Active News Edition 16 - Summer/Autumn 2021

SPORT ABERDEEN | EDITION #16 | SUMMER/AUTUMN 2021

Sport Aberdeen is a private limited company, registered in Scotland, Company no SC350981

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

HROUGH PORT AND PHYSICA

W

CONTENTS

Page 3

Editor’s letter

Page 6-7

Helping our community feel #PartofSomething

Page 9

Managing Director’s insights

elcome to the latest edition of Active News, Sport Aberdeen’s quarterly newsletter that shines a spotlight on some of the fantastic work that has been going on over the past few months.

Page 4 - 5 The 5Ps

Page 8

Sport Aberdeen project named winner at UK-wide awards

Page 10 - 11

IN Focus: Getting young people in Aberdeen active

Editor

Active News

Sarah Webster

Communications Manager

Contact If you would like more information on anything in this edition, or would like to find out about work and volunteer opportunities with Sport Aberdeen, get in touch with us by emailing editor@sportaberdeen.co.uk

With Scotland’s move beyond the Levels System in August for the first time since it was introduced, the easing of further restrictions and opening of more activities followed suit. This huge step forward has been, unsurprisingly, warmly welcomed by Sport Aberdeen staff and members alike and we are now all looking forward to enjoying a ‘more normal way of life’.

The last few months have been very busy, with everyone working hard behind the scenes and participation numbers have been hugely positive, really highlighting how eager the community was to get back to activity. Over the summer holidays our swimming lessons at Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre and Tullos Swimming Pool proved extremely popular with over 1,300 individual bookings (page. 5) and extra easing has allowed for the return of spectators in some of our sites, whilst venue and changing room capacities also increased.

We were delighted to welcome hundreds of children to the Summer of Play, where over 30 activities were offered for free across the city throughout the summer holidays, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government. We also had over 1,000 bookings made for our programme of summer Holiday Camps where the children thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and participating in a range of multi-sport activities (page. 10).

After a period of delay due to the pandemic, we were thrilled to officially announce that the transformation of Northfield Swimming Pool has begun, and CHAP Construction has been appointed by Aberdeen City Council to carry out the £4.8 million refurbishment.

This is another hugely exciting and eagerly anticipated step for Sport Aberdeen and the local community (page. 5).

Despite the difficulties of the last eighteen months, we have continued to provide the entire community, regardless of age, gender or ability with opportunities to take part in sport and last month this was recognised on a national stage. Our SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) project, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council took the gong in the ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’ category at this year’s ukactive Awards, a truly deserved celebration of a fantastic initiative (page. 8).

The entire leisure and third sectors have faced a mass of unprecedented challenges throughout the Covid-19 pandemic but the continued support and resilience from our members has allowed us to bounce back and continue operating as the northeast’s largest physical activity provider and we are more eager than ever to keep Aberdeen active.

As always, I hope this snapshot into the work going on will motivate you all to get out and get active, making the most of all the sporting opportunities that we offer throughout the city and helping to support the community’s wellbeing by doing so.

On behalf of the whole charity, thank you for your incredible support and we hope that you are enjoying getting active with us once again.

Above: Step out September

Above: Proposal for Get active @ Northfield

Above: Sport Aberdeen’s new HR portal

THE FIVE Ps SPORT ABERDEEN IS COMMITTED TO: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

PEOPLE KEEPING ACTIVE AND COMBATING ISOLATION Over the last few months we have been working collectively with other organisations across the city to roll out a brandnew initiative aimed at activating local communities and combatting loneliness.

Step out September is a campaign to encourage people across the city to take part in safe and local opportunities to get active in September through a range of gentle walk and talks, where participants can connect with other people both in and around their local area and in some of Aberdeen’s open spaces. It is a partnership project between Bon Accord Care, ACVO, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership and Sport Aberdeen and is part of ‘Stay Well Stay Connected’ which has an aim to promote better health and wellbeing, develop meaningful community relationships, promote better inclusion and help reduce social isolation.

PLACE NEW SPORT ABERDEEN HEADQUARTERS We are delighted to have relocated to a new headquarters at The Bridge, the building formerly known as Balgownie 1, at the old AECC site. The new office space, which comprises of an open plan office space plus meeting and conference suite, will allow for better cross-department working and also have significant financial benefits, bringing a £100,000 saving over the next three years.

