Grampian Opportunities Text-only version of website

We help people and organisations research funding options to help them achieve their goals.

GRAMPIAN OPPORTUNITIES WELCOMES YOU

Our Mission:

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GO aims to promote employability, develop enterprise, and open up employment, volunteering and learning opportunities for people with disabilities.

OUR STORY

Grampian Opportunities (SCIO) also known as GO works to develop opportunities for people with disabilities, mental health problems, sensory impairment, autism or long term conditions. Our approach is to support the development of relationships and encourage people to be actively involved in their community.

Here at Grampian Opportunities, we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources in order to further achieve our cause. Since 2000, we’ve been supporting our community members in a variety of ways and measuring our success not by monetary size, but by more qualitative measurements such as the scale and effectiveness of our efforts. Just imagine what we can achieve together!

Three brand value messages guide our work:

GO supports people as they take control of their own lives

(support to dream, to plan, to live life to the full).

GO empowers people to believe in themselves.

GO promotes fulfillment through meaningful activity

(community involvement, learning, volunteering and employment).

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Vision

Our vision is a fully inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity and support to take up, retain and progress in learning, volunteering and employment.

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GO Values:

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Equality of Opportunity statement

GO is committed to promoting an environment of equality of opportunity. There is also a commitment to reducing the stigma and disadvantage, which surrounds disability and mental health problems. We promote good practice and challenge areas where change or improvement is needed.

Our strength is amplified with collective action, and you can help make a difference with Grampian Opportunities right now! The support we receive is a huge driver of the good work we do in addressing some of society’s most challenging problems. Get in touch today and join our community in making a lasting impact.

Our main activities are:

Areas We Cover

Grampian Opportunities can work across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

The office is at 54 West High Street, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 3QR.

Go Achievements

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In July 2020 our Craft Instructor was presented with an AVA Community Spirit Award in recognition of her efforts in starting an Inverurie Community Craft Project during the pandemic. Phyllis was supported by a small number of volunteers to do this.

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In 2020 as part for our Workplace Equality Project, Grampian Opportunities made a Level 1 commitment as part of the Disability Employer Scheme

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In April 2019 GO achieved a Healthy Working Lives Bronze Award.

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In 2018 our Development Worker was awarded Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action's Inspirational Leader award. We were delighted to nominate Linda and really pleased that her work at GO was recognised.

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In 2017 Grampian Opportunities renewed its commitment as a volunteer involving organisation and achieved the Volunteer Friendly award for June 2017 – June 2020

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August 2017: The Inverurie Environmental Improvement Group awarded Grampian Opportunities a Commended certificate in the Inverurie Best Garden Competition 2017 recognising our efforts in the Best Non-Commercial Premises Garden Category

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June 2017: Grampian Opportunities was recognised again by The Voluntary Action Fund for Outstanding Contribution to Developing Volunteering for People with Disabilities. This award was first made in November 2012 and has now been awarded until June 2020.

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July 2013 – July 2016: Grampian Opportunities achieved the Volunteer Friendly award

November 2012: we were one of only three mentoring services to achieve a Scottish Mentoring Network Continuing Excellence Award

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July 2012: we were semi finalists in the National Lottery Awards best health project category

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June 2012: our mentoring service was the first to be presented with the Scottish Mentoring Network Quality Award John Nicholls, Assessor wrote "The Grampian Opportunities application is impressive. They have fully engaged with the application, provided detailed narrative information, answered the indicator questions directly and supported this with extensive documentary evidence. I’ve highlighted a considerable number of good/best practice features. They have provided such a detailed level of detailed information that I am satisfied about their processes and procedures. I would approve them for the standard and classify them as a benchmark application.

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November 2011: GO's New Explorations Mentoring service was recognised as winner of the Scottish Mentoring Network award for the Health and Disability category 2011

History

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2000 – Grampian Employment Trust was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.

2002 – Joined with Working Alternatives Limited (Opportunities Unlimited).

2003 – The company changed its name to Grampian Employment Opportunities and gained charity status.

2005 – The company accepted a transfer of engagements from North East Scotland Initiatives.

2009 – The company secured funding from the Big Lottery (and Awards for All) and was able to expand its services. At this point, additional staff were employed and both New Explorations Mentoring Service and Voices for Change were launched.

Wellbeing and community activities ​

Craft group first set up in July 2011 / Strength and Balance 2013/14

Learning programmes and lifeskills

Employability programmes

2012 Self Directed Support Activity (Strike Out project)

Grampian Opportunities

54 West High Street, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 3QR

Tel: 01467 629675

info@grampianopportunities.org.uk

Online Referral for Support

GO supports disabled people and people with mental health problems have choice and control in their lives.

Almost everyone wants to “work”, or be involved in some kind of valued activity that uses and develops their own personal skills.

We aim to support relationships that help people to identify what they would like to do, and start to work towards achieving it.

