Aberdeen Carers' Connection Newsletter October 2025
Carers’ Connection
October 2025
Hello, and welcome to the October edition of Carers’ Connection.
At the end of August, alongside carers, we held a PATH session at Northfield Community Centre to look at ways in which we can develop the service over the next five years. This was a nice day with some really good ideas, including sending out a monthly ‘What’s On’ email, listing our carers’ groups and any additional events we will be running. If you would like to sign up to receive these, please contact susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Another suggestion was for us to run smaller groups so that the person you are caring for can also attend. This was a great idea, and we are currently looking at how we can make this happen on a regular basis.
One carer asked about the possibility of starting individual and group counselling sessions. Unfortunately, due to the current financial climate, we are unable to offer these. We do, however, have volunteers from the Listening Service, who are trained professionals via NHS Grampian, available to speak to at our office at Gilcomston Park. Please contact the office by phone or email if this is a service that would be
beneficial for you.
We appreciate all feedback and suggestions on how to improve the service, so if you were unable to attend the PATH session but wish to put some ideas forward, please contact us or let your Family Wellbeing Worker know.
After the positive feedback received from our recent cooking and art classes, we are delighted to announce that more funding has been successfully secured to continue to run these. We plan to change the days the sessions are run to give more carers the opportunity to join in. Once dates have been confirmed, we will let you know.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Andrew Falconer, Service Coordinator
Stay up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page. The page is public, and you don’t need to have a Facebook account to access it: https://www.facebook. com/aberdeencarerssupportservice
Lauren Milton Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage) Tel: 07939 173970
lauren.milton@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Middler
Digital and Community Inclusion Worker
Tel: 07917 521886
susan.middler@ quarriers.org.uk
Rebecca Bridle Family Wellbeing Worker Tel 07551 018643 rebecca.bridle@ quarriers.org.uk
Allyson Flockhart Family Wellbeing Worker Tel: 07554 555027
allyson.flockhart@ quarriers.org.uk
Anna Schmitt Family Wellbeing Worker (Short Breaks)
Tel: 07917 051489 anna.schmitt@ quarriers.org.uk
Kyle Fitzpatrick Performance Coordinator
kyle.fitzpatrick@ quarriers.org.uk
Mel Combstock Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07808 241878
mel.combstock@ quarriers.org.uk
Lauren Gardiner Family Wellbeing Worker (Short Breaks) Tel: 07917 521874
lauren.gardiner@ quarriers.org.uk
Susan Shaw
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel: 07531 193656
susan.shaw@ quarriers.org.uk
Meet the team (continued)
Shirree Smith
Family Wellbeing Worker (Triage)
Tel: 07919 891453
shirree.smith@quarriers.org.uk
Welcome to the team
Rebecca Bridle
Sara Wilson
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel 07796 966117
sara.wilson@quarriers.org.uk
I am thrilled to have joined the lovely team at Aberdeen Carers Support Service as a Family Wellbeing Worker. Having cared for my father makes me truly appreciate and empathise with all that unpaid carers do. They are the unsung heroes of our society. I am passionate about helping unpaid carers, just as I was helped.
Previously, I have worked in mental health and in various roles with young people. I currently volunteer as a Samaritan and a mentor a child. I came to the Granite City from overseas three years to do my master’s in psychology, ended up loving the city, and stayed. I have lived in many cities and countries around the world, and Scotland tops the list! In my free time, I love to travel, read, play games, do arts and crafts, garden, and hike.
Jess Wright
I am thrilled to have started a new chapter with Quarriers as a Family Wellbeing Worker. I’m sure this role will be an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a team that is doing meaningful work in carer support. I’m especially looking forward to meeting new carers and learning from the already wellestablished team at Aberdeen Carers Support Service.
Previously, I worked as a Day Program Manager in Virden, Manitoba, Canada, where I lived for three years. The role involved supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to get in to work, volunteering, housing, grow their independence and gain new skills to be out in the world. The work was deeply fulfilling but it was time to come back to sunny Scotland, where I decided on settling in Aberdeen!
Born in Dumfries, my passions include travelling. I love to ski and will take any opportunity to get up a mountain! I also attend live music events and enjoy experiencing all these activities with my boyfriend.
Jess Wright
Family Wellbeing Worker
Tel 07917 521885
jess.wright@quarriers.org.uk
Vicky Emslie
I am really pleased to have joined Quarriers, as I’ve heard so many positive things about the charity overall.
I was previously employed by Enable Works, where I supported people with disabilities and health conditions into employment, education, and training across Aberdeenshire. It was a very varied and rewarding role, but it’s a pleasure to now be part of the Aberdeen Carers Support Service team and I’m really looking forward to getting to know carers and doing the best I can to ensure they are well supported.
