Image Credit-HeatherPetrie COMMUNITY COUNCIL WALLACE TOWER N WORMS EARTH In thisissue:

www.shmu.org.uk/press Spring 2021 Spring Edition 2021

Contents3 Police Update 4 Community Update 5 Community Council 6 Your Views Welcome to your spring edition of the Tilly Tattle. 7 Zoology Building 8&9 Earth n Worms In this issue we have articles covering the new Earth n Worms project, Tillydrone Community Flat and a historical 10 Community Council look at the Wallace Tower. 11 Wallace Tower If you would like to get involved and join the editorial team 12 Home-Start or if you have ideas for the community publication, you 13 Domestic Abuse can easily get in touch with us. The staff at shmu are 14 shmu able to support and train anyone living in the area who 15 Climate Week NE are interested in developing their ideas and skills in either writing, photography or proof reading. So please don’t be shy, this is your magazine written, edited and designed by the good folk of Tillydrone. If you live in the Tillydrone area and would like to come along to the editorial meetings or submit an article then get in touch with Laura at shmu on 0752586312 or you can email her on [email protected]. You can also view this magazine alongside previous editions on the shmu website www.shmu.org.uk then click the ‘PRESS’ option. Our dates for the next edition have not been set yet but keep an eye out on the Tilly Tattle Facebook page for more information coming very soon! Tilly Tattle is a community publication and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the editorial team or of shmu. You can be reassured that our distribution company is taking every measure to ensure they are delivering your magazine safely and within government guidelines.

Supported by TILLYDRONE COMMUNITY POLICING TEAM UPDATE

As a Community Policing Team Thefts continue to be a priority for substance misuse services we are alert to public concerns us, and recently we have seen an or foodbanks. affecting the Tillydrone area. In upwards trend which we were able Our work will continue, and as order to ensure that Tillydrone is a to attribute to an offender recently a community policing team, we safe place to live we are committed released from prison for similar will remain visible and accessible to combating those involved in offences. We were able to identify within Tillydrone, endeavoring to criminality, monitor offending trends him as responsible for this increase, address the issues that you raise. as well as priority offenders. with property recovered. The I look forward to building on the trend has now dissipated, and the We are aware of the damage successes already achieved during identified offender now remanded that substance misuse causes to the coming months. back in custody. families and wider communities, Contact Tillydrone Community with the targeting of those involved When dealing with those involved Policing Team on: in the supply of illicit substances in criminality, we are aware being a priority. The last fortnight that reasons exist behind their tillydroneseatonoldaberdeencpt@ has seen us proactively target drug offending, and keen to establish scotland.pnn.police.uk dealers seizing large quantities this. To lessen offending we of cannabis, cocaine and heroin ensure that those charged are in addition to money, totaling an fully supported with access given excess of five figures. to support services, such as

3 Learning English Online Grampian Regional Pathways in Tillydrone! Equality Council

What would you do if you were The Grampian Regional Equality WORKING FROM stuck in another country during Council (GREC) offer Language the pandemic? and Integration Projects which are HOME BUT tailored to help people who speak Imagine yourself having to stay English as a second language. HERE TO HELP! in a country where people don’t We have online activities every speak your language. Think what With the latest Covid restrictions week via Zoom. We welcome would be like to have to find (February 2nd) our team at people from all walks of life. In information, ask for help, buy Pathways are working from home, the last three years, we have met food, look for work or speak to but we can still help, and here is people from over 35 nationalities your children’s teachers how we do that. within the ages of 16 and 82. or doctor. And that was even before we PATHWAYS – here to help If you are a native English went online! with CV’s, job search, online speaker, you may not have We change the topics of applications, interview techniques, thought about people who are conversation and activities training courses, funding, in fact currently living in Aberdeen and every week to share a relaxed everything around employability who speak English as a second and fun space. There are also and helping you get into work or language. They are likely to be opportunities to learn more about sustaining employment. If we can’t facing difficulties to deal with the local services and meet people do it, we can signpost you to other current restrictions. Speaking with common interests. organisations for specific help! over the phone or accessing information online may seem We have two different sessions Contact us by emailing info@ simple tasks, but that would not every week: pathways-online.org or be the case for those who are not LANGUAGE WORKS – Tuesdays message us on Facebook fluent in English. -www.facebook.com/ 7:30-8:30 pm: We discuss PathwaysAberdeen1A Language barriers create a very topics related with work and stressful environment. People employability in the UK. who speak English as a second You can still call the office LANGUAGE CAFES – Thursdays language may be less likely to on 01224 682 939 but it may 10:30 am – 12:00: We have a secure jobs. They could also be a couple of days before different topic every week to help voicemails are responded to. become victims of exploitation everyone to gain confidence to and fall prey of scammers. The speak English and learn about difficulties we experience during living in the UK. the pandemic are worse for those whose English language skills We also run free of cost ESOL are poor. (English as a Second Language) courses on regular basis to Sometimes although they are able introduce people to the world to communicate in English, they of work, while learning and may not have the self-confidence practicing English. that it takes to be fluent in another language. Think about your Anyone looking for classes or second language skills. Whether wanting to join our activities it would be French, Spanish, can email us at language-cafe@ Russian or any other language, grec.co.uk or join our Facebook you can imagine how brave you page: Learning English in may have to become to interact Aberdeen. with local people and settle in a country where they speak a language you don’t know well.

