Aberdeen Action on Disability was founded in 1992 as a user-led organisation to give a helping hand to people with physical and sensory disabilities in the city of Aberdeen.
Since then, we’ve been staffed and managed by people who have disabilities of their own- giving us a level of expertise that you just can’t get in any other way.
We can offer you information on all aspects of physical and sensory disability, representation on local and national bodies and help raise awareness of any issues you might have.
If you want to join us, then membership is £5 per year and gets you access to all our meetings and events as well as updates on what we’re doing to help the disabled community in Aberdeen and nationwide.
If you haven’t decided that you want to join yet, please take a look around our site and and our blog, see all the good work that we’re doing, or pop in for a chat. We’re sure you’ll change your mind.
We offer:
Help with benefits from application to Appeal.
Support, Information, Advice, Sign Posting and Referral to other services and resources.
Weekly informal Social Drop-In.
Volunteering
Registered Charity No: SC 022271
Company No: SC 267 622
You can also read Our Constitution.
FAQs
What services does the charity provide?
Aberdeen Action on Disability is a user lead organisation who provide advice and support to those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Help with benefit applications, combating social isolation and providing safe space for those with life affecting conditions or circumstances. We aim to increase financial gains to clients to allow them to be able to live independently, to get out their homes and back to functioning in the larger society which then will have a positive effect on mental health and their wellbeing. We occasionally work with other organisations within the city who may provide backup services or assistance to our clients and who can offer or provide alternative services and help.
What positive impact is the charity having on the local community?
We provide a voice for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions in Aberdeen City. We can offer information on all aspects of physical and sensory disability, representation on local and national bodies and help raise awareness of any issues our clients/ service users might have. We do not discriminate against anyone, and we aim to provide a level playing field where everyone receives the same service and support regardless of their situations.
We have a large base of clients who have used our service to apply for benefits, assist with DWP appeals and receive support. Due to confidentiality, unfortunately we cannot provide exact details of specific cases.
We created a social group to help with social isolation which continued via zoom during Covid Pandemic and is now back as face to face where we provide crafting, quizzes, music and a variety of activities for those who are willing and able to attend.
What will the charity do with funding/donations?
This would help to continue our social group activities and community outreach, help with admin and daily running of the charity and potential to be used for community projects in the future. It would help with the cost of materials and craft supplies for our various groups. This would also fund open days and community events which we have been unable to do recently due to the aftereffects of the Covid Pandemic. It would be very beneficial to help continue our services going forward, this money will enable us to provide more support, advice and continued services for our client base.
Was there any specific thing that sparked the charity forming?
There was a gap in resources available and organisations who specifically aimed to provide a helping hand to people with physical disabilities and long-term health conditions in the city of Aberdeen. We’ve been staffed and managed by people who have disabilities of their own- giving us a level of expertise that you just can’t get in any other way. The number of service users requiring support and assistance has increased over the years therefore the organisation was formed and continues to develop in response to the demand.
What effect does disability have on the local community?
Disabilities and Long-term health conditions are widespread and those who suffer can feel isolated and lost and if this is a new experience for someone, they often find it difficult to find information easily about what help and assistance they are eligible to apply for and receive.
Disabilities can be found in all communities not just locally; this can mean isolation and exclusion for the people in certain communities especially minority and ethnic groups.
Aberdeen City has a slightly higher rate of people (known to the local authority) with learning disabilities at 5.5 per 1000, compared to 5.2 for Scotland as a whole. In the Scottish Health Survey (2016-19), 24% reported having a limiting long-term illness in Aberdeen City compared to 33% in Scotland.
Dealing with those affected by disability and long-term illness teaches us compassion, acceptance, and humility. They remind us to be thankful for the many blessing that we have. They show us, in a profound way, what it means to be whole. People with disabilities want to be seen as contributing members of society.
What type of disability does your charity work with most often? We work with those who are affected by a wide range of disability and long-term health conditions. Mental health issue and intellectual disabilities such as conditions on the Autistic Spectrum.
Is there anything we could do in our community to help your charity?
Raising Awareness and fundraising are always a priority and anything anyone can do to assist with this is always welcomed and appreciated. Donations are always welcome to help continue our much-needed services.
Do you have any media to help promote the importance of your charity?
We have a website; a Facebook page and social group Facebook pages and we do community outreach at 3rd party sector fares where we have volunteers present and leaflets and information packs available for interested parties.
Aberdeen Action on Disability Official Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenActionOnDisability