Inclusive Day opportunities Enabling Aberdeenshire issue 1 September 2013
Welcome From Philip English, Contents Head of Adult Services, page Aberdeenshire Council I am delighted to present 2. IDEA’s across this first edition of IDEA Aberdeenshire News. I.D.E.A stands for 3. Spotlight on jobs Inclusive Day opportunities, Enabling Aberdeenshire. This innovative project 4. National news is about making sure that adults with disabilities have good opportunities to fulfill their potential, 4. News across to be involved and recognised as valued members Aberdeenshire of their communities. It is also about making sure 12. Reviews that services for people are safe, always improving and continuing to meet people’s needs. 13. Involving the experts IDEA News is to keep you informed about what is 15. Events happening in your area and across Aberdeenshire. Keep an eye out for the next edition which will 16. And finally… be published in January 2014, or subscribe to IDEA News and be added to the circulation list by contacting [email protected]
Out and about with Banff Day Services Banff Day Services are a busy a lot! Here’s some of the things they’ve been up to this year. IDEA’s across Aberdeenshire
The ‘I.D.E.A. Engagement Final Report’ was published in April this year. It represents a lot of work from service users, family carers, day services staff, partner agencies, community planning and many other people. If you haven’t seen this report or the reports produced from local events for service users and family carers they are all published on Aberdeenshire Council at: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/care/help/living/ during_day/big_idea.asp At a local level, groups are being set up to take the findings of the engagement events forward. Have a look - they make interesting reading. Each group will include service users, day services If you would like ‘hard ‘copies of any of these staff, care managers, community planning reports phone or email your local day service or officers, reps from employability services, contact me. Education Leisure and Learning and the third and private sectors. Anyone who wants to get involved is welcome and additional reps may be co-opted onto the groups for particular pieces of work. These Locality Development Groups will consider the findings from the engagement process, plan how to take ideas forward and engage with the community to deliver projects which will support community based services.
The engagement events showed that our communication and information systems could be improved. This is always a challenge in an area as vast and diverse as Aberdeenshire. This newsletter is part of a plan to address this. As The engagement events were all about finding new projects and initiatives are developed they out from the experts – service users and family will be reported here. carers; what aspects of day services work best and what do people want to see developed to deliver If you would like to comment on any aspect of even better services in the future? The events the I.D.E.A. Project, make suggestions or have were also about involving the whole community any queries I would be in thinking about how we can work together to delighted to hear from deliver better services for service users and how you. I can be contacted this will benefit everyone. Day Services staff have by email: val.milne@ also been involved in contributing their views aberdeenshire.gov.uk or and ideas about what can be done and an event by phone 01224 664970. for provider organisations is being organised by the Providers Forum. Val Milne, I.D.E.A Project Manager
2 Project SEARCH Spotlight on jobs
Finding work can be a trial Interns at the University of Aberdeenshire Employability Service is Aberdeen campus will benefit from Project working with local business to improve work SEARCH. Project SEARCH is an employment- opportunities. One such project at the Spotty Bag focused education programme, designed to Shop in Banff, offers “work trials” to people with give students with learning disabilities the learning disabilities instead of interviews, giving opportunity to develop employability skills people a chance to show what they can do. One and get hands on experience in the workplace, of the current “interviewees” is Ashleigh who is combined with classroom sessions. working in the restaurant, serving customers, clearing tables and taking orders. She is also Project SEARCH began at Cincinnati Children’s being trained on the till. Hospital in Ohio USA and quickly became a successful way of introducing students to The scheme has proved such a success, it has working at the hospital in a supportive way, been shortlisted in the Northern Star Business leading to many of the students becoming Awards for business diversity. Chris Holmes, employees of the hospital. The local Project Employability Officer, reported in the Press and SEARCH programme is a business led partnership Journal on 23 August 2013: “people have said between Inspire - the supported employment that their views on disability have changed, provider, The University of Aberdeen - the having seen how people with disabilities can be a host employer, and Aberdeen College - the valuable part of