer Centre E- Bulletin - Aberdeenshire Community Planning

VCA E-bulletin
NOVEMBER 2014
Supporting Volunteering throughout Aberdeenshire
Contents
Pages 1-5
Introduction and Organisation Section including:
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Pages 5-6
Volunteer Section including:
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Page 6
New Chief Executive Officer appointed to lead Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action
(pages 1-2)
Grampian Volunteer Transport Award Winners announced (pages 2-3)
Aberdeenshire Social Enterprise Network (page 3)
Central Aberdeenshire Alcohol, Drugs & BBV Forum meeting (pages 3- 4)
Stonehaven Volunteer Surgery (page 4)
Funding opportunities (pages 4-5)
Advocacy North East training (page 5)
Aberdeen Forward courses (pages 5-6)
 New/existing volunteering opportunities (page 6)
 VCA Contact information
And now it’s November, and time for the final Volunteer Centre ebulletin of 2014 as
future bulletins are likely to come from the newly merged Aberdeenshire Voluntary
Action. We don’t know yet exactly what format the new bulletin will take, but if you no
longer wish to receive this type of information, please e-mail us.
Organisation Section
New Chief Executive Officer appointed to lead new organisation
championing Voluntary Sector and Volunteering in Aberdeenshire - The
Board and staff of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action would like to announce the
appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer for the organisation. David Rodger will
take up the position in the middle of November. He brings a wealth of experience to
the position that includes managing Lochaber’s Citizens Advice Bureau; followed by a
period with Aberdeen City during which he was a Programme Co-ordinator for both the
Working for Families Fund and the Fairer Scotland Fund. He was also a lead on
strategic delivery of Community Planning and the monitoring of the Single Outcome
Agreement. Prior to secondment to the Scottish Government in 2010 he led the City’s
development of tackling poverty and income inequality strategy. Whilst on secondment
David was initially appointed as the Programme Manager for Health and Community
Planning, facilitating improved co-operation and strategic planning between NHS Boards
and their Community Planning Partnerships, and latterly he led the Scottish Government
Programme Team tasked with creating the new public body which will replace the Food
Standards Agency in Scotland.
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Board Chair Sophy Green said: “We are delighted to welcome David to lead the newly
formed Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action. His professional background, knowledge of and
interest in Aberdeenshire will be a major asset for Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action”.
Speaking of his appointment, David said: “I am really looking forward to working with
the Board, staff, stakeholders and the communities of Aberdeenshire to build on the
strengths of the current organisations and look at effective and innovative ways of
enhancing the third sector. We are determined to ensure that the sector flourishes with
the new organisation, and we will work to ensure that first class services continue to be
offered to the communities of Aberdeenshire. With decreasing budgets in the public
sector, policy changes aimed at empowering communities, and changes in the welfare
system there has never been a better time for communities, public and private partner
organisations to work together to deliver effective and sustainable services and
resources for the citizens of Aberdeenshire”.
The Board of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action has a number of new members, as well as
one representative from each of the following existing partnership organisations;
Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire (VCA); Bridge CVS, and CVS Aberdeenshire south and
central (CVSA). New members to the Board were appointed by an independent panel
after taking part in a robust recruitment process.
Board membership is now comprised of the following people who bring a broad range of
experience and skills to the new organisation and that includes particular strengths in
governance, finance, HR, media, policy, and importantly working with communities.
Sophy Green (Chair); David Hekelaar; Anne Simpson; Mark Allan; Linda Gray; Melanie
Liddell; Thomas Etita; and Kate Connor. Progress continues in a very positive fashion to
enable the new organisation to hit the ground running by the beginning of December
2014.
Grampian Volunteer Transport Award winners announced
(L-R)
Greta Bowie, Volunteer Escort
winner
Roger Sanders, Silver Circle
representative (winners of
Community Contribution)
Mike Solomon, Volunteer Driver
winner
Irene Sharp, Silver Circle
representative
Gillian Cook, Silver Circle
representative
The inaugural Grampian Volunteer Transport Awards took place on 7th October, to
recognise the invaluable work of volunteer drivers and escorts within the north-east.
Categories included Volunteer Driver of the Year, Volunteer Escort of the Year and
Community Contribution of the Year.
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Andrew Stewart, Health & Transport Action Plan Programme Manager said, “The
services provided by transport volunteers in the north-east are a lifeline for many. I am
delighted that we can recognise the role community transport, and in particular the
volunteers, play in our community. We received almost 30 nominations and the quality
was very high”.
Mike Solomon won Volunteer
Driver of the Year following a
nomination from Friends of Insch
Hospital and Community. Mike
has spent the last 12 years
providing a free transport service
to local patients and shown he is
always happy to go the extra
mile.
Volunteer Escort of the Year
was awarded to Greta Bowie for
her dedication and hard work for
Dial a Community Bus. Greta
was part of a group that set up
what is now Buchan Dial a Bus
and has given her time over the
last 20 years to assisting local
residents with their transport
needs.