We recognise three elements to empowerment:

Respect

Responsibility

Resources

Who can apply for support

We will support:

individuals who want to improve their wellbeing, be more involved in the community or take up and progress in learning, volunteering and employment

groups or individuals that have both the idea and commitment to develop a project or enterprise which will open up opportunities for disabled people and people with long term conditions

How to apply for support

Please complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as we can.

FUNDING SUPPORT

We help people and organisations research funding options to help them achieve their goals

To request a funding search: fill in our Funding Research Form (ODF).

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Craigmyle Community SCIO

Get a grant from Craigmyle Community SCIO

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Grants for individuals

There's useful funding information for individuals available from Turn2us.

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Independent Living Fund

The Independent Living Fund Scotland (ILF) have launched a new transition fund for young people with disabilities. Up to £7,500 is available to help with the transition from school or similar, towards more independence. For more information, visit ILF.

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Grants for students

LEAD Scotland have produced an excellent guide to trusts that students may be able to apply for. ​

Grants for individuals and organisations

There's useful funding information for both individuals and organisations available from Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action ​ UK Charitable Trusts For our list of charitable trusts you can click this link

GO Volunteering

We encourage people, with personal experience of disability, and mental health issues, to be actively involved in the planning, managing and delivery of our services.

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Grampian Opportunities vision is a fully inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity with support to take up, retain and progress in learning, volunteering and employment. Although a relatively small organisation, we regularly benefit from an average of 40 - 50 volunteers. We encourage people with personal experience of disability and long term conditions to be actively involved in the planning, managing and delivery of our services. Roles are varied with opportunities across admin, craft activities, driving , IT and group work. Working groups include support roles with GO Dynamix, our Personal Development, and the Strength and Balance group. Our most recent project is a listening ear service and ten volunteers are currently completing an induction to this role. Our Board of six volunteer trustees and an associate member guide the work of the organisation and support our staff team and volunteers deliver our services. We have really valued their practical and virtual support at this time.

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As we moved to work from home we had expert help for volunteers and members to help us set up equipment and learn the new skills needed to use different online platforms. There has been extra work and we have all had to adapt in order to continue to deliver support. As well as supporting people already connected to GO we have had a number of new queries and referrals, including some through the Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Hub.

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As well as working and volunteering with GO, we know that the team have taken up a wider range of volunteering roles individually and sometimes with the support of GO. One of our Trustees made scrubs, some volunteers made scrub bags, a team led by one member of staff in a volunteering role are making craft kits for adults and children, laptops and IT equipment has been loaned or repaired and a sewing machine and gardening equipment has been loaned so that others can use their skills to support our community. Volunteer driving roles have also continued when appropriate.

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Get in Touch

A number of groups work from the GO Office in Inverurie when it is open. This includes the Peer Support group Inverurie (PSGI), The Learning Disability Group of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and a Care Family Meet group. The volunteers who help these peer support groups have continued in those roles. The ongoing volunteer support has included regular calls to chat, support with shopping, online meetings, food deliveries, providing food vouchers and wellbeing packs.

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Communication and staying connected has been important to the wellbeing of many at this time. A big shout out to all those who give their time freely to make a difference and help others.

Thanks from Grampian Opportunities.

GO Connect Project

May 2021

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Started GO Connect Building Trust Based Relationships project after a successful funding application to the National Lottery Community Improving Lives Fund.

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For Grampian Opportunities, this is a new beginning building on our knowledge and skills of health and wellbeing and moving into looking at how we tackle loss, isolation and loneliness which has a huge impact on individuals’ wellbeing and health.

Grampian Opportunities Senior Coordinator said “The new funding from Lottery Community Fund helps us continue to support vulnerable people. It allows us to grow and develop our activities for working age adults affected by disabilities and long term conditions.

The main aim of the GO Connect project is to match people to the right support and encourage them to explore options and choices available to them. This includes self-help approaches, with the encouragement to connect to a wider range of local opportunities and community support. The work will help build connections and tackle issues of loss, isolation and loneliness.

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Current projects include:

Listening Ear

Grampian Opportunities Volunteer Listening Ear project aim is to maintain and improve participants’ wellbeing through regular social contact with a matched listening ear volunteer.

Aimed at adults, anyone at risk of social isolation and loneliness especially people with disabilities, mental health issues and those with long term conditions especially those shielding and at high risk of Covid-19. Aim to maintain wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness.

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Chatting Together

The aim of the group is to create an opportunity for people with long term conditions to come together face-to-face as a small group to find their own answers to issues surrounding their mental health through listening and learning from each other.

During lockdown keen for the group to continue to connect with each other and looked at a variety of different methods of doing this that would work for all members of the group so decided to trial running the group as a telephone discussion (Whatsapp). Host set up the group in Whatsapp and talked through each participant how to hide their phone number from others in the group.

