Registered charity Sport Aberdeen has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Team Aberdeen’ category at this year’s HEART Awards. 

The annual HEART Awards, organised by Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, recognise people working and volunteering in health and social care in Aberdeen and aim to have ‘exceptional achievement recognised together’.

The Active Lifestyles programme, run by Sport Aberdeen, has been shortlisted and recognised for being heavily involved in several collaborative initiatives and programmes over the years. 

The programme provides inclusive opportunities for everyone to get active and participate in physical activity regardless of whether they are starting out, recovering from injury, living with a long-term health condition or are older adults. 

Of note, the co-design and delivery of the ‘Carers Stable and Able Group’, which runs on a weekly basis with support from NHS Occupational Therapy staff has been recognised. 

The new and innovative approach to delivering classes for both carers and the ones they care for was developed in response to a need identified by NHS Grampian colleagues. The Carers Stable and Able classes allow both participants to take part in the sessions which are designed for those who have previously taken part in a 12-week rehabilitation class delivered by the NHS.

The ongoing support from Sport Aberdeen enables people to continue to exercise within a community setting, reducing their risk of a fall and the potential for re-referral back to NHS services. 

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 27 March, at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom. 

Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Lifestyles, said: 

“I am thrilled that Sport Aberdeen has been recognised and shortlisted for an award at this year’s event. The nomination is testament to the incredible work that is carried out by the Active Lifestyles team throughout the year. 

“Through the many projects, services, programmes and events that the organisation works on in partnership with others, we truly believe that we can help to change lives through sport and physical activity.”