the team.” educator, with support by Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council Employability Service Aberdeenshire Councils. supports adults with a disability, mental health This year the course will run with 12 students at condition, or substance misuse issue who are The University of Aberdeen 2013 - 2014. Students ready to seek employment. The service is open will have the opportunity to adults aged 16-65 and referral can be made to choose where they through care teams or job centre schemes work, with 3 internships enabling access to an employability officer and on the university campus support worker who will work with people to and on-the-job support. find a job or training. Email the Employability Watch this space for Service to find out more about what they offer: updates on how they [email protected] get on. For more Carol Balcombe, information email: Employment Development Carol.balcombe@ Team Leader aberdeenshire.gov.uk
3 You can download copies of the new strategy National News from the Scottish Government website. The ‘Keys to life’ is the new Full version: www.scotland.gov. learning disability strategy uk/Publications/2013/06/1123 for Scotland. It was launched Easy read version: on Thursday 13th June at www.scotland.gov. Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. kzPublications/2013/06/6964
News from across Aberdeenshire
Forest View Mosaic Project (Nick Jamison, Day Service Manager Forest View, Stonehaven) In June 2012 we were approached by Total to do a project with them. After much deliberation it was agreed we would mosaic a car … until
someone thought of a boat and the amazing creative with the connection designs we agreed that we made to Stonehaven would incorporate elements Beach! from each design onto the boat! A boat was donated and The end product was an we had a aquatic theme incorporating competition sharks, octopus, lobsters etc. for all service Service users, staff, volunteers users to and Total staff all contributed come up with to the work on the boat design ideas. over a year and it is a great Due to the representation of the sterling huge response teamwork of all involved.
4 Total kindly funded the Aberdeenshire Council From the train line just passing majority of this project, whilst a landscape and design team in front of Forest View, the local tile firm donated all waste came up with the landscape mosaic boat and landscape tiles that make up the design design for the finished boat will be a pleasing view for all which would have otherwise to reside on. This in itself is travellers past the centre and gone to landfill - so we also did also a great piece of art full of will hopefully draw further our bit for the environment! creativity, which compliments interest in Forest View moving the boat to its full potential. forward.
Ellon Editors are making headlines (by edited and published The Glasgow Keelie – the the Ellon Editors) wartime memories of a Glasgow boy evacuated to Tarves during the Second World War. This busy group runs on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday all day. We joined forces with the ‘Life through a Lens’ The Ellon Editors initially started up initiative last year and hope to maintain the links to link in with the Community News we made with other community groups. We and to write articles about the also contributed to the River of Words which Ellon area. We are under the umbrella of DALNIA will feature in the new Ellon Academy with the and have 3 representatives on the DALNIA help of local poet Bernie Briggs. We have a new committee. However, we now do a lot more than computer suite which we like and it is proving this! very popular. We have a Smart Board and find this is a great help with editing and team We now publish a 12-16 page newsletter every working. Every year one of the groups benefits 2 months and this has regular features like from an outreach computer course run by Volunteers’ Voice, Pets’ Corner, Creative Nook Aberdeen College. featuring a serialised story about Ellonium (Ellon long ago), sports corner and much more.
We work on different projects and are currently working on a photographic book on Ellon Then and Now. This is a follow on to our very successful book called Ellon Through Our Eyes which has sold over 150 copies. We also
5 Emma’s Story (by Emma from Ellon I now work in the training Resource Centre) kitchen one and a half days a week, helping to prepare When I left Banff and fruit pots, sandwiches and Buchan College and chopping veg for soup. It started going to the has helped my kitchen skills. Centre, I lacked confidence in going out myself. I help out at a weekly coffee afternoon serving customers, After being at the Centre setting tables and tidying nearly two years I took a up. I sometimes use the till course in travel training. I taking money. was very nervous to start with but with support I am part of Ellon Editors. It and encouragement I has helped with my typing have now and computer skills and confidence to working as a team. I have go out on my helped compile a book own. I walk called ‘Ellon Through our to and from Eyes’. I enjoyed being part the centre and of the team. sometimes I even walk to the shops on my own.
