Sport Aberdeen is serious about doing social good and adding social value to people’s lives.
The charity will be marking the first ever ‘Seriously Social Week’ in May as part of a national campaign that showcases the work of charities, putting people above profit, connecting communities and helping people to become healthier, happier and more creative, regardless of age or ability.
Seriously Social has been organised by national body Community Leisure UK. Starting on Monday 27 May – each day of the week will focus on a theme to show how companies like ours help create social impact and create happier, healthier communities. Themes include health and wellbeing, the environment, inclusion, community, and employment and skills.
Kirsty Cumming, CEO of Community Leisure UK, said: “Our members don’t just deliver public leisure and cultural services, they support social change for the better every day of the week, 365 days a year.
“As social enterprises and charities, they put people above profit. They are run by local people and have everyone’s best interests at heart. This week is about showcasing how they go above and beyond supporting individuals and communities.
“This is a selfless sector, quietly going about supporting people and communities every day. Not because it makes them money, but because it’s the right thing to do. And we thought it was high time more people know about the great work they do and the difference they make.”
More than 110 charitable trusts and social enterprises deliver public leisure and culture in Scotland, Wales and Ireland as part of the Community Leisure UK network. Together in 2023 they:
- Welcomed more than 209 million visits
- Worked with 170+ local authorities
- Collaborated with more than 100,000 community groups
- 73% reduced carbon emissions
- 63% provided warm spaces
- 75% provided holiday food and activity programmes
- Saved the state and NHS £893 million through their work getting people more active and healthier*
Keith Heslop, CEO of Sport Aberdeen, said: “We are proud to be part of a network of charities operating with a strong social conscience, delivering good through sport and leisure opportunities.
“We strive to put others first and make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone, helping to break down barriers and change lives.
“Our successful outcomes include improvements in our collective physical and mental wellbeing, increased local employment, safe spaces to enjoy, connected communities and targeted help for those requiring additional support.
“Seriously Social is a brilliant way to showcase not only the difference we make, but also why we do what we do.”
*Social Value Figure produced by 4Global using data from Moving Communities and DataHub. Full stats can be found at seriouslysocial.org.uk, as well as further information about the campaign.
37-year-old Laura McLeod started swimming lessons with Sport Aberdeen in October 2023 – the charity follows the Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water Framework for ‘Learn to Swim.’
Having always wanted to learn to swim, Laura experienced an incident as a youngster which meant she became aquaphobic and never learned.
As an adult, she was diagnosed with arthritis in her knees and fibromyalgia and was advised by her GP that swimming would be the best form of exercise, however she didn’t get into the pool until her mobility was really bad.
Above: Laura at her swimming lesson.
Laura said: “I then apprehensively applied for adult swimming lessons, and it was the best thing I could have done!
“The instructors have been equally patient and encouraging with me, and I am now no longer aquaphobic.
“Although I am not fully confident yet, my confidence builds every week. I am nearly 5 months into swimming lessons – I’m not quite swimming yet but I feel confident in the water, under water and with aquatic breathing.
Laura has enjoyed and appreciated the support of her swimming instructors along the way.
She said: “My instructors challenge me at every session and would never push me to do something they didn’t think I was capable of.
“They take time to focus on where they think my confidence and skill needs improved and have a very person-centred approach to teaching.
“The progress I have made in five months has been astounding considering on my first lesson I could barely put my face in the water.
“The confidence my instructors and the lessons have instilled in me has had a positive impact on other aspects of my life also. My mental and general health has improved; I am much more confident than I ever was before too.
“I would highly recommend any adult non-swimmer aquaphobic person to apply to Sport Aberdeen for lessons, it really will change your life.”
Sport Aberdeen has adult beginner and adult improver week-long intensive swimming lessons available to book now.
These will take place across two weeks: 29 July – 2 August and 12 – 16 August and can be booked here.
27-year-old Lotty Smythe joined Sport Aberdeen for a 12-week placement to further her learning in food, nutrition and human health. During her time on placement, she developed and launched a 6-week fitness and nutrition programme for Sport Aberdeen members to help them achieve their goals and enhance their knowledge.