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, playing badminton, cycling, walking and yoga.
Sara Wilson
I am delighted to join Quarriers as a Family Wellbeing Worker. I’m looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and working to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who care for others selflessly.
Having recently completed my HNC in Social Services, I am in the early stages of my journey in Social Care, but I’m driven by a commitment to improving the wellbeing of individuals and advocating for those who may feel voiceless or unsupported.
I’m excited to connect with carers to establish positive relationships while delivering personalised support and am fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from the valuable expertise of the Aberdeen Carers Support Service team. I’ve already been along to a few Wee Blether groups too, which has been a fantastic way to meet carers and hear their stories.
I’m a mum to two wonderful boys and have a gorgeous Golden Retriever who keeps me busy in my spare time! I also enjoy exploring new places, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
PATH session
As mentioned on the front page, staff and carers came together at a PATH session at Northfield Community Centre at the end of August, joined by Andrew and Ingrid from our team along with Quarriers Operational Managers Ryan, Julie, and Luisa.
PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) is an approach which encourages a group or organisation to think about a future they would like to see and then identifies the steps which are required to move towards this. Carers were asked how they would like the service to look going forward, with everything being recorded on a large sheet of paper using colours and graphics to keep a record of what was shared and decided upon. This was then kept as a lasting representation of the meeting.
No
pain, all gain!
George, who attended, said: All carers that participated felt it was a worthwhile experience, with carers and staff encouraged to provide input on
an equal basis.
“I, being old school, had never participated in an exercise where everyone’s ideas were added into an artistic plan to create a PATH. I am used to being at meetings where things are discussed and minuted, so it was a pleasant experience doing things in a different manner.
“Your Quarriers colleagues from Glasgow listened to all our views intently, and the carers present that I spoke with said they found the meeting rewarding and beneficial for their caring roles. The excellent sandwich lunch provided was a fitting reward for everyone that took part. Hopefully, the items discussed will help Quarriers keep up with the excellent work that they do for unpaid carers.”
Recently, thanks to the Health Improvement Fund, we were able to identify several carers who would benefit from 6-month gym memberships with Sport Aberdeen. Thanks to Mandy, Maureen and George for sending in these lovely photos and feedback.
“I attend two classes a week to help with my bone density. They are fun and I’m with a lovely group of people.
“The gym pass is great. I swim one day and use the gym equipment the next. It’s really helping me feel good about myself.”
“The classes have also helped my mental health as it’s been good to get out and mix with others for a short timejust a wee break from my caring role!
“Please pass on my thanks to all involved in this incredible, charitable initiative.”
“Here is a photo of me going swimming with the donated membership, which I greatly appreciate. The photo was taken outside Northfield swimming pool as they won’t let you photograph inside. The man taking the photo said he had two kids - one named War and the other named Peace. I asked him why he named his kids War and Peace and all he said was that it’s a long story!”
Mandy
Maureen
George
Stuart’s bench
When Sheena’s husband and cared for, Stuart, sadly passed away, the family kindly gifted us the generous threefigure sum collected at his funeral.
It was the first time our service had received a donation, and we were extremely touched. We thought carefully about what the money could be used for. Then our Service Coordinator, Andrew, came up with an idea!
Sheena tells us more:
“It was my birthday. I had been out in the morning and was going out again later, but during the time I was home, I got a phone call from Andrew asking if I’d had any thoughts about what the money could be used for.
“I told him no, not really, and then he asked what I thought about having a carers’ bench. Well, I thought it was an absolutely wonderful idea! I came off the phone crying happy tears. His call really made it a happy birthday!”
Little did we know it wasn’t going to be an easy process, however, and there were many procedures that had to be followed, all of which took time!
But we persevered, and in July this year Stuart’s bench was finally unveiled in the Queen Mother Rose Garden at Hazlehead Park, one of two formal gardens the park is renowned for, with a plaque that reads:
Aberdeen Carers Support Service
Sit a while, rest, and enjoy the peace Gifted in loving memory of Stuart Dow 1952-2023
Huge thanks to Graeme the joiner for his time and efforts in making the backing plate and fitting the plaque – he made a fantastic job of it.
The day after the plaque was fitted, Natalia and Susan from our team went to Hazlehead to meet up with Sheena, her daughter Gillian, who also helped care for Stuart, and Gillian’s
“The words and the location are fantastic.”
sons Jack and Aiden.
A pretty bouquet of yellow flowers was placed by the bench in memory of Stuart, and the family enjoyed resting there a while and admiring the view before heading to the café to enjoy coffee and cake.
Sheena said: “The words and the location are fantastic. Gillian and I were having a wander around the park recently and we found it very peaceful.
“Stuart also used to enjoy walking here, so it is just perfect. Thank you for all your hard work and patience and thank you so much for this afternoon. We really enjoyed ourselves.
“The bench was definitely worth the wait, and the café visit was an unexpected bonus! We will always enjoy coming to the park to sit on Stuart’s bench and remember the good times we shared.”
Who Art Thou?
In July and August, carers enjoyed four wonderful Creative Art sessions led by talented artist Fiona Jack. The sessions, made possible by support from the Health Improvement Fund, offered a fantastic opportunity for carers to come together, relax, and express themselves through art in a supportive and inspiring space. Fiona told us, “It was my absolute pleasure to be able to give carers the space to create and
From Tides to Trees
find joy in being creative for a couple of hours.”
Carers enjoyed a sandwich lunch at the end of each session, kindly donated by Tesco Community Champions at the Aberdeen Woodend store!
“Thanks so much for organising the art session today. It was interesting and just what I needed after having a meltdown this morning.”
In August and September, also thanks to the Health Improvement Fund, carers spent time being creative in ‘The Great Outdoors’ with Caroline Hay-Crawford during a series of exciting coastal and woodland art sessions. Coastal sessions saw carers create art using materials such as shells and sea glass, which they collected on a walk along the beach while also enjoying some beach boccia and stone stacking. Woodland sessions saw them get arty with natural flowers, leaves and stones collected at Duthie Park, while they also had the opportunity to take part in clay moulding and stone painting.
Each session ended with carers enjoying sandwich lunches kindly donated by Morrison’s and Tesco.
“I found the session at the beach where we stacked stones on top of each other really therapeutic.”
“These sessions were fabulous!”
“I was concentrating so hard on being creative that I forgot about everything else that was going on at home.”
“The art sessions were a great distraction and escape from a very challenging time as a carer.”
“I went along to the art classes having been told at school that I was rubbish at art, but I was amazed at what the artist, Fiona, was able to get out of me, and it made me realise I am not rubbish at all. I also really enjoyed the companionship of spending time with other carers.”
SafeConnect
In partnership with Police Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland has proudly launched SafeConnect –a new safeguarding initiative to support people with dementia who may be at risk of going missing or becoming confused, distressed or disorientated when they are out in the community.
The SafeConnect fob is a small device that can be attached to clothing, house keys, a handbag, or anything likely to be taken outside by someone with dementia.
It holds secure emergency contact details and can be scanned with a smartphone using Near Field Communication to help quickly reunite someone with their loved ones or carers.
Alexa assists!
“Alexa, can you assist me in my caring role?”
Dementia Carers Count have teamed up with Amazon UK to create a free, practical guide showing how Alexa can support dementia carers day-to-day - from hydration reminders to real-time responses to questions, and they really believe that these simple features can help to bring peace of mind and practical support, especially during difficult periods.
Alexa can be programmed to provide reminders for medication, appointments, or even daily routines, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with cognitive decline or memory issues.
Alexa can also provide access to music, audiobooks, and other forms of entertainment, helping to combat loneliness and boredom, especially for those who may be isolated. It can also be adjusted to accommodate different needs, such as larger font sizes and slower speech rates, making it more accessible for seniors.
Download the free guide here: http://bit.ly/4oEZBCO
After a successful pilot, the fobs are now being rolled out free of charge to anyone living with dementia across Scotland.
To request a free SafeConnect set-up pack or find out more, email advice@alzscot. org or call 0300 373 5774.
When requesting a SafeConnect fob by email, please include your name and postal address.
Carers’ Corner
Wattie, 85, recently told us about his caring role and how well he feels supported by our service.
“Caring for a loved one is something you don’t understand until you start doing it. You have to learn as you go along.
“I care for my wife, who has Huntington’s. Her symptoms are always changing. She used to fall over a lot, but not so much these days. She manages well for her circumstances, but I feel have to be with her all the time. Sometimes I’m afraid to leave the house.
“At the beginning we hadn’t a clue where to start, but Quarriers has been invaluable. I heard about the Men’s Wee Blether group and went to see what it was all about, and it has been great - it lets me get out and meet different people. It’s a different atmosphere away from the normal routine, and I’ve made friends. I also attend the weekly Wee Blether at Danestone Community Centre, where I’ve formed connections with other carers.