Fraser likes to come to Email: suzanne.mahony@ Highfield for the day and has aberdeenshire.gov.uk been helping us to tidy the garden. We support people in a way that is individual and special to each person. Fraser
An ordinary house in an ordinary street says; “I like Highfield, it’s fun, it’s w o r k ”. Welcome to Highfield in Banchory! (Sue Mahony, If you would like to find out Team Manager, Shared more about Highfield and Lives) what it can offer you please ask your Care Manager or contact This house is in the centre us direct on 01330 823434 of the local Banchory or Team Manager mobile community and provides many 07824837791. We would opportunities to people with a love to hear from you and Take a look how he has helped us to disability who require support. be able to make a difference. make the garden look lovely. Thank you Fraser
6 Café Connect (by Carol Gibbs, Manager been adapted to make it attractive to IT and café Robertson Road Resource Centre, customers, while remaining a suitable working Fraserburgh) environment for people with disabilities. There are training opportunities in catering, IT and customer services.
In June 2013 Café Connect and Robertson Road Resource Centre were presented with the Eat Safe Award. The Eat Safe standard is awarded to businesses that have gone above and beyond the requirements of current food legislation to a standard of excellence.
The Café Connect project maintains the www.visitfraserburgh.com for Fraserburgh The Café Connect project is a training facility Community Web, www.robertsonroad.org. and stepping stone for people with disabilities uk and www.candorecycling.co.uk/ for Cando to enter into employment. The project arose Community Recycling. from a need in Fraserburgh for employment and personal development opportunities for adults with disabilities in a community based environment.
After research and consultation with the community, Robertson Road Resource Centre and local charity Fraserburgh Community Web identified that an Internet cafe was the best way of providing these opportunities.
Café Connect has premises in Fraserburgh town centre. The community based cyber café has
MSP visits the Scolty provide great opportunities for accompanying her added “I Centre adults with disabilities to enjoy value the contribution that the a varied range of activities Scolty Centre makes. They are Alison McInnes, MSP for North both inside the centre and a huge asset to the community East Scotland, visited the Scotly in the wider community. The with their work in such projects Centre during the Scottish skills they promote enable as recycling at the centre in Parliament’s summer recess. individuals to realise their Aboyne and of course the She said: “I was delighted to see potential and embrace new important job of watering our for myself the fantastic work opportunities, indeed some go tubs and hanging baskets in of the Scolty Centre. Alison on to future employment.” Banchory.” (Thomson) and her team of caring and experienced staff Local councilor Karen Clark,
7 Pitscurry Group - Engaging with (Alford) donated a wood burning stove - this Businesses (Anne Bissett, Deputy transformed the working environment for Manager, Harlaw Centre) service users and staff alike. Britannia has been involved for a number of years raising money and Since the Pitscurry Project opened over twelve volunteering in various guises. For example; the years ago we have encouraged organisations, donation of two hives and bees, fruit trees for our local businesses and the community to be orchard, web cams to monitor our red squirrel involved, many as volunteers, and this has taken colony and finance to extend our vegetable plot. us on a variety of exciting journeys, meeting many hard working people on the way. Pitcaple Environmental Project realised very early on, the importance of community involvement. We have been very fortunate in having a number of dedicated people who worked hard in promoting the project in the wider community.
One of the first projects undertaken was the boardwalk. This involved a number of people in various tasks: including fund raising, design of the garden and the construction work. One of the first of a number of local companies to become involved was P.P.S. We are very grateful for their work with the sculptured sheep – especially the dipping of them!!!