4 Tillydrone Community Flat Update

Now that 2021 is upon us (good enable us to keep our food bank Beating Heart of the Community riddance 2020!) we can take stock stores up and assist individuals and Award in the annual Aberdeen of what was a strange, challenging families in various ways through the Health and Social Care Partnership and hard year for most of us. hardest days. HEART Awards. These awards recognise people in the health, We started 2020 on a positive note, We were able to reopen, albeit social care and third sectors who having learned that we were to stay on a part time basis in June and have gone above and beyond the in our existing location. This great have been busier than ever since call of duty in their particular work news was greeted with relief and then. We had the Flat repainted area. I nominated Sarah way back happiness by our service users. in August which with the addition in January (much to her disgust) This positivity continued when the of new blinds has brightened the and knew she was a finalist but as Tilly Flat gained the official title of place up. A fantastic team led by the ceremony was cancelled due to Tillydrone Community Flat SCIO Steve Christie and ably assisted Covid, we’d pretty much forgotten (SC050049) after being awarded by some brilliant local volunteers about it. Sarah was up against Scottish Charity status in mid- has transformed the garden area some serious competition but at the rear of the building and we March – less than two months obviously the judging panel knew, look forward to seeing this develop after Sonny and I submitted an as we do, that she is peerless during the warmer months. application with wonderful support when it comes to helping others. from Sandy Mathers at ACVO. This In October I was approached by So we now have an award-winning is a great result for us and gives the our friends in the news team at support worker on our team. Flat real credibility. STV regarding a feature on child As we start a new, and hopefully poverty statistics in Scotland and Then came the difficult stuff…. Like better year, we thank you all the impact of Covid 19 on families most organisations we were forced for your continued support and and I participated in a live panel to close our doors for three months friendship and hope that 2021 discussion on Scotland Tonight. from 23 March as the nation was will see an end to this awful, put into lockdown. Community work In late November I launched our unprecedented situation and that is tricky to do remotely but Sarah annual festive appeal for donations Covid will no longer control so in particular was a real champion of food or funds to help those in many aspects of our lives. to our service users while I mainly need. As always, the response Fiona, Sarah and the Tilly Flat did the boring stuff like chasing has been magnificent and we are Management Committee funding. We were very fortunate in truly humbled. being given awards from Scottish Get in touch with the Tillydrone We ended the year on a real high Government via the STV Children’s Community Flat team on note with our own Sarah being Appeal, the Lord Provost’s Hardship 01224 486641 Fund and Mission Kids which announced as the winner of the