“I recently attended the cooking classes organised by Quarriers, and that was great. My wife was a good cook and did all the cooking and the buying of all the ingredients. I tend to buy things to put in the freezer. It’s tricky because my wife doesn’t like to try new things to eat, but it’s very important she eats and it’s up to me to provide that nourishment for her.
“We’ve just got to learn. I’m not the worrying type. Life is what it is. But the support from Quarriers has been tremendous.”
If you have anything you would like us to feature in a future edition, whether it’s a photo, poem, useful info for other carers, or anything else carer-related, please send it to susan.middler@quarriers.org.uk
Hello! It’s me again, and my, wasn’t the summer amazing weather-wise, especially for the youngsters on holiday from school.
But those hot days were difficult to cope with for many folks of all ages, and whether it’s ourselves as carers or those we care for, the high temperatures day and night were really problematic, affecting our sleep and adding to the pressures of the daily routine, and the mobility and pain levels that so many folks experience, our daughter included. She is actually waiting for a date to see her consultant, and it is a waiting game as we all well know! We admit we have had our down days, and our daughter’s less-pain-days are more infrequent, but with the determination and spirit that so many have in her situation, we have managed to get out and about a little.
and bramble jelly. We are going to be busy!
I enjoy the cooler mornings as you can hear the clear, crisp song of a robin in a nearby tree. Our daughter loves to see golden fields of corn in the countryside and sculptures made from hay, resembling Dougal from ‘The Magic Roundabout.’
We wait, yes - and time moves on, and autumn is here. In fact, September 1st was the beginning of Meteorological autumn (no, I didn’t know that either until I heard the weatherman on Channel 4 tell us). It ends on the last day of November, so look out - winter may be here before we know it!
For some, this time of year means shorter days, with nights drawing in. It’s a closing down time, an ending time of the year for them, but for our family, of all the seasons, autumn is our favourite time. I describe it as a “kaleidoscope of colours” – there to cheer us up, lift our spirits - and that’s what we find on our times out, even around our garden or in the local neighbourhood, and we find it heightens all our senses with its colours, sounds, and scents.
My husband recently spotted dark, rich brambles in the local hedgerows, just ripe for picking and making a bramble and apple pie
She also remembers the fun of Halloween, dressing up, and the smell of turnip lanterns - much more traditional than pumpkin ones. Of course, bonfires and November 5th will be here before we know it (I don’t look forward to the noisy fireworks!).
Trees play such a part in the shapes and shades of autumn. The family love them (I hug one whenever I get the chance), as their leaves turn wonderful colours of gold, orange, yellow and red and carpet our pathways, parks, and countryside. Our daughter remembers gathering conkers, stringing them together and having a smashing time. Health and safety issues mean this game isn’t permitted in schools now, but it was great fun at the time. That small spiky nut grows into one of the biggest trees in the country, and to see the sun shining through its branches is what autumn is all about.
Have you any thoughts on autumn that might ease the pressures of the day? I have mentioned some of our feelings about the season but there are far better words to describe and honour autumn - a wonderful poem by John Keats entitled “To Autumn.” Verse one begins: “Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness, close-bosom friend of the maturing sun.” If you can find a copy of it and manage to take a few moments to read it over while taking some calming time out, you may feel a peace within you, as we do. Let the essence which is autumn fill us up with all its colours, scents, moods, shapes, and shades, heightening our senses, taking us out of the downs of a day even for a short time, into the quiet and peace of its time here.
Sailaja
We used our Creative Breaks funding to go to the Lake District for four days, renting a little camping pod at Ullswater. The pod is right on the bank, with beautiful views of the lake and hills.
There are loads of watersports on offer, and the lake is accessible - even for our son’s wheelchair. We enjoyed the water access, which is what we always wanted for our son as he loves playing in water and the views are relaxing and calming. Also, my husband was able to go paddle boarding.
We took a trip to Windermere one afternoon and visited RSPB Leighton Moss the next day, with its accessible walking trails and accessible wildlife-watching hides. We went right in, and I spent time photographing wildlife. On our way back, we took a wee break at Livingston Designer Outlet and did some shopping too.
Breaks like these make it affordable to go away for few days with family as everything is very expensive these days. We could never plan a cheaper one in advance due to our son’s health conditions. The trip was very relaxing as I didn’t have to cook, wash and clean every
Dave
My wife and I spent two nights in a cabin in Banff celebrating our 47th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time visiting some of the nice areas in and around Banff and Macduff. It was a lovely treat to spend a couple of nights away from home. A good change of scenery and a welcome break. The old swimming pool at Tarlair brought back memories for my wife, and good cafes and food made it a worthwhile visit. Sandy beaches and fresh air enhanced our time away and made it most enjoyable. We had a very relaxing time and really appreciated the break. It helped us to unwind and spend time together. Thank you very much.
day. The views were breathtaking and were therapy to both mind and soul. Overall, we had a lovely trip, made loads of memories, and came back refreshed ready for whatever our son’s health throws at us. I cannot express how important this little break was. Thank you again from all of us.