This building was The Buzzard Café was open by PEP on the 18th constructed to store, May 2013 after many years of fund raising. The in a dry environment, main benefactor was Nexen Oil; they were very pallets, collected form generous in their contribution. The cafe is jointly local firms, and wood run by PEP and The Harlaw Centre It currently donated by Scott Frame. opens five day per week, Monday to Friday. Much of the wood is recycled into planters, bird towers and kindling. On site we grow a The kindling is then sold to local businesses and wide variety fruit and the general public. vegetables. We are able to supply our The building we use to break up the pallets was cafe with much of its quite a cold area to work in; and just at the right vegetable and salad time Balfor Beattie offered to sponsor us for a requirements. We also supply a number of local year. The money restaurants, including Touched by Scotland, The they raised we Old Post Office in Chapel of Garioch and the used to put in a Acorn Centre Inverurie. floating floor; this helped insulate Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ the building. pages/The-Pitscurry-Project/329327363748669 Donside Stoves
8 Football fans get the VIP treatment (John Milne, Day Centre Officer, Banff Day services) This week I took 3 service users to a football match at Pittodrie to watch Aberdeen play Alloa. Through sponsorship and Sandy Riach, who runs Aberdeen F.C. disabled supporters group, we managed to get a hospitality package. At the stadium we got the opportunity to meet 2 of the players Josh Magennis and Michael Hector. Our service users had never been to a match before so it was a big deal.
If you want any more info please call: 01261 818281
Willowbank and We were able to be fully Friends set up shop involved with the project and (Jean McBride Depute actually took part in helping with tidying up and organising Manager Willowbank Day the shop for opening. The Service) group really gave it all they had and their efforts were rewarded Andrew restocking the cards by the recognition and thanks they got from the other The shop is now up and volunteers and committee running. Over the summer members. months especially, it has enjoyed some very good trading days. The shop stocks Aden Vounteers on first visit to shop merchandise from local One of the most successful crafters and the volunteers projects that Willowbank from Willowbank really enjoy became part of last year was being involved in a variety of the newly formed Friends of different tasks. Aden group who support Aden As everyone’s confidence Country Park. The Friends is growing they are able to of Aden and Willowbank got become more involved and together to run the craft shop. are now taking on extra tasks The shop had been closed for throughout the day to ensure some time and it needed to that this project becomes be revamped to a sufficient even more successful. The standard. Willowbank run the volunteers are forever Natalie putting out the sign shop Monday – Friday. being praised for the »
9 “I like it best when the shop is busy”
“The time goes past quickly – it’s not boring” “I really enjoy it”
“I really like it and prefer to come
Lorraine counting the float in the till “I enjoy serving
I heard one of the work that they do keeping and speaking to the volunteers saying just the shop manned and doing the other day that various tasks within the shop. they are now getting I have added some of the regular customers who My favourite is – “I feel comments from volunteers come in and speak to them. when they were asked what He was so happy that these good – important !” they though about this project. customers remembered his name.
Do you know someone who would benefit from our scheme? We can offer a uniquely tailored package to fit individual needs, all placements go through a matching process which enables a joint Do you know about Shared Lives? partnership between the person wishing for Shared Lives is a unique and flexible support support and with a Shared Lives carer who shares scheme providing short breaks, day support and the same hobbies and interests. Referrals are long term placements for people over sixteen made through a person’s care manager. with a disability. This may be a physical and /or learning disability, mental health issues and older Could you be a Shared Lives carer? people. Uniquely this support is provided from a This is a unique and flexible opportunity. Would Shared Lives carers own home and as part of their you like to be paid to offer support from home? family. Being a real part of the community and what Offer what time you can spare? An afternoon, a is going on in the area is so important to us all. weekend or even longer? »
10 Shared Lives carers receive quality training and support. This scheme is registered with the Care Inspectorate and is rated ‘very good’ Did you know Shared Lives offers activity weekend breaks? Shared Lives has introduced short inclusive activity breaks for family carers, service users, Shared Lives carers and those interested in finding out more about Shared Lives. Our last weekend cost £99 for all food, accommodation, activities and entertainment Want to find out more?