A survey was distributed to participants before the sessions took place which found over 80% didn’t fuel their bodies before exercise and 80% didn’t feel confident using gym equipment.
Working closely with Evelyn Mair, Group Health and Fitness Manager, Lotty delivered the sessions which saw participants undertake two fitness sessions per week with health and fitness instructors, as well as the nutrition sessions that she led.
The nutrition sessions contained information about what healthy eating is, energy balance and intake, healthy eating on a budget, maintaining a healthy diet and nutrition for sport and exercise.
One participant said: “I would say I’ve picked up simple tips like swapping to brown rice and pasta to get my fibre intake up and have learned healthy ways to fuel and refuel for exercise. I’ve also learned I’m definitely stronger than I thought I was!”
Another who attended the sessions said: “I would like to say a huge thank to Sport Aberdeen for running this 6-week course. This course has kick started my desire to put myself first for a change. I have learned a lot from both the nutrition and exercise sessions, met some incredibly knowledgeable professionals and also made some new friends.”
Following the programme, participants completed a survey about their experience – the results showed that 100% have improved their knowledge about how to eat healthy on a budget, with 85% saying their knowledge of what a healthy diet is has changed. In addition to this, 57% of those who attended the sessions have increased the number of times they visit the gym.
RGU Placement student Lotty Smythe said: “The fitness and nutrition programme has provided a great opportunity for individuals to learn more about nutrition and exercise and build their confidence using the gym and gym equipment.
“A key topic of conversation from participants was around the confidence of using different equipment correctly in the gym so I think this was a great offering from Sport Aberdeen to build knowledge and improve health and fitness.
“This was a great opportunity during my placement to build on my knowledge and public speaking skills whilst delivering a series of nutrition workshops to the public.”
Evelyn Mair, Group Health and Fitness Manager, said: “Over the last 12 weeks we have had the privilege of hosting an RGU Human Health & Nutrition Student Placement with Lotty Smythe.
“Lotty has been a fantastic addition to the team, working alongside our health and fitness instructors to deliver a 6-week fitness and nutrition member engagement programme, busting myths around healthy eating and fuelling for exercise and lots more.
“Lotty worked with various members and athletes during her time on placement and has contributed to an increase in participation and improved physical health of these individuals. This
helped to support our wider communities and teams with resources and information, all of which has been massively beneficial and greatly appreciated.”
Sport Aberdeen regularly runs adult beginner intensive swimming classes – these often take place during school holidays.
Sessions were recently held between Monday 1st to Friday 5th April at Get active @ Northfield, taking the structure of the already established adult lesson assessment framework but instead of attending once a week, these individuals completed an intensive one-week course.
Acting as a stepping stone into Sport Aberdeen’s wider adult lesson programme, the intensive classes covered a variety of strokes across the week, as well as basic lifesaving skills such as floatation and regaining feet whilst within the water.
Allan, a participant at the sessions, says the benefits of the class were incredible: “I have been terrified of water since childhood and honestly never thought I would ever be in a pool again in my life. When my older grandchildren were smaller, I never enjoyed playing at the pool with them on holidays and was terrified of being splashed. I now have two more grandchildren who live in Dubai and it was a bit of a dream to think I would be able to take them for a swim and play in the pool with them.
“I finally booked the 5-day course and on the first day I almost didn’t go in. In the end I did, thinking I would do one session, hate it, and never go back. I was incredibly nervous.
“Callum and his team (with special mention of Oliver and Maisie who dedicated most of their time to me) are all brilliant. They were all very supportive and understanding. They understood that I needed extra support and encouragement and really took the time to make sure I was comfortable.
“During the five days they didn’t just support me in getting in the water, but they got me to the point where I was happy ducking under the water, jumping in, and floating – something I genuinely thought I would never ever be able to do. I put this off for 40 years and thanks to Callum and his team I now feel like I’m in control in the water and I have signed up for weekly lessons to carry on the work, which I’m now enjoying!
