Sunrise Partnership is a small, local charity working in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire. Our vision is for all children and young people to have the support they need, at the time they need it, to allow them to achieve their true potential despite a significant loss or bereavement.

We support for children and young people up to age 18 who have experienced bereavement or significant loss. Support is free, bespoke, and confidential. Support continues for as long as it is required, and we travel to meet the child or young person in a setting they feel comfortable in. We aim to start support sessions as soon as possible, but occasionally may have a short waiting list depending on demand for our service.

We offer a blended approach - young people can choose to meet face to face indoors, on a walk and talk, online, or connect by phone or text. We also provide group work including Seasons for Growth, Family Loss Days and peer support groups.

All our support staff are qualified and experienced in loss work and have PVG membership.

Northern Star Project Worker at Westpark Primary School

My name is Gemma, and I am a project worker based full time at Westpark Primary School. I work for Northern Star, which is a Barnardos service funded by the Pupil Equity Fund (PEF). The service supports primary aged children and their families both during term time and over holiday periods as well. The overall aim of the service is to support children to improve attainment, succeed in school, and achieve their goals. I work with children who may be experiencing some challenges whether this is in school, at home or in the community, and support them to feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. I work alongside parents/caregivers to find the best ways to support their children too.

When children are referred to me, I will take time to build a trusting relationship with the young person and provide them space to talk. We come up with ideas together to improve school participation, engagement, and motivation, while using the child’s interests and strengths to do so. Each child will have one 1:1 session with me each week, but they also know that I am around to speak to throughout the day.

I can support children and families through:

1:1 sessions

Daily check-ins

Group work

Home visits

Activities/excursions (both as part of the school term and during the holidays)

It is important to me and the Northern Star service that we are involved within the whole school community. Therefore, you might see me taking part in various other parts of school life and after school activities.

Hi my name is Karen Bowie. I am one of the school counsellors at Westpark school. My role is to offer support to children p1_p5 who may struggle with anxiety, emotional issues peer relationships or just find school a struggle generally.

I am in school on Wednesdays from 8.30 till 3pm. Children attend sessions for 45minutes for around 10 weeks during term time. This can be more or less, depending on the childs needs.

The time spent with me is confidential which allows children to use the play resources to explore their feelings, develop confidence, and supports their education in a safe environment.

Parents/carers are involved from the beginning as are class teachers and senior staff. Referal to the service can come from parents, carers, teaching staff and only happens with consent including the childs consent.

I am happy to discuss the service but not the content with parents and carers who may feel anxious about their child being referred to the service. Please let Mr Watson or Ms Atkinson know if you would like to speak directly to me.

Parents can also self refer to the school nursing service using this email gram.schoolnursing@nhs.scot using school nursing referral form.  Parents may also discuss with class teachers or senior leadership to request that a referral is made.

‘Fit like? Family Wellbeing Hubs are a group of services working together to support children and young people’s mental wellbeing. 

We work with families across the city offering practical and emotional support from our three Hubs in Northfield, Torry and Tillydrone.

We can help with:

• Finance and benefits

• Family relationships and communication

• Coping with daily pressures

• Promoting positive emotional and mental wellbeing 

• Talking about traumatic things that have happened

How do we work?

We work with you to help set your own goals and support you to achieve them. This might be individually, as a family or in a group.
We will identify a key person or a team of people who can help you achieve your goals. It is important that you and your family feel comfortable and that you have a point of contact within the Hub team.

Who is the Hub Team?

• Children 1st

• Health - Health Visitors, Family Nurses, School Nurses, Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS)

• Community Learning and Development – Family Learning, Adult Learning, Youth Work, Communities Team

• Library and Information Services

• Creative Learning

• Social Work

• Education

• Educational Social Workers

• Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (ADP)

Contact us

If you need our help, or would like to find out more you can contact us by e-mail Fitlikehubs@aberdeencity.gov.uk
You can also speak to your child’s Teacher, Health Visitor or Family Nurse.

Follow us on social media
Facebook  - @fitlikeaberdeen
Twitter - @fitlikeaberdeen

As Active Schools Assistants we aim to build positive relationships with pupils to help increase attainment, through accessing the benefits of sport and physical activity:

Working one to one and in small group settings we support children’s achievements in and out of the classroom.  Our aims are to deepen the knowledge on how to be a good sport, use effective communication skills, regulate emotions and build resilience in competitive situations.

By supporting and encouraging participation we hope to inspire the pupils to support and encourage each other, improve self esteem and confidence in a safe, fun environment.

My name is Stacey Stuart and I am the Active Schools Coordinator for Northfield ASG. My role is to organise extra-curricular clubs and festivals for all 8 of the schools in my ASG as well as arranging many opportunities for pupils to be active in school too. I work closely with partner organisations, schools, coaches, students, young leaders and volunteers to achieve this.

Active Schools Aberdeen are a very inclusive organisation and work hard to break down any barriers to participation faced by the pupils of ACC schools. All Active Schools activities are run free of charge to participants and we aim to ensure all our sessions are welcoming and engaging for all.

I hope to see you all at one of our sessions!

Please see weekly bulletin for details of upcoming clubs and events.