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Inclusive Day opportunities Enabling issue 2 January 2014

Welcome to the second IDEA Contents Newsletter from page Philip English, 1. Update on the IDEA Aberdeenshire Council Project Happy New Year to all our readers! We got a fantastic 3. Inclusive Bicycle response to the first IDEA Project Newsletter. Many people told 4. Ellon Pop-Up Shop me how impressed they were with the range of things people are involved in. Thank you 5. Opportunities to learn to everyone who contributed and for making at Forest View valuable contributions to communities across Aberdeenshire. 6. Willowbank Day Services You may notice the newsletter has a new name 10. The Big Draw in Banff - newIDEAs - suggested by a reader. newIDEAs is to keep you informed about what is happening in 12. Learning with Lead your area and across Aberdeenshire. We hope you 14. Local News and Updates enjoy it. The next edition will be published in May 2014. It will be available at all 7 Aberdeenshire day service 15. Special Features bases or you can subscribe to be added to the 16. Useful Information mailing list by contacting [email protected]

Update on the IDEA Project (by Val Milne, IDEA Project Manager)

Hi. In the last newsletter I wrote about how the ideas which came out of the IDEA consultation and engagement events were going to be taken forward by Locality Development Groups.

These groups are now well established in most parts of Aberdeenshire.

Here are some highlights from the meetings so far: continued on next page continued from last page

Formartine / Ellon Banff and / Banff The main outcome so far is the partnership with This group has been consolidating existing Cfine and Fair Trade, resulting in a weekly pop- projects. There is a proposal from a community up shop in the Ythan Centre as a trial for a more trust to run a café. There was a presentation for permanent development. Service users and the Men’s Shed Project Coordinator and discussion family carers have taken a key role in taking this about how this might be developed in Banff. forward and have produced a report which you / Fraserburgh can read on page 3. The service is progressing with delivering the / Adapted Bike Project reported on page 3 and a The focus here has been on Community multi-cultural experience in RRRC in partnership News and partnership with Inverurie.com and with GREC and FIFA. developing further training and employability / and opportunities in the community. The group will be meeting later this month and Buchan / will be focusing on a Community Studio proposal There has been discussion on transport; family and partnership working with King George V carer support needs and how to ensure good Community Projects. communications between the activities of the So, you can see there’s a lot going on! group and family carers. There are a great many opportunities developing in Peterhead now If you want to get involved in any way please get which will form the focus of future meetings. in contact with your local day service or drop a line to [email protected] /

Here there has been a focus on transport issues; Based on Ordnance Survey mapping. © Crown copyright discussion about current reserved. Aberdeenshire services and how to Council 0100020767 2013. influence future services. The developments of a community café, accessible bike scheme, website development and issues which will arise from the Elsick development were also covered.

2 Also as part of our research into the selection Inclusive Bicycle Project of the optimum bicycle, we arranged for Fraserburgh demonstration days from both Quest 88 and Ashfield Cycles at the Robertson Road Resource (By Robertson Road Resource Centre) Centre. Quest 88 gave us full hand-on experience The Olympic and Paralympic games have with as many people as possible trying out encouraged many people to get fit and active the various models and also highlight not only the achievements available on the day. of able-bodied and disabled athletes but also Our Specialist Health the inclusive nature of sports. This inspirational Care Team colleagues community bike project in Fraserburgh is were also on hand to aiming to capitalise on the spirit of the games help us assess what we and provide a wheelchair adapted bicycle for would require which people with disability to get involved in cycling was a very valuable and alongside friends and family. Mrs Isobel Whyte and Isobel enjoyable joint working Anne Whyte event. The adapted bicycle project was started in Donations have been rolling in from May this year after local organisations, businesses and individuals alike to parent Bryan Wood enable the purchase of adapted bicycles for use had the opportunity of by wheelchair users and others. We have been taking his son, Fraser to overwhelmed by the tremendous support from Edinburgh to try out the the community here in the Fraserburgh area and only wheelchair adapted even further afield. The donations have been Fraser and Bryan Wood bicycle in Scotland. Fraser, very generous and the Adapted Bike will make 11, is a pupil of Westfield School, and he visits the a big difference. Although we have purchased Robertson Road Resource Centre one day a week the first Adapted alongside his schoolmates. Bike, and have funds for a tricycle we are Prior to the visit Bryan teamed up with Robertson still working towards Road Resource Centre Fraserburgh and the a further goal to Education Sports Coordinator as they were purchase other also looking to develop a similar project and cycles and develop the Fraserburgh Development Trust agreed to the project and we support the idea and manage the funds for the welcome further project. We decided that it would be a worthwhile Ryan Grant & Margaret donations. cause to raise funds in the hope of purchasing Morrice a wheelchair adapted bicycle that could be Donations for the used by wheelchair users in the Fraserburgh adapted bicycle project can be made to and surrounding area. Although it would have Fraserburgh Development Trust manager Mark been easier and more straight forward, to have Jackson who can be contacted on 01346 510513 developed the project “in house,” by linking or by contacting Robertson Road Resource with the local community we are embracing the Centre on 01346 515292. inclusion and partnership opportunities for the project and for the community to maintain the ongoing development. »

