Aberdeen Action on Disability Official

21/10/2026

Your next conversation could be the start of something special.

Come along and meet the people and organisations who are part of the Aberdeen Befriending Network and discover local friendship, support and volunteering opportunities.

Saturday 7th November | 11am–3pm Aberdeen Vaccination & Wellbeing Hub, Bon Accord Centre, George St, AB25 1HZ

Pop in for a chat—and please share this invitation!

20/10/2026

We had the pleasure of being involved with the Aberdeen Equalities Assembly last week.
Various Community members, third-sector organisations and public-sector partners came together in Aberdeen to promote equality, raise awareness of hate crime and strengthen connections between communities.
The first Aberdeen Equalities Assembly, held at the Town House on Friday 16 October, was organised by Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC), with support from Police Scotland and Victim Support Scotland.
Held during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10 to 17 October), the event focused on three key themes: equality and identifying and removing barriers; raising awareness and understanding of hate crime; and strengthening relationships and creating a more connected Aberdeen.
Depute Provost of Aberdeen Councillor Steve Delaney said: “The first Aberdeen Equalities Assembly has provided a valuable opportunity to bring people and organisations together to share experiences, make connections, have important conversations about equality, and hate crime.
“By listening to different experiences and strengthening relationships across our communities, we can all play our part in making Aberdeen a welcoming city where everyone feels valued and respected.”
Maria Jose Pavez Larrea, Co-General Manager, Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC), said: "We're pleased to take part in the first Equalities Assembly in Aberdeen. This event builds on previous and ongoing equalities and community cohesion work, and we hope it becomes an annual event to share and promote good practice guided by practical actions and moving towards tangible outcomes.
“We all have a role to play in building a fairer city and this cross-sector collaboration between public, private and community organisations is crucial to do so."
Presentations from Aberdeen City Council, GREC, Police Scotland and Victim Support Scotland explored public-sector equality duties, hate crime legislation and reporting, and opportunities for local participation, before attendees took part in group discussions.
Those attending also had the opportunity to take part in group discussions and visit information stalls from organisations including Aberdeen City Council, GREC, Touch of Love, Aberdeen Action on Disability and Police Scotland.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action aimed at raising awareness of hate crime, encouraging reporting and supporting communities affected by it

12/10/2026

This week marks the beginning of National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026!

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place in October (October 10-17). It is one of the many UK awareness days that bring people together around a shared cause. Hate crime harms individuals and whole communities, and many incidents are never reported. Awareness helps people recognise it, know where to get support and feel confident that their community stands with them.

There are three simple ways to make National Hate Crime Awareness Week count:

• Volunteer: volunteer with a victim support service, a community cohesion project or a local equality group.
• Fundraise: raise money for a charity that supports people affected by hate crime.
• Raise awareness: share how to report hate crime and where people can find support.

Did you know Aberdeen Action on Disability is a Third Party Reporting centre? If you need to report a Hate Crime, but don’t feel comfortable coming to the Police directly, you can contact a Third Party Reporting Centre who will provide you with support to report this to the Police. You can find a list of Third Party Reporting Centres here: https://grec.co.uk/hate-crime/

09/10/2026

This week we were presented a cheque for £500 from the ASDA Foundation to help continue our social activities group for adults with disabilities. This is gratefully received and we are always grateful to Jan Asda community champion for her support. Our wonderful Volunteers Roslynn and Jane received on our behalf.

07/10/2026

We had the pleasure of hosting the Intergenerational National Network event as part of International Older Person’s Day on Thursday 1st October 2026
This event brought together people interested in intergenerational and multigenerational work and we were exploring the theme of Building Resilience Through Community Connections. Through stories, shared experiences and discussion.

Fantastic talks were provided by
RGU’s Storied Place with Rachael Ironside and Alona Roitershtein
Norscot Project lead with Dr Carla Reséndiz-Villaseñor
Active Ageing with Iain Robertson (AHSCP)
Lesley Fowler with Aberdeen Action on Disability

Thank you for all who attended and we enjoyed hosting and having you all here at AAD.

07/10/2026

Really interesting and impassioned speak to Holyrood by Karen Adam MSP

BSL and Deaf Culture are not at the edges of Scotland's creative life, they're already a part of it, and recognising that is exactly what realising the full economic, cultural and social potential of Scotland's creative industries should mean.
👇🏼 Watch my speech on growing Scotland's creative economy where I talk about the importance of events like the Edinburgh Deaf Festival. Deaf Action do an incredible job!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19bYg5yVTx/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1827964525296326

30/09/2026

Do you, or anyone you know with a disability, live in Northfield, Mastrick, Middlefield, Heathryfold or Cummings Park and want to help represent disabled people’s lived experiences on the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board?

The Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board is looking to ensure representation from a range of communities and lived experiences, including disabled people.
Please share to help identify anyone who would be interested in getting involved, or just to help us promote the opportunity.
More information available via this link Aberdeen City Council and the poster below.

https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Council-Services/business-and-investment/pride-in-place-programme/

29/09/2026

Aberdeen Action on Disability (AAD) supports disabled people and those with long-term health conditions across Aberdeen, helping to reduce isolation, build confidence and promote inclusion and independence. Their work includes advice and support, activities and opportunities to connect with others. Their social groups provide a welcoming, accessible space for people to meet, build friendships, take part in activities and feel more connected to their community. Here is a short video we did with the expert help from the team at SHMU Station House Media Unit
We appreciate all their time and effort putting this together for us.

Aberdeen Action on Disability (AAD) supports disabled people and those with long-term health conditions across Aberdeen, helping to reduce isolation, build confidence and promote inclusion and independence. Their work includes advice and support, activities and opportunities to connect with others.....

24/09/2026

Are you aged 50+ and looking to stay active and independent?

There are still spaces available at our next Functional Fitness MOT at Middlefield Community Project on Monday 28 September, from 11am to 2pm.

A Functional Fitness MOT is a free 30-minute health check that measures strength, balance, flexibility and mobility. Staff from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland will also be available to offer blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference checks.

📍 Middlefield Community Project, Manor Avenue
📧 Booking is essential. To reserve a space, email [email protected]

23/09/2026

Could you get free white goods?
We currently have access to a limited scheme offering free white goods to eligible households in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
You could receive support towards items such as a fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer and more. Last year, the average support provided was around £750 per household.
To be considered, you must:
📍 Live in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray
💷 Be receiving benefits
❤️ Have a life-limiting medical condition
This could include conditions such as MND, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, Huntington’s, Cancer, or a similarly serious, life-limiting condition.
The scheme has a limited amount of funding, so if you think you might qualify, call our Home Energy Advice Team on 0808 129 0888 and mention the white goods scheme.
We’re here to help and happy to talk through whether you might be eligible.
Please share this with anyone who might benefit