Above: Installation of brand décor at The Bridge

PARTICIPATION REACTIVATING THE COMMUNITY On Monday 9 August Scotland officially moved beyond the Levels System for the first time since it was introduced.

Although this is a hugely positive step forward and one that is warmly welcomed by leisure trusts throughout the country, some precautions remain in place at venues for the safety of our staff, volunteers and members.

The following positive changes have now been implemented: • a dvance booking is no longer required for public swim and skate sessions; • p ublic spectating has been reinstated at Linx Ice Arena for public sessions, club bookings and Learn to Skate lessons • c hanging rooms and venue capacities have been adjusted based on updated ventilation guidance, meaning a return to studio spaces for some group exercise classes.

Coached programmes have also restarted, and numbers are very encouraging. Over the summer, the holiday programmes at Get active @ Beach Leisure Centre and Tullos Swimming Pool were exceptionally busy with over 1,300 individual bookings.

PARTNERSHIP WORK BEGINS ON £4.8M NORTHFIELD SWIMMING POOL REVAMP Work has now begun on the transformation of Northfield Swimming Pool, which will include a fitness suite and wellness centre and combine with other amenities to create a new community sports hub.

CHAP Construction has been appointed by Aberdeen City Council to carry out the £4.8 million refurbishment following a competitive tendering exercise. The work is being funded

by ACC with significant support from Sport Aberdeen, as well as from sportscotland.

As part of the refurb significant elements of the mechanical and electrical plant will be replaced along with fixtures and fittings and in addition, the new venue will include: • • • • • • •

a larger, fully accessible changing village; group changing and family changing; 40-station fitness suite; multi-purpose studio; dry changing facilities; clinical suites for use by NHS Grampian; and additional car and bicycle parking.

We were thrilled to be awarded funding of £100,000 from sportscotland to support the project – the maximum amount awarded for capital projects.

PROCESS NEW HR PORTAL Our HR team has been hard at work behind the scenes preparing for the launch of a brand-new staff portal which replaces the current EllisWhittam Assist service. The new Sport Aberdeen HR portal known as “Youmanage” was successfully launched on Tuesday, 17 August 2021.

The move will offer an enhanced user experience and additional functionality which will streamline all existing resources and programmes into one easy to use platform.

The portal offers similar functions to EW Assist such as annual leave booking, sickness reporting, PDR and Probation recording. Access to a wider library will be rolled out in the coming weeks/months which will see a move to online timesheets, HR process forms, digitised personnel files and contractual documentation.

“We are delighted to reach this significant milestone in the refurbishment and expansion of Northfield Swimming Pool. Along with our partners at Aberdeen City Council, we have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure this project has kept momentum over the last, very challenging year.

The support of sportscotland, by way of a significant funding grant, is very gratefully received and we look forward to delivering this fantastic venue for the Northfield community, creating the opportunity for more people of all ages and abilities to access first class sport and physical activity facilities.”

- Tony Dawson, Sport Aberdeen Chairman The pool is expected to open in summer 2022.

Above: (left to right) Ron Liddell, CHAP construction director, Councillor Gordon Graham, Sport Aberdeen managing director Alistair Robertson and Sport Aberdeen chairman Tony Dawson

The 5Ps / Page 5

Above: Our members enjoying a spin class

Above: Welcoming the community back to sport

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY FEEL

#PARTOFSOMETHING W

e have recently been showcasing some of our members to share their amazing stories, with a focus on how Sport Aberdeen, and participating in physical activity, has changed their lives; and how the charity makes them feel ‘part of something’.

We are celebrating the people in our local community who champion sport as a catalyst to positively impact

mental and physical health. We provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and genders to take part in physical activity and we believe that sport is more than just a game, and really can change lives. Meet our ambassadors and find out how Sport Aberdeen has impacted their mental and physical wellbeing. Search ‘PartofSomething’ our website, or click here to find out more about our ambassadors’ stories.

Left: Our #PartofSomething ambassadors John, Ayah, Lisa and Javier

Page 6

Enrolling in this class has been a life saver, quite literally.

Margret #PartofSomething Ambassador

Sport Aberdeen makes you feel like you’re part of a family. All of us, the volunteers and coaches, we are all the same and there is no favouritism, we are all here to have fun and meet people and get better at something we enjoy.