“To anyone who like me has a fear of water and keeps putting it off or is even just nervous about going to a class, I would say absolutely just go for it. It’s the best thing I’ve done, and I only wish I had done it sooner.”
For those interested in the adult intensive swimming skills programme, Sport Aberdeen has this on offer at Get active @ Northfield and Tullos Swimming Pool throughout the summer holidays and this can be booked here: https://sport-aberdeen.checkfront.com/reserve/
Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen recently strengthened its board with the appointment of three new trustee directors – Richard Booth, Andy Powrie and Richard Tinto.
Richard Booth has over 30 years’ experience working in the domestic and commercial audio-visual market, having held roles covering director, partner, business development, sales and operations.
He recently opened an Aberdeen office for Mediascape, an employee-owned commercial audio-visual company headquartered in Glasgow. Brought up in Inverurie, he has been a keen squash player for over 40 years. Having represented Scotland at U16 and U19 levels, Richard continued competing in the national league for Aberdeen until his late thirties. He is a qualified squash coach and life member of Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club.
Andy Powrie has spent more than 20 years’ in technology, latterly as Chief Operating Officer in the energy and SaaS (software as a service) sectors. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation whilst driving growth and technological excellence on an international scale.
Renowned for a commercially driven, tech-first approach, Andy has excelled in areas such as strategic leadership, IT strategy and global market expansion.
His dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration aligns perfectly with Sport Aberdeen’s mission to enhance available opportunities for the local community to participate in sport and physical activity.
As an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for golf, rugby, and taekwondo, Andy is excited to leverage this personal commitment to sport by enhancing Sport Aberdeen’s offerings. This appointment marks a significant step in Andy’s career, bridging professional expertise with a personal passion for sport, to contribute towards creating a healthier, more active community in Aberdeen.
Richard Tinto is the owner of Tinto Architecture Limited, a multi-disciplinary design and project management business in Aberdeen.
As a graduate of Robert Gordon University and experienced not-for-profit board member, he joined Sport Aberdeen’s board of directors in January 2024, bringing with him a broad range of experience from the property industry. Running a growing business, he has embraced the challenges of leadership and is continually growing and looking to build expertise in providing consultancy and non-executive support to businesses in all sectors. His passion for Aberdeen has seen him becoming involved in many community led initiatives and regeneration discussions around the future of towns and cities.
One of our personal trainers (PTs) at Get active @ Beacon, Matt Gibson, was nominated for the Health & Fitness Business of the Year award as part of the 2024 Scotland’s Business Awards, coming in 4th out of over 500 independent PT’s and commercial gyms.
Matt, who has been a PT at Get active @ Beacon for three years, wasn’t aware of the nomination until it came through the post: “It was a lovely surprise to get. It was a bit of a ‘is this real moment.’ The awards are all voted for by the public so a few people at some point have put my name forward.
“I have yet to find out who it was but it’s an incredibly nice thing to have people putting my name forward for these kinds of things. I have subtly been trying to find out who it was but nobody has come forward yet!
“Regardless of who it was, I don’t do personal training for awards or anything like that, but it is nice to know people are taking the time out of their day to nominate me.”
Matt was delighted and the recognition was made even more special with the nomination coming anonymously from his own clients: “It is nice to get the appreciation for my work. I get positive feedback in person from clients a lot which is always amazing. They are really good at telling me what works and what doesn’t.”
“Adapting and changing is important, it really helps me to get better at what I do. Some clients respond differently to different things. Some prefer a quiet approach whereas some prefer me being firmer. Getting that constant feedback is amazing.
“Being put forward for an award on this level was special. Seeing it on a bigger scale is a great feeling and one many people might not get in this business. It was definitely made even more special because it was so unexpected.”
The awards evening was held at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen on Sunday 24 March: “A lot of companies that were nominated did a mystery shopper style assessment to see how everyone runs their business ahead of the event.
“It was a great night with fitness businesses and restaurants amongst others shortlisted for various different categories. It was a busy event but a brilliant night and great to see so many businesses, old and new, celebrating their successes – it was really interesting.”