Due to their continual support
for local residents the Silver
Circle Community Transport
Scheme & Hospital Driver
Scheme won Community
Contribution of the Year. The
group has helped older people in
the Upper Donside area for
almost 20 years. They organise
the hospital volunteer driving
scheme, in addition to a day
centre, lunch club and shopping
bus for local residents.
John MacDonald, Director for Scotland of the Community Transport Association
highlighted the success of the awards, “It was great to see so many community
transport organisations submit nominations for the awards. The number of submissions
was much higher than similar initiatives which have taken place in other parts of the UK
and shows how much volunteers are valued in north-east Scotland.”
Winners of the inaugural awards attended a ceremony at Aberdeenshire Council’s
Woodhill House to receive their certificates and prizes. The winner of each category
received a prize worth £200, sponsored by First Aberdeen and Stagecoach North
Scotland. The awards were developed to support the vision of access to health and
social care within the Health and Transport Action Plan, and were supported by a variety
of partners.
Aberdeenshire Social Enterprise Network
“Getting the most from your Volunteers” - Guest speaker – Keith
Anderson, Manager, Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire. We are
pleased to invite you to come along to our networking event. You
will have an opportunity to gain expert information on management
and training of volunteers, also to network and share good practice with other Social
Enterprises. We have two dates available:
Thursday, 6th November 7.30pm at Banchory
Ternan West Church, High Street, Banchory
Tuesday, 18th November 7.30pm at MACBI
Community Hub, Newlands Road, Mintlaw
Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Are you a Social Enterprise? If you are a
business with social objectives, re-investing in the business or community, then you are,
and we look forward to meeting you. Equally you are welcome if you are thinking of
starting up a Social Enterprise. Please confirm your place as soon as possible by
calling 01330 825027 or emailing Jennifer O’Brien.
Central Aberdeenshire Alcohol, Drugs & BBV Forum Meeting - Thursday 20
November at 2pm at the Acorn Centre, Inverurie. The forum is a place for local
people to come together to discuss local issues pertaining to alcohol and drug use.
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The Central Forum covers Formartine and Garioch and anyone living, working, studying
or having an interest in alcohol and other drugs issues in these areas is welcome to
come along. For more information please email Susan Weetman or visit the Central
Forum pages on the Aberdeenshire ADP website.
The Stonehaven Volunteer Surgery is held on Mondays between 11am and 1pm at
the Crossroads Office, Barclay Street, Stonehaven. The drop in surgery provides an
accessible service resource for local people with an interest in volunteering. If your
group would like to be involved, perhaps to highlight the work you do, or just to have
contact with potential volunteers, then get in touch with Volunteer Centre
Aberdeenshire (South) at 72a High Street, Banchory, AB31 5SS, call 01330 825794 or
email the office or Gary Donaldson. Visit our website for more information on the role
of the Volunteer Centre.
Funding Opportunities
Northsound Cash for Kids are delighted to announce that they
have the ability to distribute clothing grants (up to £100 per child) for
children (0-18years) that are living in deprivation and would benefit
from a clothing grant this winter. The clothing grant fund is open to
applications for families who have been identified as living in poverty. The forms must
be completed by a professional in authority and must be accompanied by a letter on the
organisation’s headed paper. The accompanying letter must confirm that the family is
living in poverty and that the children will benefit from a clothing grant.
Click here to download a clothing grant application form and read the terms and
conditions. The children can be living with parents/guardians and kinship carers,
however children living with Foster Carers do not qualify to receive a Cash for Kids
Clothing Grant. The completed forms and letters must be posted or emailed to Emma
Kemp. The grants will be awarded in vouchers for a clothing retailer and each child will
be awarded a grant of £50 to £100. There are limited funds and grants will be allocated
on a first come, first served basis.
Scottish Veterans Fund 2015 - Applications are invited for funding from
The Scottish Veterans Fund for the year commencing 1st April 2015. As has
been the case in previous years bids are being accepted for suitable projects
in accordance with certain criteria. The Scottish Government is keen to fund
as wide a range of projects as possible from across Scotland. Bids for
funding of up to £10k will be considered. The closing date for applications
for 2015/16 projects is Monday 1st December 2014. For application and guidance forms,
visit website or call 0131 550 1569.
BBC Children in Need upcoming Application Deadline - Calling all
voluntary organisations working with disabled children, sick children or
those with long term conditions. Have you ever thought of applying for a
BBC Children in Need grant? Their vision is that every child in the UK has
a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their
potential. Small grants are up to £10k for one year only, and you need
to apply by 1st December 2014. Full information and guidelines on who can apply and
how to apply are on the website.
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Young Scot – Time to Shine Fund - Are you interested in developing
your skills in one of the following areas?