Emily #PartofSomething Ambassador

Sport Aberdeen gives me that routine, structure and purpose that I thrive off. I feel happy, active and overall a better person. It changed my life and if I hadn’t joined Sport Aberdeen, I don’t know where I’d be!

Jay #PartofSomething Ambassador

Helping our community feel #PartofSomething / Page 7

Above: Graeme Dale and Kim McRobbie accepting the award for ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’ at an awards night in London

SPORT ABERDEEN NAMED WINNER AT PRESTIGIOUS UK AWARDS FOR SUPPORTING CARE EXPERIENCED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH SPORT

S

port Aberdeen was named as a winner at the ukactive Awards 2021, a UK wide awards ceremony celebrating the very best of the physical activity sector, which took place virtually on Thursday 12 August.

Our SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) project, delivered in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, was recognised in the category ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’.

SPACE is an innovative project, which uses the positive benefits of sport and physical activity to help care experienced children and young people reach their full potential through bespoke interventions.

The project was the first of its kind in Scotland and is the evolution of the ‘Looked After Project’ which began in August 2016 in partnership with Aberdeen City Council. As a corporate parent, we have a commitment to over 450 care experienced young people within the care of Aberdeen City Council.

Working together, Sport Aberdeen and Aberdeen City Council’s Integrated Children’s and Family Services aim to provide support for participants to achieve positive destinations utilising sport as a catalyst for positive change.

The project mentors the city’s most vulnerable children and young people who would otherwise have little or no access to many opportunities. These opportunities include boxing, cycling, horse-riding and accessing local greenspaces alongside free-of-charge membership to our citywide gyms.

During the first Covid-19 lockdown, Project Activators were deployed into educational hubs, established to support children living in vulnerable situations. In total, 1,095 hours were spent directly impacting three hubs, with another 5,000 hours of Active Schools time supporting children and young people across six hubs for children of keyworkers, and Orchard Brae School.

Page 8 / Sport Aberdeen named winner at prestigious UK awards

“I am absolutely thrilled that the SPACE project has been recognised at a UK level and this achievement is really a testament to the hard work and determination of everyone who works to make this project so successful.

“The impact that SPACE has had on young people, improving physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity, has been incredible and with wider recognition it is my hope that we can continue to grow and develop this initiative and reach even more children and young people across the north-east alongside our partners, Aberdeen City Council.”

- Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities

“As a council we are proud to be a partner in the SPACE project, which has harnessed the city’s sports and leisure offering as a way of helping care experienced children young people reach their full potential.

“Exercise and activity – whether that’s participating in team games or accessing green spaces – can greatly enhance physical and mental wellbeing, and this brilliant initiative could not have been more timely.

Staff at the council and Sport Aberdeen, along with community supporters, thoroughly deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”

- Councillor Jenny Laing, leader of Aberdeen City Council

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S INSIGHTS As we move from an extremely busy summer into the autumn months, I have enjoyed taking a moment to reflect on everything that the Sport Aberdeen team has achieved recently.

The Summer of Play was a fantastic initiative which allowed so many children to benefit from a vast array of activities, including sport and adventure activities run

by Sport Aberdeen. Creating and running these sessions was a huge undertaking and involved many hours of preparation. It was great to get such wonderful feedback from the children who participated, and to hear the positive impact that the programme has had on their summer, especially after such a such a difficult period for them.

I would like to say a huge well done to Graeme Dale, Head of Sport and Active Communities, and all of the team involved in the SPACE (Supported Activity for Care Experienced) project, for winning the ‘Developing and Supporting Communities during Covid-19’ award at the recent ukactive awards. To be recognised on a national stage is a huge achievement, and well deserved for this project which has positively influenced the lives of care experienced young people.

You will see elsewhere in this issue that we have made a very exciting move to our new HQ recently. This has involved a huge amount of work, in particular from Hugh Black, Group Estates Manager; Tess Murphy, Corporate Support Manager; and Kirstie Swan, Corporate Support Administrator and I want to take a moment to thank them for their dedication to ensuring a successful move. Our new office is fantastic, and it is very positive to have a fresh start as we begin the return to a more ‘normal’ way of working.