3 Blether about the to this very worthwhile project Mark Jackson, Fraserburgh bike project…. that will make a difference to so Development Trust » many people.” “The aim of the project is to Bryan Wood Paul Winter, Active Schools purchase a unique three- “Frasers big brother James has Coordinator wheeled battery powered been taking him out and we wheelchair bicycle that will be “I would expect the tricycle can now go out as a family” used by the community and to have a major impact in visitors. Ongoing discussions are helping people with disabilities Day services manager Carol taking place with Aberdeenshire to participate in the many Gibbs Council and FISSH to house the organized cycling events “I would like to extend a warm bicycle at the new Fraserburgh that take place around the thank you to everyone who swimming pool once it is area, such as the Aden Bike donated and supported the completed next year to ensure Challenge, that they have bike project. This project will an effective booking system previously been excluded from. mean so much to people with and maintenance plan is in a disability and their families; Both Elizabeth Duff, Specialist place. This would allow the we have further donations Physiotherapist community to easily access coming which will help with the bicycle and go for a cycle “Cycling is an excellent exercise the ongoing maintenance around James Ramsay Park, the for people with (and without) and other possible future beach esplanade and around disabilities. It takes people developments. The freedom of Fraserburgh. This project has outside into the fresh air and being on a bike and feeling the the scope to grow into a more gives a feeling of speed and wind in your face is amazing inclusive project with additional independence. Cycling is and I myself cycle around bicycles to involve all the family.” good for balance and posture, Fraserburgh so it’s great that muscle strength and co- Louise Martin, Chair of Sport our project has the potential to ordination. It exercises the Scotland help and inspire more people heart, helps circulation and do this too. Cycling is a great “This adapted bike is an excellent generally makes you feel good,” way to spend time outdoors; it addition for the Fraserburgh improves your health and is also Susan Fulford, Specialist community. With the success a more environmentally friendly Occupational Therapist of Sir Chris Hoy, the feel-good factor surrounding Scottish way of exploring the area.” “The rhythmic movement of cycling is at an all-time high pedaling is calming for people Chair of Banff and Buchan and the purchase of this bike with autistic-type problems. Area Committee Councillor will ensure that disabled people Steering and maneuvering John Cox throughout the area can take helps spatial awareness and “The fund-raising project for up and enjoy the sport. Next concentration. For many the wheelchair bike is bringing summer’s Commonwealth Games physically more able people people together and once it is in Glasgow is helping to increase with a learning disability, it can in place will provide a fantastic the opportunities for people of all be difficult to find an outlet resource for wheelchair users ages and abilities across Scotland for their energy. Cycling is a to engage with social sports to become involved in sport and productive, satisfying and fun activities. I encourage as many physical activity, and this initiative way of exercising.” people as possible to donate will help to achieve this goal.”

4 Ellon Pop-Up Shop By Helen McIntyre

On Friday 25th October a Fairtrade shop opened in Ellon. The shop has a room at the front of the Ythan Centre (between the library and the shoe shop), on Fridays between 10am and 2pm..

Helen’s mum, Catriona, is on the Ellon IDEA Locality group. Other helpers include Emma, Charlotte, Jonathan, Clockwise fro top left Helen Gordon and Fiona McIntyre, Helen Henderson and a customer and Fair Trade and another mum/ Fair trade stall and CFine fresh produce stall with Christmas gifts volunteer, Mair Jones, The shop is run by volunteers from the Ellon also helped in the Resource Centre, who benefit from experience shop. It was a successful start to our new venture working in a shop. We also sell fresh fruit and and we have been able to let CFINE and Fair veg, soup mixes, lentils and muesli supplied by Trade know what our best selling items were. I CFINE on a sale or return basis. would like to thank the volunteers, both service users and parents for their commitment and Helen is MId- Fair Trade Group rep for enthusiasm and to other service users, parents, Ellon Resource Centre and helper in the shop. carers and staff for buying the products in our shop. (Helen Henderson, Ellon Resource Centre)

Good bye Carol At the end of last year we bid a fond farewell to Carol Gibbs, Manager of Roberston Road Resource Centre in Fraserburgh. In her 26 years with the Council, Carol made many friends and as manager at RRRC saw the development of a truly inclusive service that has become a valuable asset for the whole community. She will be sorely missed, but we all wish her every happiness in her forthcoming adventures.