Drama
Music
Visual Arts
Digital Arts
Dance
Film
Literature
Young Scot and Creative Scotland have launched their new Nurturing Talent - Time to
Shine Fund to support all those aged 14 to 20, who require financial aid in developing
their talent within the creative industry. Funding will be awarded to those who have
ambition, enthusiasm or talent in their chosen art form and look to promote this further.
Individuals can apply for up to £200 in funding. Groups of two or more people can apply
for up to £750. Details of all group members should be included on the application form
and the majority of the group should be aged 14 to 20. Applications from professional
art organisations will not be accepted. Deadline: 7th December 2014. For more
information, visit website.
Volunteers Section
Advocacy North East (Aberdeenshire & Moray) are running a four day training course
in basic Advocacy Skills designed for prospective Community Advocates. The course is
due to run in Inverurie on the 11th, 13th, 17th and 19th November, and is free to attend
for individuals who wish to volunteer with them on completion of the course. So, if you
live in Aberdeenshire or Moray, and if you’d like to support individuals and enable them
to have a voice at a vulnerable time in their life, then please contact Laura Simmons,
Training & Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01467 651604 or via email.
Aberdeen Forward are offering the following courses over the next few months:
Drop in hobby club sessions:
Wednesdays
(10.30-12 noon and 1.30-3pm)
£3.00 donation
Beginners Knitting:
Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th
November
(6pm-8pm)
£25.00
Christmas Wreath Making:
Monday 1st December
(6.30-8.30pm)
£35.00
Beginner Crochet: Wednesday
3rd, 10th, 17th December
(6pm-8pm)
£60.00
Christmas Jumper Making:
Monday 8th December
(6.30-8.30pm)
£30.00
Candle Making:
Saturday 13th December (10am12 noon)
£35.00
Tea Tasting:
6th December
(11am-1pm)
£35
Herb Walk:
21st March
(11am-1pm)
£35
Location to be announced
Personal Hygiene:
24th January
(11am-1pm)
£35
Wild Food:
25th April
(11am-1pm)
£35
Location to be announced
Household:
21st February
(11am-1pm)
£35
All classes will take place at Aberdeen Forward which is located at 2 Poynernook Road,
Aberdeen AB11 5RW (unless stated otherwise). For more information or to book a
course, please contact Angela Theobald, Project Officer (Climate Challenge Fund) on
01224 560360 or via email.
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New/existing volunteering opportunities
(1) Grampian Volunteer Driver recruitment drive - A volunteer recruitment drive
has been launched across Grampian to help community transport organisations address
one of their biggest challenges. Finding enough volunteers to dedicate their time to
transporting people to essential appointments is an ongoing challenge for many
communities. Following the success of the inaugural Grampian Volunteer Transport
Awards (see pages 2-3), organisations are working together to help support the
invaluable work of the volunteer transport sector and attract new drivers. The
recruitment drive hopes to attract volunteer drivers to drive minibuses for community
transport schemes or drive their own cars to transport people, for which they will
receive a mileage rate. They also require people to act as escorts for some passengers
in car and minibus journeys. As well as helping recruit more volunteer drivers the aim
of the project is to establish and build relationships with partners across the health,
social care and transport sectors. These relationships are key to the successful delivery
of the Health & Transport Action Plan (HTAP). The plan is a shared, cross organisation,
regional plan to improve partnership working across a range of transport and health
related issues with access to services being a key issue. If you would like to get
involved please contact Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire on 01467 626060 or via email.
(2) Lynsey Hamilton is the North East Fundraising Officer at The Scottish Spina
Bifida Association – a charity that aims to provide support to all those affected by
spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus across Scotland. Lynsey has recently launched a new
campaign that will support over 90 families affected by the conditions within Aberdeen
and is looking for volunteers to help the charity raise the much needed £100k to run
this. She has organised a bag pack at Asda (Aberdeen Beach) on Saturday 13th
December from 10am to 4pm, and desperately needs volunteers to help. She will even
offer this as a Saltire Challenge for young people aged between 16-25. This Scottish
Award is very sought after and is fantastic on a CV as it shows any potential employer
that the individual supports a charity and is interested in volunteering. For more
information or to apply, please contact Lynsey at 01236 794500 or via email.
(3) The Foos yer Doos Sing Song Club is now held on Thursdays from 11am to
12.15pm at the St Mary's Centre, Inverurie. If anyone would like to volunteer to help
(chatting to members, serving coffee and biscuits, moving chairs, working the
computer/projector, serving on the committee) we would be pleased to welcome them.
Please email Sheila Gray for more information.
VCA Contacts
Website – www.vcaberdeenshire.org.uk
Office based Development Officers:
Rhona Davidson (Fraserburgh)
01346 586106 or
[email protected]
Edith MacDonald (Inverurie)
01467 626060 or
[email protected]
Val Cameron (Banchory)
01330 825794 or
[email protected]
Community based Development Officers:
Diane Marshall (Banff, Peterhead & Turriff)
07824 096531 or
[email protected]
Gary Donaldson (Stonehaven)
07881 661974 or
[email protected]
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