5 YOUR VIEWS

St Machar Skate Park Your Views In the last edition of the Tilly Tattle we covered the petition which was The Tilly Tattle team always to see if they had received similar created to remove the skate ramp welcome submissions and messages from other residents. in St Machar Park. thoughts from local people. We Councillor Ross Grant said: “I were contacted by a resident of We wanted to keep our readers think it can be easy for someone’s Pennan Road about the feeling up to date with this story. We first thought in response to an of safety in the area. We’d love to have emailed Aberdeen Skate issue to be that CCTV needs to know what you think. Association but have not heard be installed. Based on issues that back from them. They said: “I have been a resident I’ve been dealing with lately that of Pennan Road for the last ten could be as a result of many things, However, Tiillydrone Community years, living in one of the odd- however CCTV is expensive to Council noted that their online numbered flats near the path with install, and would require staff to petition had been removed the underpass. This underpass is monitor and maintain and as such and were updated by the local behind what used to the library and there would require to be a strong councillors that it was not viable the Family Centre. Since these justification in order to consider for the council to remove the places have closed where I live ramp and the group requesting CCTV. Often issues can be tackled feels more unsafe and it would through understanding the specific for it to be moved elsewhere had feel better having CCTV on the withdrawn their request. issue and working internally with path and towards the car park council services as well as external as there is a blind spot from agencies such as Police Scotland Conningham Terrace. to address any concerns. I work I spoke to other people in the area closely with both the local policing and one of the residents of the team and with the council’s ASBIT, terraced flats has burglar alarm and environmental service and housing another cctv to protect his mode of dept in the council so happy for you transportation, whereas, another to put the individual in touch with resident said there more dangerous me if they think I can help.” places in Aberdeen. If you have concerns about the area I like living on this part of the street, or things you would like to share, I just think it would feel safer if there please get in touch with the Tilly was CCTV installed.” Tattle team or your local councillors. The Tilly Tattle team then You can find their contact details on approached the local councillors the back page of the magazine.

6 Breastfeeding Group

There is a new breastfeeding group taking place for mums in the Tillydrone area. The meetings will be virtual for now until we can all return safely to face-to-face meetings. Sessions take place every Wednesday between 1 and 2pm. Half a Century of It will be a great opportunity to meet other mums or mums to be in the area, have a cuppa and Zoology Memories a chat. To get the link to access the virtual The Zoology Museum celebrated in a staring contest with our famous meeting, e-mail NaWatson@ its golden jubilee on Thursday 17th tiger? Which specimen had you aberdeencity.gov.uk or call December, and we are launching think ‘what a mood’? We want to Natasha at Tillydrone Community the Zoology Memories Project. Take hear from you! Campus on 077-892-73-818. this chance to send us photos and Email: If you need help or advice for videos telling us about a time you [email protected] breastfeeding you can call the have explored the many fascinating National Breastfeeding Helpline cases of the museum. What made Or tag #zoology50 on our social on 0300-100-0212. your visit special? Did you attend media channels. any of our events? Did you engage So why breastfeed? NHS Scotland says that breast milk and breastfeeding provides the best natural and complete nutrition for infants. It is a complete source of nutrition, providing all the nutrients for healthy growth and development. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of a range of infections during infancy and can increase the likelihood of maintaining a healthy weight. It also benefits the mother’s health by lowering the risk of certain cancers. There can be some inequalities when it comes to breastfeeding with younger mothers being less likely to breastfeed as well as those who are living in disadvantaged areas and dealing with economic inequality. Breastfeeding support groups are proven to help increase the rates of breastfeeding so if you’re pregnant, just had a baby or have a partner who is pregnant or just had a baby then come along to this new group in Tillydrone.