5 Opportunities to learn at Forest View

In 2012 with the introduction of ASDAN accreditations in Forest View we began by offering 15 accredited courses and 4 non accredited courses. Since then our timetable has grown to accommodate a wide ranging scope of subjects all meeting someone’s individual needs, whilst offering great choices in learning and development.

The subjects range from Drama/Performing Arts to Meal Preparation and all promote independence and community presence, whilst linking in nicely we head into 2014 we hope to increase this with with IDEA. Each year members meet with staff to our new exciting timetable which offers new evaluate the choice of subjects to be offered, so for subjects like Football, citizenship and Literacy to many subjects it’s out with the old and in with the name a few. new and this maintains creativity, motivation and At Forest View we make learning as much fun as increases new learning skills. possible in our promotion of independence and This year members achieved 78 accredited everything we do is accredited through ASDAN. outcomes through 15 different subjects and as

6 Willowbank Day Services Phillip’s story about the Joinery Course he is undertaking (by Philip Summers) Joinery and woodwork course at North I have been in the woodwork project with Bobby East Scotland College, Fraserburgh (my Keyworker) at Willowbank for a few years Campus (by Bobby Cardno) and I really liked doing all the jobs in the project. I wanted to go to college to be a car mechanic but Ian Donaldson, Phillip Summers and Graham there wasn’t any course that I could go to. Bobby Tocher have a place on the above course. The saw that I was good in the project and thought course runs every Wednesday afternoon from it would be good if I could go to college to learn October 2013 to June 2014. to do more things with wood. I really liked the All three lads really look forward to and enjoy thought of this. the College course - meeting with new people I have learnt a lot since I started going to the and experiencing new challenges. Three projects college. I made a wooden plane and I got to take have to be completed during the course. This my model home. It is hanging on the ceiling in involves working with tools, marking around my room. We are now making a wooden planter templates, using hand saws, chisel and hammer, shaped like a cow! wood plane, brisket joiner, sanding and staining. I love being a student – I have a student card As well as the practical element, the course is now. I enjoy meeting new people and learning also about working as a team, helping each other how to do new things in the class. At the end of and also helping to finish parts for other classes if the session we all work as a team to put all the needed. The group are assessed on their progress tools away, wood parts are lifted through to the and are given 1:1 tuition and instructions at store, and the benches and floor are swept. regular intervals by the tutor, Jim.

7 Elementary Food Quote from Lorna Ross, Food and Safety Support Officer: Hygiene Course “I was delighted to present the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course to such a hard working, able and attentive (By Maureen Hendry) group of students.” During November, David Ritchie, Cara Davidson and Andrew Duthie completed the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course which was run by Lorna Ross, Food and Safety Support Officer. The course was held in Peterhead and was completed over a two day period. They all passed their course which was just great! David, Cara and Andrew are all involved in the kitchen / coffee bar project at Cara in the kitchen / Willowbank so it is excellent that coffee bar project they were able to complete and David and Andrew in the pass this course. kitchen / coffee bar project

the gift tags are very proud to Gift Tree Project be part of this project and really (by Margaret Smith and Shaun Noble) enjoy decorating the tags. The Peterhead Gift Tree Shaun Noble was involved in Project is a great initiative in making the gift tags and he said Peterhead which is organised ‘I really enjoy making the tags by Peterhead Projects. and decorating them’. Members of the public are asked to donated gifts, toys, This year the group are also books, games and toiletries going to be involved in for children and vulnerable wrapping the gifts that have people. been donated. Willowbank have been involved with the Gift They will Tree Project for a few years now. A group of be joining service users make the gift tags for the Gift Tree. other People who are going to give a present pick a volunteers gift tag of their choice from the Gift Tree and who will be then buy an item that is suitable for the person’s meeting at age and gender. The gifts are then left below Arbuthnot the tree. There are many Gift Trees around House in Peterhead. Peterhead. The people who have been involved in making