family, a unique, personal type of support. She shares with people her love of the countryside and outdoor life along with Isla the family dog. Shiri is a great cook and enjoys sharing her meal preparation with people who stay and even more eating the food together. Andy her husband likes for nothing better than to play golf and tennis with people who choose to stay with the family. Brian who uses their support says, “I really like Shared Lives it makes me feel special and happy”
Please contact: Sue Mahony , Team Manager, Shared Lives Scheme
Carlton House, Arduthie Road, Shiri’s story Stonehaven AB39 2DL www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/sharedlives Shiri has been part of the Shared lives Scheme for the past five years. She offers along with her
11 The Nosheen, Nazma and Casa Salvatore cater Reviews for the Indian and Italian palate and are licensed. Eating out in Ellon (by Ellon Resource The Nosheen is well laid out for people in wheelchairs. Centre Research Group) Ellon is also well furnished with takeaway outlets, The Resource Centre Research Group is a link again catering for a wide variety of tastes. project of Ellon Editors. It was set up to help service users improve their writing skills by These are just our opinions but we hope you find giving them the opportunity to express their own them helpful. If you have any comments, please opinions. This allowed them to say not only what let us know, either through the IDEA initiative they like about services and resources but also or at [email protected] or what they did not like but in a more considered telephone on 01358 720066. and constructive way. Back To The 80’s (by the Banff BUZZ team) There is a wide choice of places to eat in Ellon offering menus from all round the world – This is a photo of a show we went to last week. Indian, Chinese, Italian, European to name but It was requested at a service user meeting the a few. Restaurant types range from snack bars possibility of going to various events. As a result and coffee shops to a more upmarket eating we organised a night at “Back To The 80’s” at the experience. Art Centre in Aberdeen. The BUZZ team went to Aberdeen to watch the show. It is the story of For snacks and coffees there is the Gallery, the senior class of William Ocean High School The Kirk Centre, Symposium, JRDs, Coffee Pot, that graduated in the 1980’s, as remembered and Delicious, The Chocolate Bar, The Ashvale and the seen through the eyes of 30-something Corey Community Centre. We particularly like The Kirk Palmer. The comments after the show were, Centre and the Gallery (although unfortunately ‘Magic’, ‘Brilliant’, Can we come back tomorrow?’. both are shut on a Monday) because the choice The Castlegate Theatre School Seniors put on a and quality of food and levels of hygiene are fantastic show! of a high standard. They both have a pleasant atmosphere but although child friendly, the Gallery is upstairs and has no lift and the Kirk Centre does not serve chips!! We like JRDs because it is spacious and has a great view over Ellon and has an outdoor area. Symposium, Delicious, the Chocolate Bar and the Coffee Pot are more compact and cosy so not so easily accessible by those in wheelchairs or pushchairs but offer a variety of snacks and drinks. The Cup Cake shop offers the craft shopper a chance to sit Calling all reviewers down and enjoy a delicious cup cake and drink. IDEA News would love to hear about your The Buchan, New Inn and Station Hotels offer experiences of going out in Grampian. Do the full dining experience with a great choice you know of any clubs and societies? Can you of menu both local and international. All three recommend a good café or pub? What is you are open 7 days a week and until late at night favourite place to visit? Whatever you want to and have good car parking facilities. However, write about, we’ll consider including your review perhaps more consideration could be given to in the next edition of IDEA News. disable access (toilets, automatic doors, lifts, etc.). people with learning difficulties Involving the Experts to defend their rights and stand up to institutional abuse. Raymond Loomis understood the need for solidarity and the movement spread by word of mouth from hospital to hospital, from country to country evolving eventually into what has now become the international People First movement.