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Earth n Wo r ms Earth n Worms has been causing enterprise which will be a socially A community bread oven where quite a stir in the Tillydrone and environmentally conscious people learn how to make bread community over the last few choice for people. from scratch which could lead to months and we at the Tilly Tattle a local bread delivery service or While the land is not large enough to team wanted to find out more pay it forward scheme grow enough food to feed everyone, about it. the group hope to grow salad, He wants as many local people We spoke to John Sergison who onions, potatoes and herbs which to get involved with the project as set the organisation up after being will go to the Tillydrone Community possible to help shape the scheme furloughed due to the pandemic. Campus at their Fareshare stand. for the benefit of the community. He lives in the house in front of the At the time of publishing the team patch of land where the garden has They also want to have days where had been applying for funding been established. people can come and harvest vegetables themselves as that’s a in order to pay for a polytunnel, He said: “I’ve always been interested huge part of the fun. improve the drive and get tools for all in community projects and was ages and abilities to be able to join in interested in community gardens for John said: “I feel totally tied to with the fun at the Earth and Worms a long time but I was put off by how Tillydrone and my loyalty is here, site. Being so far north we are quite many fail. I wanted to make sure so I just want to show that to exposed to harsh weather so a there was a way that we could make the community.” polytunnel would help us plant some this sustainable. John wants the community to seedlings and keep producing food all year round. “I thought if I can get out and do that get involved and the project will while I’m still getting a wage than open the doors for the people of Kepe an eye out for information on that’s better than sitting indoors Tillydrone. Some of the ideas which when sessions will start, and this will and watching Netflix. I’ve done the he has suggested for the future of allow you to be part of the planning start up work but the rest is up to the project include: for when they are held. The plan the community.” in the first instance is to provide People can drop off food and one on one sessions with people John is originally from Liverpool garden waste to the wormery. who are in need of being outdoors, and moved to Aberdeen for The wormery will be good for the prioritising places for people who are university. He has been in soil and the by-products of this isolated or suffering from loneliness Tillydrone for three years. process can help with generating and/or adverse mental health. As some income. He told us: “I always gazed out at restrictions ease, they would like to that patch of land and imagined it full A tiered payment gardening welcome households to join in as of flowers and veg.” service for local people where the project grows, harvest and make people will pay what they preserves from the produce for half The idea for Earth n Worms is a can afford day sessions. community garden where people can meet, grow food and chat. It’s Potential for modern Email earth.n.worms@gmail. very good for mental health and apprenticeships in gardening for com for more information or look anxiety. It’s going to act as a social local young people them up on Facebook.

8 The Many Benefits of Community Gardens and Gardening

1) Increase access to fresh food in a community 2) Improve dietary habits through education 3) Increase physical activity through garden maintenance activities 4) Improves mental health and relaxation 5) Allows you to meet new people and brings the Bird table for all the wild birdies to have a feast community together during the colder snap!

Start of the assembly of the shed space. Do you have some DIY skills, or would like to learn some to help complete it?

Soon to be filled with earth, the ‘mega bed’ can help produce a heap of root veggies!

9 Tillydrone Community Council Achievements 2020

Your Community Council held Our work continued, Christmas their Annual General Meeting very was not too far off and another recently when we looked back at shopping list was compiled which our work for the community over included many everyday items the past difficult year. I would like to but also some ‘goodies’, a gift share with you all we achieved as and card from all of us. We did we continue our monthly meetings the shopping, packed two large complying with our new way of life. bags for each household and in Our secretary, Lynn, did some time for Christmas we delivered research and found funding aimed across our community, reaching at helping groups like us to continue even more residents. It is true to working despite the pandemic and say, we were touched by the way the disruption it had caused. She in which these gifts were received applied and we were awarded the and hope they were enjoyed over full funding allowing us to buy an the festive period. iPad for each Community Council member who soon got to grips with We purchased more festive lights the new technology and our remote to add to those put up for the first meetings began. time in 2019 on Hayton Road. Not We have now twice successfully forgetting our children at Riverbank received funds for care packages. Primary School we delivered We aim to help vulnerable chocolate sweets to be distributed residents and those struggling to them as the school broke up for during the Covid pandemic. the Christmas holiday. In summer 2020 we worked It’s now the beginning of 2021 alongside our local McColl’s store and we are aiming to identify and to purchase and distribute the first Yours distribute care packages to those of our care packages to elderly Eileen Grassick affected by the pandemic. We will folks living locally. Chairperson Tillydrone continue to source more funding to Community Council We had sown the seeds for the support our community as best we ‘poppy meadow’ beside Diamond can. If you know anyone we can Lynne Cunningham Bridge in 2019 which was in full help, please get in touch via email Secretary Tillydrone bloom throughout the summer, at secretary.tillydrone@hotmail. Community Council offering a little brightness in what com or contact us via private was becoming a troubling time for message at our Facebook page some. We hope you enjoyed it, look out for spring bulbs and another Tillydrone Community Council. wildflower meadow this year!

