Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) was granted Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) charitable status in March this year. We are now looking to find talented, passionate and skilled people to fill some vacant seats on our Board of Trustees to help us grow and develop our innovative and solution focused new charity. This is a unique opportunity to help lay the foundations to ensure AiR has a long-term future as a charity with solid processes in place to ensure it meets its mission of: “To be a bridge from ‘dependence’ to ‘independence’ for the individual seeking to recover from problematic substance use and addictive behaviours”. This is such an exciting and invigorating prospect for individuals to get involved and be participant in the tsunami of change which is now gaining momentum and being driven by “Experts by Experience” and the vibrant Lived Experienced Communities which are blossoming, not only locally but are now established as a national phenomena. Since its conception, AiR and its members have worked tirelessly to establish and build collaborative relationships with professional services and third sector support agencies. We have consistently driven the message that individuals who have personal lived/living experience of active substance use, including Family members who have been affected by the addictive behaviours of a loved one, and the Recovery Communities they represent have something valid, essential and extremely beneficial to bring to described Recovery Orientated Systems of Care (ROSC). We can provide existing services and clinical structural systems with resources, skills and capabilities that they, no matter how much effort, time and money they invest, will never be able to offer or provide. So, it gives the greatest of pleasure to see this is now recognised on the highest levels that “Recoverists” can productively contribute to the design, development and delivery of truly person-centred ROSC. This being evidenced by the vision, philosophy and content of the Scottish Governments “Rights, Respect and Recovery” Drug and Alcohol Strategy. We also believe it is reaffirmed by the recent success in being granted funding from the Government’s National Development Fund, with our principle partner Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), for our ‘Recovery Peer Pathway’ joint two-year project. This collaborative venture will build on three years of pilot work to further establish and build proactive and productive Developmental Pathways within ADA and their Volunteer network while in synergy with AiR membership for individuals who desire to initiate change in their behaviours and outlook as they progress on their recovery journeys within, and imperatively out-with, statutory and formal support services. We believe that the blue sky thinking behind this project categorically and emphatically fits with the expectations, outcomes and concepts of the above Government policy. So, if you have lived experience, or a stakeholder interest, and a passion for recovery and are willing to give of yourself that another may learn, you will not find a better opportunity to indulge your appetite than from within Aberdeen in Recovery. For more information please contact Dermot Craig, Recovery Community Development Manager at E Mail: dermot@aberdeeninrecovery.org or tel.: 01224 638342 / Mobile: 07751 213108.

Grampian Women’s Aid (GWA) is recruiting Trustees to join our Board. GWA is a charity based in Aberdeen, with over 45 years’ experience providing information, support and safe accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic abuse across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The role of Trustee is a unique voluntary opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds who have expertise, time and are committed to making a real difference to the lives of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. As a member of GWA Board, you will play a key role in the strategy of GWA and overseeing its governance to ensure it can continue to provide high quality services to women, children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. You don’t need to be an expert in domestic abuse, but you do need to have an understanding of the impact it has on women and children and be committed to GWA’s vision and values. GWA would particularly like to recruit Trustees who have experience in any of the following areas: Human Resources, Finance, Housing Management or have a Legal background. However please don’t let this put you off applying if you don’t have experience in these areas, GWA are committed to representing the diversity of our service users on our Board and welcome applications from all women. Grampian Women’s Aid strives to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. Women only need apply under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. The role will also be subject to PVG scheme membership. The Board currently meet 6 weekly via virtual platforms, the frequency and the method of meeting will continue to be reviewed regularly to meet the needs of the organisation. Board members are also invited to join one of our sub-committees to accelerate progress on important topics such as fundraising or strategy, driving forward key actions between Board meetings. Although this fantastic volunteering opportunity is unpaid, travel expenses are available for Board members to attend meetings. As well as benefitting from being part of a talented and supportive team of Trustee’s, you will also receive a comprehensive induction plan and ongoing personal development and support. If you are interested and would like an application pack, please contact: Email: aileen.forbes@grampianwomensaid.com

Sunrise Partnership is a small local charity established in 2014. We provide free, therapeutic confidential support for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing loss and bereavement. We work in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Our website is at: www.sunrisepartnership.org We are looking for new Trustees to join us at an exciting time in our history and help us create a resilient model for the future, so that we can support even more young people. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. For more information please email vacancies@sunrisepartnership.org

Shetland Women's Aid are looking for women to join us in promoting the safety and wellbeing of women and children in Shetland who are affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence. SWA is a registered charity funded by local and national grant aid to provide safety planning, counselling, refuge, advice and guidance about housing, finance and legal issues to women. There is also a children and young person's service focused on offering therapy and support to children and young people. The aim for Shetland Women's Aid is 'An equitable society in which women, children and young people are valued participants, able to determine their own future and are free from all forms of abuse.' As a trustee you will be instrumental in helping us realise our vision and mission. Part of your role will be to ensure that our day to day operation fulfils our strategic vision. If you decide to join Shetland Women's Aid, you can make a real difference to the women and children who experience domestic and sexual abuse.