Speaking about his work with his clients, Matt believes a friendly relationship helps create a better environment: “Purely from client feedback, I tend to take an understanding approach, as I know many clients come in for different reasons and for different outcomes. Many need to take their own pace.
“I try to build a friendship with them. I find it makes the sessions more open and flow better. I actively try to avoid the “client vs trainer” format. I try to chat as if we’re mates in the gym rather than me telling them what to do and they listen.”
“I think it’s important to not only get a good relationship whilst in the gym but also outside it as well.
“When my clients do go out on their own and do their own thing in fitness, they can come to me afterwards and tell me about their journey. It helps to establish a long term relationship from the get-go, rather than only for a set period of time.
“Without sounding big headed, I feel I am a good personal trainer. I am still relatively new to this as three years isn’t a long time in this game, but I have done well to learn from what has and hasn’t gone well.
“I also think I have managed to get a lot of my clients to where they want to be in terms of health, fitness and wellbeing. I have a widespread client base with all different types of people which has kept me on my toes and means I constantly need to keep learning.”
Matt believes that taking the first step is huge for anyone looking to book a PT for the first time: “I always believe the first step is the scariest part. Especially when it comes to opening up to someone new, it’s a huge leap towards where you want to be. It’s all about making that jump, making the change and being pointed in the right direction.”
If you would like to book a PT or find out more about what’s involved, click HERE.
Sport Aberdeen – alongside partners Rock Up & Ride, Sustrans, Nestrans & Robert Gordon’s College – recently held a cycle safety event for New Scots living in Aberdeen.
The event took place on Tuesday 12March, where 27 New Scots benefitted from the sessions.
The cycle trainers on the day were from Sport Aberdeen’s Rock Up & Ride Project and Sustrans’ Bike Project, along with Bob Tayler – Head of Outdoor Education at Robert Gordon’s College and Tim Bowden – Sustrans’ Bike Communities Officer for Aberdeen.
The work was delivered in partnership with Asylum & Refugee Care, as it was identified that many New Scots have attempted to cycle since arriving in Aberdeen with little or no knowledge of the Highway Code and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Despite the language barriers, the basic cycle safety sessions covered the importance of riding in a controlled manner, having good observation skills, positioning on the road, how to signal, and who has priority.
Attendees were also informed that cycling on the pavement in the UK is not permitted and that care should be taken to respect pedestrians when passing.
Laura Benson, Project Activator for Cycling at Sport Aberdeen, said: “Many of the New Scots are keen to explore the city by bike and they welcomed the safety advice provided.
“It is intended that further cycle safety sessions for New Scots located elsewhere in the city will be provided.
“Our Community Sport team at Sport Aberdeen will continue to work with New Scots to create more opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity, including Rock Up & Ride led rides, football and fitness sessions.
“We’d like to thank the cycling trainers Tim Bowden, Sustrans’ Bike Communities Officer for Aberdeen and Bob Tayler, Head of Outdoor Education at Robert Gordon’s College, for dedicating their time to deliver the session.”
Jayne Smith from Asylum Refugee Care said: “There was a really good attendance at the session.
“It was great to see so much enthusiasm from the New Scots to learn about how they could keep themselves safe on a bicycle.
“Personally, I am relieved this event has been held as it gives me greater confidence in those individuals’ knowledge of cycling safely in Scotland.”
Bob Tayler, Head of Outdoor Education at Robert Gordon’s College, said: “Sport Aberdeen’s dedication to organising these cycling sessions for New Scots in Aberdeen underscores the collaborative effort needed to ensure everyone can enjoy the city safely.
“Cycling is not only great fun and exercise, it’s an effective and free method of transport. Working alongside Sport Aberdeen and other partners to promote essential cycling skills was a fantastic opportunity. Through these efforts, we enhance safety and create a sense of belonging and empowerment among New Scots as they navigate their new surroundings.”
We were delighted to receive a generous donation of £1,500 from housebuilder, Cala Homes.