10 Image Credit - Heather Petrie

First Impressions of the Wallace Tower Alan Johnstone

Benholm’s Tower, better known contrast to the medieval character of To visit the bathroom and bedrooms to Aberdonians as the Wallace the tower were several incorporations involved a trip up another spiral Tower through a corruption of the of modern interior design. The staircase, but here again the picture name well-house or wall-house, plain sandstone surrounds of the was of stark modernity, apart from was relocated stone by stone from fireplaces with their black tiled slipper the attraction of a second tower room its position in the Netherkirkgate hearths were filled in with boarding off the main bedroom which would to Mote Hill in Tillydrone to make in which was encased ordinary bar have made a neat dressing-room, if it way for construction of Aberdeen’s electric fires. Much more practical was possible to get furniture through new Marks & Spencer store. Most than carrying coal and firewood up the narrow door. The bathroom was of the work was carried out during the spiral staircase. compact, taking only a very small 1964 and early 1965, with Aberdeen bath, as was the other bedroom, but University Librarian and keen Bulls-eye glass panes in the main both were adequate for their purpose. historian Dr Simpson and his window and the latticed effect of the Latest Plans for wife taking up residency in June leaded panes in the other windows Benholm’s Gateway 1965. How suitable would this had a charming effect, but it was centuries-old building have been impossible to see through the bottom The Tillydrone Community for modern-day living? We may half of the windows in the various Development Trust are working form an impression from architects’ rooms. Off the living room was a on plans for the future of reports and comments from the delightful tower room, which was Benholm’s Gateway. new tenants. certainly in keeping with the character They recently announced plans of the house. Although quite small it Council funds had been allocated for a sensory trail and play area for the clearing of allotments, soil would have made for an adequate surrounding the tower as well as a preparation and grassing, tree study. Next door was the kitchen, an renovation of the tower which will planting and the construction of ultra-modern but badly lit room as the include a café and office space for paths. An additional entrance to window was so small. The draining small businesses. Seaton Park had also been provided. board on the stainless steel sink was A massive hall with panelled ceiling of use only to a left-handed person The team are looking for members and natural stone walls full of and the serving hatch was positioned to join them and you can do so by character welcomed visitors to the directly above the taps of the sink – visiting www.tcdt.co.uk. building. To the left a spiral staircase an awkward combination of old led up to the living quarters above. In and new.

11 Home-Start thankful for response to All Wrapped Up Appeal

Leading family support charity, Eleanor McEwan, General crisis and breakdown. This support Home-Start Aberdeen would like Manager, said: “Thanks to the is usually provided via a home- to thank members of the public, generosity of so many people we visiting service where carefully businesses and local community for were able to provide 45 families, selected and trained volunteers their support and donations towards including 86 children, with winter are there for families, visiting its All Wrapped Up Appeal. coats, books, toys and selection them in their own homes with boxes ahead of Christmas.” compassionate, confidential help. The charity which supports vulnerable families with young She continued: “The All Wrapped COVID-19 has meant that the children across the city appealed Up appeal was all about being charity has had to adapt how it for donations of coats so as to able to provide something cosy delivers its services to families, provide children and families with to wear, something warm they continuing to support over 160 cosy winter jackets as we headed need, something fun for a treat families remotely since the into the cold, winter months. and something joyful to read. We’d start of the pandemic. These like to say a huge thanks for each young families have at least one The charity received an and every donation we received. child under the age of five and overwhelming response to the It’s made a big difference for local are typically affected by social appeal with hundreds of coats families at Christmas and over isolation, bereavement, relationship donated. A range of organisations, these cold days.” problems, illness, disability and companies and individuals donated financial hardship. coats, some new, others gently One mum said: “I gave the kids used which were cleaned for the their coats and gloves and put To get in touch with charity by Timpson’s, free other bits away for Christmas. Home-Start Aberdeen call of charge. My daughter was beaming with her 01224 693545 or email admin@ jacket she is so happy with it. She homestartaberdeen.org.uk. The charity invited all its supported feels really proud and smart in it. families, to come to its charity shop She wants to make a thank at 101 George Street for a special you card.” and unique experience for them to choose coats and a gift for each For over 30 years the charity has of their children on the run up been supporting vulnerable families to Christmas. across the city to prevent family