IT Buddy

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It is increasingly evident that it is essential to have at least some level of digital awareness during this Covid crisis and moving forward. Those who lack access to resources and skills in the digital world are at best, slow to receive support or at worst being left behind.

We aim to set up a volunteer “buddy” system to support individuals improve their digital skills in their own way and in their own time according to their own needs. Participants will have support to achieve personal outcomes and improve their wellbeing leading to better, healthier and happier lives.

GO Resources

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RRormw5kxR_1MOTcDjQJ4KqOC9rBF0Wv/view?usp=sharing

MAKE A DONATION

Show Your Support

Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Make a Donation and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help.

Alternatively please contact the Grampian Opportunities Office on 01467 629675

News and Events

Getting To Know Your Smartphone

One - to - One IT Buddy Session at Grampian Opportunities on Thursday 21st October 2021, 11.30am - 1.00pm.

Learn to install and use apps, QR Codes, use the ready to go bus and more.

To book a space call 01467 629675 or email info@grampianopportunities.org.uk

Coffee Morning

Inverurie Community Larder is hosting a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday 9th October, 10.00am - 2.00pm at Grampian Opportunities, 54 West High Street, Inverurie.

Entry £2 per person.

Tombola £1

Tea, Coffee, Juice, and Sweet and Savoury food available (Included in entry fee)

All funds raised will go towards fighting poverty in our community.

Interested in Volunteering?

Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action are holding a prepare to volunteer event on Monday 25th October from 1.30pm - 3.30pm, at Grampian Opportunities, 54 West High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3QR.

Pop in for support and advice on finding the right volunteering post for you.

For more information contact: Lorna Sandison (AVA) on 07964 036605

See you there!

GO Board Information Day

Monday 19 July 2021

Drop in between 12.00 and 3.00pm

Refreshments available

Grampian Opportunities

54 West High Street

Inverurie

AB51 3QR

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pushp Vaid, would like to invite the Board, the Staff, the volunteers, anyone who has received support from GO and any other interested persons to come along to an informal GO Information Day to be held in the office.

To book a place please telephone 01467 629675 or e-mail info@grampianopportunities.org.uk

The Science of Mental Health

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021 AT 7 PM UTC – 8:30 PM UTC

This workshop is being delivered by Aberdeen Science Centre in partnership with Live Life Aberdeenshire.

An informal workshop looking at the whats, whys and hows of mental health and mental illness. This interactive session tackles stigma and pre-conceived ideas about mental illness. Discover the complexity of the brain and explore our understanding of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions.

Dates-n-mates Aberdeen

Dates-n-mates Aberdeen

We may still be in lockdown a little longer but that won't stop us having fun!

Let's have a little look forward to our March virtual evening events for members.

Will you be joining us?

#dnmscot #virtualevents #learningdisabilities #aberdeenevents

Food Support

Leaflets about a range of food support available across the Garioch area. We have copies available for anyone attending The Inverurie Food Larder at

GO - Grampian Opportunities

They can also be collected from the Food Larder at PECH and as the picture shows from the Co-op

What's next for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The partnership is seeking views on What's next for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Aberdeenshire.

To take part, click on the link

North East Scotland Online Safety Classes

Do you live in Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire and worry about being safe online? We have some classes on zoom about passwords and online scams that can help you feel more confident using your computer, tablet or smartphone.

The classes will be especially useful for disabled people or those who might find it harder to use the internet safely, but they are open and suitable for everyone. They will also be handy for you if who care for someone who needs some extra support using their digital device safely. All classes are free and open to the public.

Each webinar lasts 1 hour.

See details here https://www.lead.org.uk/aberdeenshire-online-safety-classes/

Grampian Opportunities

54 West High Street,

Inverurie,

Aberdeenshire,

AB51 3QR

Tel: 01467 629675

Links

The YouTube video below shows the vision of a man with learning
disabilities who is aspiring to run the London Marathan having never run in his life.
BBC News — London Marathon: Aaron successfully ran the 26.2 miles for Mencap

This page contains links to websites that we think will be useful to you.

That said, while we take great care to make sure that the websites listed are relevant, they are not run by us, so please contact the named organisations directly for more information.

Overview

  1. Links for vulnerable people
  2. Parenting for those with a disability
  3. Work Experience for Disabled People
  4. Voluntary & Self-employed Work
  5. Education & Training
  6. Money Matters
  7. Travel & Transport
  8. Support Services
  9. Health & Well-being
  10. Resources for Voluntary Organisations

Links for Vulnerable People

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Parenting for those with a disability

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Work Experience for Disabled People

North Aberdeenshire

Central and South Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen

Moray

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Voluntary & Self-employed Work

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Education & Training

Aberdeen

Moray

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Money Matters

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Travel & Transport

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Support Services

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Health & Well-being

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Resources for Voluntary Organisations

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Disclaimer: GO is not responsible for the content of external sites – use at own risk.