Elaine
Prior to losing mum, we had been in the process of revamping our garden. It is a pity Mum didn’t manage to see the finished article as it would have been a nice summer to sit out.
However, I got out my sewing machine (sewing is something I had not done for quite some time) and created some garden seating using Mum’s favourite bedlinen cover. I also purchased two memorial roses to plant, named Blue Moon and Orchid Romantica.
Blue Moon in remembrance of my folks’ favourite song, sung by Frank Sinatra, which they used to dance to at the Beach Ballroom, and Orchid Romantica as orchids and roses were Mum’s favourite flowers.
We also had a few days away meeting friends. We spent some time in Liverpool and had a day trip to Longleat Safari Park, which was a very welcome break for us. I can’t thank you enough for all your kindness and support.
Creative Breaks (continued)
Peter
A very, very big thank you for the Creative Breaks funding, which allowed us to travel in our motorhome covering the diesel costs and campsite fee.
Firstly, we went to Benmore Botanic Garden on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll & Bute. Benmore has the tallest giant redwood trees in Europe, and they were absolutely outstanding. We camped at Portavadie, which is near the Botanic Garden, and it was so beautiful and peaceful, with stunning views.
We then headed down past Newcastle to the world-famous Beamish Open Air Museum. It
Marushka
Here are a couple of pics from our trip to Falkirk this summer. My son was delighted to see the Kelpies and Falkirk wheel come alive.
He has been learning about them, so was thrilled to see them in person.
These places were very accessible for ASN, so very safe and enjoyable for us all. We enjoyed a break from daily routine as a family. Big thanks to Quarriers for the opportunity and grant.
Tricia
Tricia used her funding to attend one of Lewis Capaldi’s September concerts at the P&J Live Arena with her daughters. “Lewis was amazing. Thank you for the opportunity. It was just what we needed as a family.”
was all very old - stepping back 100 years – and was well worth the visit, and there was a bonus as I got in free as carer.
Before heading home, we drove through the Yorkshire Dales and up to Tan Hill Inn – the highest pub in Britain – where we stayed overnight. A hell of a climb in the motorhome, but well worth it!
We covered a total distance of 1400 miles. Here’s looking forward to our next trip!
Lynne
I used Creative Breaks funding to take the ferry over to Larne to visit family who now stay in Donegal.
I would not have been able to afford to go over if I did not get the funding. I had always wanted to go over to see them, and to see the beautiful scenery and beaches, spending quality time with my youngest sister, brotherin-law, nephews, niece, and my brother-in-law’s family.
The break helped me mentally, emotionally, and physically. The fund is a vital lifeline for unpaid carers.
Carers’ groups
For groups that are run fortnightly, please get in touch with the named contact for the dates. Under certain circumstances we may have to cancel or amend our groups, so please make contact to ensure the group is running and to confirm your attendance. Thanks – we hope you can make it along!
Group Criteria
Where?
Airyhall Wee Blether Registered carers Airyhall Community Centre, Countesswells Road, AB15 8AD
Anyone of any age living in the AB16 7 postcode area
Carers aged 60+ whose loved one has passed away or moved into fulltime care
Online Evening Group Registered carers
Parent Carer Wee Blether Registered Parent Carers under the age of 55
Centre, Countesswells Road, AB15 8AD
Middlefield Community Project, Manor Avenue, AB16 7UR
Rosemount Community Centre, Belgrave Terrace, AB25 2NS
Online over Zoom
Monday, 1pm-2.30pm
Every second Wednesday, 10:30am12noon.
The third Thursday of each month, 2pm – 3:30pm
The third Tuesday of each month, 6pm7:30pm
07531 193656 susan.shaw@ quarriers.org.uk
Peterculter Wee Blether Registered carers and relatives of those living at Coronation Court
Donbank Room, Tillydrone Community Campus, 52 Hayton Road, AB24 2UY
Coronation Court, Peterculter, AB14 0SH
Every second Tuesday, 10:30am –12:30pm (except school holidays/ in-service days)
Every second Monday, 2pm –4pm
Missed an edition? Backdated copies of Carers’ Connection are available to read via our Virtual Carers Centre: carers.quarriers.org.uk/ aberdeen-carers Group Criteria Where? When? Contact
Susan Shaw: 07531 193656 susan.shaw@ quarriers.org.uk