12 Lockdown and Domestic Abuse

The Coronavirus pandemic has experienced by women and or ex-partner can be prosecuted negatively affected all aspects of perpetrated by men; however, men and punished by the law. life and for survivors of domestic can be victims as well. Often when Support abuse it has resulted in increased people think of domestic abuse risks of harm and has made seeking they think of physical violence, but Domestic Abuse is not acceptable. help more difficult. The message domestic abuse is very often so It is not your fault and you are not throughout lockdown to ‘stay at much more than that. alone. If you or someone you know home’ has not meant safe at home is experience domestic abuse, help From 1 April 2019, a new Domestic for those experiencing domestic and support is available nationally Abuse law came into force in abuse. Current Coronavirus rules and locally: Scotland. In the new law, abusive and guidance do not prevent anyone behaviour is any action that is Police Scotland from leaving their home to escape violent, threatening or intimidating. If you are in danger and it is domestic abuse or taking other Abusive behaviours include: an emergency, call . For measures to keep themselves safe 999 non-emergencies call 101 from domestic abuse. Similarly, if physical abuse, you are required to self-isolate or National Domestic Abuse Helpline quarantine, it does not mean you sexual abuse, Free and confidential advice. Open cannot seek support and domestic isolating the survivor from family to all. 24 hours a day. Telephone: abuse services are still available to and friends, help you think through your safety 0800 027 1234. Website: sdafmh. options and provide emotional monitoring and regulating the org.uk survivor’s activities, support. You can access support Grampian Women’s Aid by calling a national helpline or controlling their money Telephone: 01224 593381 accessing support online. Local and/or activities, support services are also still open Website: and are adapting the way they work depriving them from their grampian-womens-aid.com freedom of action, to ensure you can still get the help If you are concerned about having you need. frightening, humiliating, or somewhere to stay, please contact Understanding Domestic Abuse degrading them. Aberdeen City Council on 0800 917 6379. Domestic abuse is a pattern of Previously, the criminal law focused controlling, coercive, threatening, on physical violence; however, the For more information on degrading and/or violent behaviour, changes now make coercive control local support visit: www. including sexual violence, by a a criminal offence. This means that a communityplanningaberdeen.org. partner or ex-partner. Domestic person who engages in a pattern of uk/domesticabuse abuse is overwhelmingly abusive behaviour toward a partner

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Community Magazines

Did you know that shmu produce community magazines for the other communities of Aberdeen?

As well as the Spring edition of the Tilly Tattle we are currently working on the Spring edition of Mastrick Matters and Torry’s Vision.

These magazines are also produced by local volunteers and are distributed free of charge to every door in the community.

You can also read them online to see what other things are happening across the regeneration communities of Aberdeen by visiting www.shmu.org.uk/press.

Welcome Ross

Welcome Ross! Big hello and welcome to the shmuCREW, Ross! Ross has joined us as a new Community TV Development Worker. He will be Radio SQAs helping us develop and launch our new Community TV platform, as well as sharing his expertise and skills in In 2020 our volunteers were offered the opportunity other strands. Welcome to the shmu family, Ross. to complete an NPA in Radio Broadcasting. With a few already started before lockdown we offered the opportunity to other volunteers who wanted to keep themselves busy in lockdown.

With the course now online, the group had to look at other ways to achieve the outcomes and worked really had to gain new skills.

Each participant was at a different level, so we worked around this by creating radio shows to match shmuFM themed weeks and this proved to be such a success that the group have asked to keep going with this after completion of the course.

We now have Dave Ironside, Natalie Hood and Kevin Morrison finished the course with others very close behind them. We have had a great response for the shows that were broadcast and the group are keen to continue help mentor the next batch of students for the course.

We have been incredibly proud of the achievements of all the group so far and look forward to starting with a new group soon!

14 Instant Neighbour

Instant Neighbour have been working through the pandemic to support those in need.

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the amount of people coming to them to seek help with food for a variety of reasons.