The donation will enable Sport Aberdeen to deliver 18 hours of specialist exercise referral classes – part of its wider Active Lifestyles Referral Programme – at Get active @ Westburn.
Endorsed by NHS Grampian and delivered by qualified exercise referral instructors, the classes offer community based self-management and rehabilitation opportunities for people living with a range of long-term health conditions.
Graeme Dale, Director of Sport and Active Communities, said: “We are very grateful to Cala Homes for its kind donation.
“Our Active Lifestyles Referral programme is aimed at supporting participants to exercise safely and experience the benefits of being active to help manage their condition and overall health.
“It is great to now be able to offer these classes to more people thanks to the contribution from Cala Homes.
Emma Gelati, Marketing Manager at Cala Homes (North), said: “Supporting the local communities in which we build is very important to us. Therefore, we were more than happy to help support the team at Sport Aberdeen to help fund some of its specialist exercise referral classes as part of our Cala Community Pledge.
“Our Community Pledge involves us creating bespoke programmes of community activity for each of our developments. Each development’s activity looks to address specific community needs including donations, volunteering, learning programmes, support initiatives and much more.
“Sport Aberdeen is located close to both our TwentyFour, Rosemount and 22 King’s Gate developments.
“We hope our donation will be a huge benefit to those with long-term health conditions who are offered the classes.”
Sport Aberdeen was delighted to recently receive £36,000 of funding from the Carers Strategy Implementation Group via the Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership.
The funding went towards recruiting a full-time project activator at the beginning of March to kickstart the programme, where the charity’s Active Schools team will be working closely alongside Barnando’s to deliver the sessions.
The need for the sessions was identified through the Carers Strategy Implementation Group (CSIG) at Aberdeen City Council – this group is lead by ACHSCP.
The project will look to emulate the popular and successful SPACE (Supported Physical Activity for Care Experienced) programme already run by Active Schools, which aims to improve the lives of local care experienced children and young people through sport and physical activity.
The Young Carer’s Initiative will instead target young carers by offering extracurricular sessions in Woodside, Westpark, and other local schools.
By definition, a young carer is under 18 years old and helps to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. A young carer could be looking after a parent or a sibling.
The new sessions will allow young carers to enjoy participating in sport and physical activity, either in a one-to-one setting or small group environment. Young carers will be able to choose the activities they participate in.
Katrina Carr, Lead Active Schools Coordinator said: “It is very exciting to launch our programme to support young carers in Aberdeen thanks to extensive partnership working with Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (ACHSCP) and Barnardo’s.
“The programme will adopt a child-centred approach, ensuring that the young people are the voice of the support they receive and can choose the activities they wish to participate in.
“This new project adds to the work that our Active Schools team has already established with young carers across the city. It will be great to see the positive impact that providing opportunities through sport and physical activity will have on the young people’s wellbeing.”
Sport Aberdeen’s Active Schools team has started a trial project where Primary School pupils are chosen as sports captains to help as many of their fellow pupils to get active as possible.
The project, which is based in both the Northfield and Hazlehead Associated School Groups (ASGs), has seen several pupils from each Primary selected for the trial.
Active Schools Coordinators worked with the selected children at an event on Monday 11th March to discuss ideas, make new friends, learn new skills and inspire them to engage their schools in sport and physical activity.
A number of the children involved already take part in similar extracurricular activities including representing pupils voices, organising notice boards for clubs/events, supporting activities for younger pupils, promoting events at assemblies, providing reminders for new sports clubs, encouraging participation and celebrating successes.
Going forward, Active School Co-ordinators hope to work closely with the sports captains to enable them to become “in school” representatives. In doing so, the pupils involved will gain a lot of valuable experience before hopefully going on to become Young Leaders or Youth Ambassadors when they reach Academy stage.
Stacey Stuart, Active Schools Co-ordinator for Northfield ASG who helped organise the project, said: “It was amazing to see how passionate and motivated our Primary sports captains were at our combined ASG event.
“The ideas and discussions they had were really encouraging and we are really looking forward to working with them both as a group and individually in their schools as they develop their roles. They all did themselves and their schools proud!”