Our staff in venues across the city continue to work extremely hard to provide the best possible experiences for our customers and I would like to share some great feedback I was sent recently from a parent of one of the participants in our snowsports lessons & coaching programme:

“ The purpose of my email is to pass on my positive experience and recognise the enthusiasm and excellent customer service of one of your team members at the Snowsports Centre. It’s clear that they are dedicated, and they have a great manner with the children during lessons.

Ellie in particular is excellent, she knows the customers (even when you phone) and she can’t do enough to help. She was coaching today, and the smile and enjoyment of the kids was so nice to see!”

Well done Ellie, and all of the staff at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. I always feel a great sense of pride when I hear of positive feedback relating to our staff and to be contacted directly with praise for our team is fantastic.

ALISTAIR S. ROBERTSON Managing Director

Managing Director’s insights / Page 9

IN FOCUS: GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN ABERDEEN ACTIVE

Above: Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Jennifer Stewart with participants at Rubislaw Quarry

Above: Participants enjoying canoeing at Rubislaw Quarry

LOCAL CHARITIES CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES TO GET ACTIVE THIS SUMMER

T

hroughout the school holidays we delivered opportunities and activities free of charge as part of the Summer of Play programme. We were one of a number of partners that took part in the initiative, made possible by funding received from the Scottish Government by local authorities.

In partnership with award-winning charity We Too!, an organisation which empowers families of children with disabilities in the north-east, we delivered a series of relaxed canoeing sessions at the city’s historic Rubislaw Quarry, specifically designed to allow children of all abilities to enjoy the sport in a safe and welcoming environment.

young carers roles and financial considerations.

Fantastic, positive memories are being made this summer by all families within the area and we are delighted to be able to play our part.”

Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Jennifer Stewart, who attended a session at Rubislaw Quarry to see the adventure activity at first hand, said:

We Too! supported Adventure Aberdeen staff with additional training and resource packs and each family session had an additional staff member on hand to help support all participants.

“With partners such as Sport Aberdeen and WeToo! Aberdeen City Council is delivering the biggest tailormade programme of play and creative activities in our history. Importantly, as we work towards becoming a UNICEF-recognised Child Friendly City, the Summer of Play has been co-designed by our children and young people who told us exactly which activities they have most missed because of the impact of the pandemic.”

Graeme Dale, Sport Aberdeen Head of Sport and Active Communities, said:

Stats:

“We are thrilled to be offering such a diverse range of free sporting and outdoor activities as part of the Summer of Play programme and by working in partnership with We Too! we have been able to extend our offering even further.”

£20M total national funding 16 partners 33 activities provided by Sport Aberdeen 5,453 spaces booked

Phionna McInnes, Chief Executive of We Too! added:

468 Additional Support Needs bookings

“The feedback has been incredible from families who have been unable to attend previous sessions, not just due to the pandemic, but also due to shielding,

304 Care Experienced Young People booked spaces

Page 10 /IN Focus: Getting young people in Aberdeen active

1,191 free school meals provided

GIVING LOCAL FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY OUTDOOR AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY TOTAL PARTICIPANTS: 33

T

hroughout the summer we were able to offer almost five weeks of outdoor and adventurous activity sessions, organised by Adventure Aberdeen staff, for children and young people who would otherwise not have access to these opportunities. This was made possible thanks to funding received from Aberdeen City Council.

Local children and families had the opportunity to take part in activities ranging from forest walks and wilderness skills to hill walking, gorge walking and canoeing.

Children and young people were identified through our close partnership working with key children’s services across Aberdeen City including Action for Children -Aberdeen Priority Families, Barnardo’s and Intensive Support at Craigielea.

Mary-Louise Clipston, Northern Star Project Worker (Barnardos), who attended one of the forest walk and wilderness skills sessions, said: “I went along on the forest walk with a 9-year-old boy who I work with. I was a little nervous that a child whose main interests are Fortnite and football might not find it very interesting… but it quickly became clear there was no cause for concern!

“The time whizzed past as we explored nature, played games, learned how to safely light fires, and had a den building contest. This particular child has very little opportunity to engage in these sorts of activities and I have no doubt that the chance to access these events will positively impact his wellbeing.”

Below: Adventure Aberdeen instructors with participants at one of the wilderness skills and forest walk sessions

IN Focus: Getting young people in Aberdeen active/ Page 11

@sportaberdeen | sportaberdeen.co.uk