In 2020 the charity gave out nearly double the number of food parcels than they did in 2019 – 1400 food parcels to 2500 parcels. They are currently seeing Climate Week North East anywhere between 40 and 60 people every day. After a year marked by a global fascinating workshop that gives pandemic and terrible forest fires, you the necessary knowledge At Christmas time there was climate change is more apparent and confidence to make positive also a significant increase in than ever. Fortunately, this year a changes in your life and community the number of people needing chorus of calls for green recovery and much more. help with Christmas gifts for their plans post Covid, have come from children with almost 3500 more Alison Stuart, Director, Aberdeen gifts given out in 2020. all corners of our world, not least in Climate Action says “After the year the North East of Scotland. Now, we have had, a lot of things have Unfortunately, due to current more than ever, we are prepared to come into sharp relief, one is that Covid restrictions they are change our lives to create a better we need a just green recovery and severely restricted in the amount more caring, sustainable society. the second is that we have the most of people we could have working Action to help reduce climate in the building and so they amazing communities and when change and its effects is going aren’t able to take on hardly any we work together, we can make on all around us, at an individual, volunteers which is a real shame. a real and concrete difference in organisational and local authority all our lives. Climate Week North level. Climate Week North East is The foodbank is being run by a East is about celebrating all the all about showcasing this - what is skeleton staff and the charity are amazing work that is already very grateful that donations keep going on here in Aberdeen City and taking place here to reduce our coming in. It’s impossible to say, Aberdeenshire to tackle climate carbon emissions and also to help long term however, if they’ll be change and give inspiration on how everyone understand what steps able to keep up with this level of we can all live sustainably. they can take to live sustainably demand, but folk in Aberdeen In this health crisis, event delivery and create a region we all want city and shire are so kind and may have changed to online and to live and work in. As usual generous, so the team are sure they will be able to keep going. outdoors with distancing, but the there is something for everyone great breadth and quality of events in the programme.” Contact Instant Neighbour on has not changed. There is still Check out what events are on 01224 489955 a fantastic lineup of events and during Climate week and how activities for you to take part in. You you can be involved at www. could get your hands muddy at an climateweeknortheast.org and excellent horticultural event, take follow CWNE on Facebook. in some fresh air and fresh ideas on a guided walk or take part in a

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Community Contacts

Aberdeen City Council Helpline - 0800 0304 713 Oldmachar Medical Practice 0345-337-0510 ALCOHOL Alcoholics Anonymous - 0800 9177 650 Old Aberdeen Medical Practice Drinkline - 0300 123 1110 01224 486702 CRIME Tillydrone Clinic Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111 01224 276723 DRUGS Woodside Medical Group Alcohol and Drugs Action Helpline 01224 492828 01224 594700 or 07927192706 LOCAL COUNCILLORS: Narcotics Anonymous Councillor Alex McLellan 0300 999 1212 07500 999522 DENTIST [email protected] Emergency - G-Dens - 111 Councillor Jim Noble DOCTORS 07748 760557 NHS 24 Emergency - 111 [email protected] POLICE Councillor Ross Grant Non-Emergency - 101 07738688458 ELECTRICITY [email protected] If you have a power-cut - 105 DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT GAS Gas Emergency - 0800 111 999 Domestic Abuse is not acceptable. It is not your fault WATER and you are not alone.Domestic Abuse is when you Scottish Water Emergency - 0800 0778 778 are hurt, bullied or frightened by: HOUSING Your husband or wife. Your boyfriend or girlfriend Emergency Repairs - 03000 200 292 Your current or ex-partner Family Planning - 0345 337 9900 Their behaviour can be; controlling, physical, sexual, financial or emotional. Mental Health Aberdeen - 01224 573892 Breathing Space - 0800 838 587 Help and support There are services available to support you, and Samaritans - Need to talk they are still open. You do not have to wait for an 01224 574 488 or 116 123 emergency to get help. Tell someone you trust SOCIAL WORK or contact: Adult Protection - 0800 731 5520 National Domestic Abuse Helpline Free and Joint Child Protection Team confidential advice. Open to all. 24 hours a day. 01224 306877 or 0800 731 5520 Telephone: 0800 027 1234. Website: sdafmh.org.uk VSA Carers Support - 01224 358631 Grampian Women’s Aid Age Scotland - 0800 1244 222 Telephone: 01224 593381. Website: CFINE 01224 596156 grampian-womens-aid.com Financial Advice at CFINE 01224 531386 Rape Crisis Grampian Telephone: 01224 590932. Pathways 01224 682 939 Website: rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk Citizens Advice 01224 586255 St Machar Credit Union 01224 276994 LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline Telephone: 0300 999 5428 or email [email protected] Men’s Advice Line Telephone: 0808 801 0327