8 Willowbank ‘All Stars’ Drama Group - production of ‘A World Away’ (By Morag Skene)

Since 2012 the Willowbank ‘All Stars’ Drama correct their wrongs and dancing about waving Group have been touring their production their streamers at the very end in celebration of of ‘A World Away’ – a musical theatre piece our beautiful world and the people who live in it! devised by staff member and drama director The message that we should appreciate is we live Morag Skene – around primary schools in the in a beautiful world and the fact that no-one in Peterhead area and beyond. this world is perfect and we should accept each other just the way we are. So far the production has been wonderfully well received at Primary, The Anna Ritchie Quotes from cast members: School, Dales Park and Buchanhaven Schools, Peterhead and Westfield School in Fraserburgh. “I love playing the part of the twins father and being a god. My favourite bits are when I get to ‘A World Away’, which is a combination of three shout at them but also when I’m proud of them South American myths is a lively piece of theatre which uses colourful lighting (where possible), and I give them a cuddle” props, vivid costumes and masks, comedy, drama by Stephen Morrice and movement. Paul McLean was one of the twins and his The performance is very audience friendly, favourite bit was getting to be naughty on stage encouraging the children to think about what and the part where they have the skipping rope kind of world it would be with no sun or moon, but no-one to play with. He said: no love or laughter, no rain or snow, no people “I think it is really funny when we are at schools – no family or friends. They are also encouraged as there are always some boys and girls who to be very vocal and active – booing the naughty want to go up and play them”. twins, cheering and clapping as the twins try to “I’m in the chorus and my favourite bits are when we line up on stage and show the boys and girls the sun and moon rising and setting. I also like it when I get to shout “That’s bad I’m going to tell your father!” at the twins”. By Simon Spiers

Picture taken by ‘Neil Willox Photography’ »

9 Quotes from the “I loved it – the All Stars rock!” “Brilliant! I loved the » children, many of whom come to our ‘dressing masks and the costumes” room ‘ door to thank us for putting on such a great “Liked the story – would have performance or make ‘thank “I liked the acting, it was loved for it to be longer” you’ cards for us: loud and clear with a fun- filled finish”

“The twins were really “I learned that nobody is funny but it’s bad to steal” perfect” The All Stars will continue touring “A World Away” in 2014, and are very excited to announce that they intend to “I think it was amazing!” perform it at a primary school in .

The Big Draw in The Big Draw in Banff The Big Draw is an art event which ran from commissioned to produce a series of art works to 1 October to 3 November 2013 in fifteen be displayed in the long gallery at Duff House. countries, with more than 200,000 people of all The group came up with the quirky name of ages taking part in over 1000 events. Hundreds ‘Lookwitwevedin’ and were involved in designing of new and enjoyable drawing activities the advertising poster for the campaign. We connect people of all ages with museums, have produced unique pieces of abstract artwork outdoor spaces, artists - and each other. These by drawing in paint using grasses and leaves events are for those who love to draw, and gathered from the landscape surrounding Duff those who think they can’t. House. Banff Day Service was approached by Scottish The whole event has been photographed and filmed Heritage, who invited us to take part in the local from start to finish and the work was exhibited in Big Draw event at Duff House. The theme of Duff House November - December 2013. the event is “landscape”, and working alongside professional artist Geoff Roberts we were ‘Lookwitwevedin’

10 11 Learning with Lead Scotland Barbara commented; “The learners were all very focused on A group of six young achieving their learning outcomes and very adults in Ellon have been hard working. By the end of the 10 week meeting every week over sessions they were showing an increase in the past 10 weeks at Ellon confidence in using numbers, reading and spelling and also feeling able to ask for the Community Centre to support needed to learn.” One learner has also improve their literacy skills with support from decided to progress on to do an SVQ Core Skills Lead Scotland. qualification in Communication next year. Individual meetings were arranged with each All the young adults are involved in a variety of learner before the group started to identify the different projects and activities through Ellon skills they wanted to work on and to discuss and Resource Centre and wanted to access dedicated agree an Individual Action Plan.These covered a literacies outwith the Centre and to be more range of topics from reading bus timetables and involved and included in the local community. the 24hr clock, handling money to improving In discussions with Vikki Carpenter, the Adult writing skills in punctuation, grammar and spelling. Literacies Coordinator with CLD in Ellon, it was felt that Lead would be the best partner to take this learning forward. Staff at the Resource Centre also attended an awareness raising training on “Literacies with Care” led by Emma Whitelock, the Learning and Business Manager at Lead Scotland, looking at practical ways where integrated literacy skills can be maintained in daily living.