The People First organisation in Scotland was started in 1989. They held a conference which I.D.E.A is about involving every- making sure services meet their was attended by one to make our communities needs. people from all safer, more welcoming and “Citizenship means: Being over Scotland fairer for all citizens. Key to this including our respected - being able to is making sure people who use own Alexander Thomson and services have their voices heard. hold your head up high his friend Peter Barclay who Self advocacy is when people and getting respect from were inspired to come back to can stand up for themselves ei- those around you; Being Fraserburgh and start a group ther on their own or in a group. equal - citizens all have the of their own at the Robertson Self advocacy groups can help same fundamental worth RD centre in 1993…The rest as people to get better at speak- or dignity; Being different they say is history! ing up for themselves and give an opportunity for a collective - citizens are not identical, Values and Principles – voice on issues affecting groups they have many different What do we believe? and communities. gifts which they bring “We believe that having an together to build a better Citizen Leadership supports intellectual disability is not world” a shameful thing. It is not self advocacy. The term “Citizen (The Keys to Citizenship: Simon Duffy) Leadership” was made up by something to be avoided or the User and Carer Panel when A Short Piece about self side-stepped. By accepting they were involved in the 21st advocacy “Speaking people, regardless of their Century Social Work Review. It is Up” (Margaret Gault, differences, and accepting and about changing the relationship Fraserburgh People First) valuing the differences that between people who need people have, we can create a support and people who It was people like Raymond society where real inclusion can provide services. In this new Loomis in a “mental institution” become a possibility.” in Salem in the USA in 1973 relationship people as citizens From “On a Short Leash” People First take on shared responsibility for who started the movement of Scotland
13 Citizen Leadership (Jackie Taylor, ARC issues in Aberdeenshire. The Progress Scotland Scotland) meetings invite members of other self advocate groups to attend. Aberdeenshire is one of three local authorities in Scotland that have benefited from a Progress The Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability Scotland project since 2008. The project has hosts a comprehensive online training course been promoting citizen leadership and helping on citizen leadership. Edinburgh Development people with learning disabilities to develop Group, Heartfelt, SCLD and ARC Scotland were their confidence, knowledge and skills. Progress all involved in designing and developing this. Scotland has facilitated the Citizen Leader training The eleven day course includes; comprehensive course with groups in Ellon, Banff, Peterhead and course notes, handouts, Powerpoint Inverurie. presentations for each day, and twelve video pieces to illustrate and highlight the various Local Citizen Leaders have helped develop local exercises. All materials can be accessed at: policies and given presentations on important citizenleadership.scld.org.uk
Citizen Leaders from Willowbank
14 Events The Easy Info Zone Roadshow: The Beach Ballroom Aberdeen, Wed 30 October GET INclusive! Friday and Saturday 20th 2013 at 11.30am – 2.30pm and 21st September 2013 The Scotish Consortium Aberdeen will for Learning Disability see the launch of are working with NHS its first inclusive Inform to deliver a range arts festival on 20 of informal, interactive events, for people with September 2013. learning disabilities and their families, carers and GET INclusive has supporters. These events will be an enjoyable been organised way to find out about accessible, easy read by the Aberdeen information about health and wellbeing – Arts Coalition with Aberdeen City Council, and helpful to anyone that needs easy to understand is spported by world-renowned percussionist information! Dame Evelyn Glennie said: “GET INclusive aims You can find out more and book online or to increase awareness and to see beyond the download an application form at: www.scld.org. disability. Projects like this have had an enormous uk/news-events/events/2013/easy-info-zone- impact on the lives of people who need to be roadshow-aberdeen included and given purpose”. Values Into Action Scotland (VIAS) Tickets now available at Aberdeen Box Office: Training: Acorn Centre in Inverurie www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/events/get- Outcome Based Support Planning 01/10/2013 inclusive-arts-festival 11:00 - 15:00 Speak UP day 25th September Employment Planning 09/10/2013 11:00 - 15:00 Systematic Support 22/10/2013 - 24/10/2013 (3 Fraserburgh day course) People Talking to Employers 31/10/2013 11:00 - 15:00 First, Enable Here’s a fantastic opportunity for people with Scotland learning disabilities and/ or autism to gain and ARC practical knowledge of self directed support. Scotland, The Self Directed Support (Scotland) Act will be supported implemented next year and will affect everybody by GREC, eligible for social care. Get ahead of the game by and taking advantage of this FREE training
To apply Contact VIAS on 0141 880 9055 or go their website: Aberdeenshire Council, are having a “Speak Up www.viascotland.org.uk/event/2013/10/06/ Day” at Inverurie Town Hall. This day is about month/all/all/1 getting people together to talk about the While your there, sign up for their newsletter - it’s things that matter to them - and having fun of a good read course! Contact Alice Squire at alice.squire@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk if you want to know more about this.
15 And finally… 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 Alice Squire at alice.squire@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk if you would like to submit anything for the next edition of IDEA News or to subscribe. What do you think of IDEA News?
Please take the time to complete our short electronic survey by clicking on this link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/QKWY6KX
Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT21467 September 2013