The best way to demonstrate impact is to hear from the learners’ themselves and below are some of their comments: “I liked going to the group and I enjoyed learning new things and improved my (Above) Learners working on handling money skills, with confidence.” support from Lead volunteer, Wilma Dalton “It’s good to come and learn new things and get The literacy group was supported by Lead’s to know everyone.” Learning Coordinator, Barbara Taylor and Lead “I have really enjoyed the group and I am going volunteers. on to do an SVQ Core Skills in Communication Whilst the learners are in a group setting, they next year.” are working on the specific skills they want to “My experience at the group was good and improve on and have the support available to the people were nice and I was very pleased do this on a 1 to 1 basis but they also have the with myself for learning new words that I didn’t benefit of support and encouragement from their know before and my reading was good too. I peers too. would say that it’s a good idea to come.”

12 For further advice and guidance on the ALP project contact:

Barbara Taylor  07768 917248  [email protected]

For advice and guidance on Activity Agreements for 16 – 19 year olds contact:

Val Smith  07768 917504  [email protected]

For the More Choices, More Chances project for 16 – 25 year olds contact: Ellon Literacy Group November 2013 Sarah Ball  07775 844885 “I liked that it was tailored to each of us. I liked using Starspell on the computer to help with  [email protected] spelling more difficult words. Bigger words are Lead Scotland is a voluntary organisation set now easier to learn and spell. I concentrated up to widen access to learning for disabled better at maths. I feel more confident about young people, disabled adults and carers across handling money and will continue to build on it.” Scotland. Vivienne Wallace, Lead Volunteer Lead is committed to equality of access, respect “I have really enjoyed working with the group. for individuals, difference and diversity, enabling All the learners were so committed to learning and empowering people. Lead is a free, impartial the topics they had decided to find out more and confidential service to learners. about. They are a fantastic group of ladies!” ‘Like’ us on Facebook at Wilma Dalton, Lead Volunteer www.facebook.com/likeleadscotland “I have found that working with the group for Follow us on Twitter @leadscot_tweet the first time has been very rewarding. It has been enlightening and entertaining and Website: www.lead.org.uk I, too, have learnt from the young people.” Lead Scotland Information Service Freephone The next group will start in Ellon on January 0800 999 2568 (opening times Tuesday, next year and run for 10 weeks. Lead intends Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am – 4pm) to run future literacy groups in other areas of Aberdeenshire where the need has been identified. Lead also supports learners to improve literacy skills, ICT or other learning opportunities on a 1 to 1 basis in a community setting or with home visits. The project is funded by the Aberdeenshire Literacies Partnership.

13 Local News and Updates Banff in the spotlight again

In the IDEA newsletter, we told you about the work trial scheme being offered at the Spotty Bag Shop. On 18th September, 2013 the Spotty Bag Shop Banff won The Northern Star Diversity Award at Chamber of Commerce - the Award is given out to an employer who has embraced fair and diverse recruitment practice. The Shop currently has two The innovative approach has gone so well, shop people working full-time and another about to owner Des brought one work trial to an early start on work experience, through a partnership end, saying the worker had so exceeded his with the Employability Service. expectations that he wanted to pay her for her work. “It’s been good for us,” said Des. “We’ve been able to put something back into the community, and we’re helping someone in an equal opportunity environment. “In return, we get a valued member of the team who adds her own strengths to the business.”

“Interviewee” Ashleigh said “I love working at the Spotty Bag Shop as I enjoy what I am doing working with others and as part of a team”.

Working Together Report All said it was much more interesting than the from People First usual type of meetings they go to. People from Ellon who were there want Lighthouse Rock to do The Drop-In continues to be very busy something with them in the near future. with numbers well up on last year. We continue to have a presence at People First Unfortunately vandals smashed a window at the Committee meetings in Edinburgh, NESEN, RGU week-end. Diability Nurses Forum, Progress Scotland and the College. The Lighthouse Rock open day for Robertson Road was a huge success and a great time was had The Buddy scheme is still going well with some by all who attended. Feed-back was all positive new faces at the Drop-In as a result. and everyone is looking forward to the next one. We have appointed a new Fund-raiser, Rachel Lighthouse Rock also performed at the “Speaking Diblee, and she has fitted in well. We have high Up Day” at Inverurie town hall in September, and hopes she will do a good job for us. People First were delighted to have been involved Thank You. in both the planning and the running of the event, which was very well attended.

14 Special Features

Short Story – Work I also help to clean floors The River Deveron after the dogs’ hair is cut. (By Steven Summers) Experience (By Angela Law) Sometimes I help to clean the shop. I go hill walking with day services I love dogs and cats very every Thursday and I take I go there one day a week much, so I asked my day my camera with me. This is a and this is voluntary at the services and staff to find photograph of the River Deveron I movement. a job for me to work took on one of our walks. with animals. My day I enjoy this as it lets me use services staff helped me my social skills, travelling to get a part-time job at skills and “look after “Dirty Rascals” which is animal” skills. a dog grooming shop in I love dogs, so am really Stonehaven. happy at “Dirty Rascals” I help to dry dogs’ hair and I always use a protective head phone as it is very noisy when the hair dryer is being used.

Holiday Report ( by Sarah Gleeson-Robertson).

Hi I am Sarah I felt quite safe and secure going away with her. Robertson and I am going to My holiday was great because i got to swim tell you about every day and relax by the pool. my holiday in Diane supported me on 2 outings one was on a Turkey boat trip and a trip to see turtles.

in September We have great fun together. 2013. This is my third holiday I am also looking forward to my next holiday in abroad with 2014 with Supported Supported holidays 4 all Holidays 4 all. Turkey, Spain, Menorca, Corfu, Tenerife. My holiday Holidays are tailored to your needs enabler was Diane King. Supported by Experienced Holiday Enablers.

15 Useful Information Get out and about To ask if there is community transport available Aberdeenshire really does reach from “mountain www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/publictransport/ to sea” so it’s no surprise that getting around can community/projects.asp be a challenge. We hope the following information  PTU - 01224 664589 will help you on your way. To hire a Council minibus on behalf of a For Aberdeenshire bus times group www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/publictransport/ www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/publictransport/ timetables/index.asp minibus/index.asp Traveline Scotland -  0871 200 22 33  PTU - 01224 665197  PTU - 01224 664586 For information on transport to hospital To request changes to a bus service appointments in Grampian THInC advice line -  01343 5678 39 Attend Area Bus Forum meetings - www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/publictransport/ Bus Pass and TaxiCard applications and forums.asp general queries  PTU - 01224 664584  08456 081 200 Email: [email protected] To request a bus stop or bus shelter  PTU - 01224 664581 For general dial-a-bus service information www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/publictransport/ a2bdialabus/index.asp To discuss whether A2B dial-a-bus can help someone  A2B dial-a-bus co-ordinator (Denise May) on 01224 664588 Email: [email protected]

16 Training Opportunities from VIAS

Will you do this in the future? ABERDEEN Outcome If so you will want to think about outcomes. These are the things you want to achieve in your Based Support Planning life. This course will give you the chance to learn:

4th Feburary 2014 11.am – 3.pm • ways to think about what’s important in each person’s life This is a 1 day course for people with learning difficulties, • how to keep planning real individuals on the autistic spectrum and supporters. • what planning is and isn’t • how to find and use resources in your Do you direct your own community support?

ABERDEEN Employment Planning • good employment planning values

11th Feburary 2014 11.am – 3.pm • working out what a dream job might be

This is a 1 day course for people with learning • involving people who can help difficulties, individuals on the autistic spectrum • thinking about which employers to contact and supporters. Do you direct your own support? Will you do this in the future? If so and you want • planning who will do what to make the dream paid work then this course is for you. It will give happen you the chance to learn about:  0141 880 9055

North Aberdeenshire Learning Disability Forum

The North Aberdeenshire Learning Disability Forum is an opportunity for people with learning difficulties who live in Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Banff to get together usually every second month to talk about how things are going in their particular areas; discuss the services they receive from the council and invite speakers to come to talk to them about any issues of concern. If you have a learning difficulty and live in any of these 3 areas and are interested in coming to one of our meetings we would love to hear from you.

Contact: Alexander Thomson or Stewart Whyte at the People First Office on:  01346 518104

17 And finally… Whoops

In the previous IDEA Newsletter an article for Cafe Connect was wrongly attributed to Carol Gibbs when it was actually written by trainees at Cafe Connect. We are sorry for the mistake and thank guys for your contribution. Share your Story

Do you have a story you want to share? It doesn’t matter how big or small your achievement is, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you’d like to write about something you find interesting or do a picture? Contact us at [email protected] if you would like to submit anything for the next edition of NewsIDEAs or to subscribe. What do you think of NewIDEAs?

Please take the time to complete our short electronic survey by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GYXPPXZ

Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT21914 January 2014