ACVO Communications

Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO's) Communication Project has been established to co-ordinate communication and consultation with service users, carers and service providers in Aberdeen City.

It seeks to harness and utilise a range of existing networks that operate in the health, social care and supported housing arena and co-ordinate the events these networks organise.

How?

ACVO launched the Communications Support Project on the 2nd August 2004, the aim of which will be to bring together a range of specific networks and organisations within the public and voluntary sectors, to facilitate effective communication and consultation with service users, carers and Service providers. It will seek to harness and utilise a range of existing networks which operate in the health, social care and housing arena, as well as to co-ordinate the events these networks organise. Key initiatives such as 'Supporting People' will inform the work carried out by the project and its staff.

ACVO employed Michelle Duff as Communications Officer and Sarah McGarva, Communications Assistant to take forward this work, in conjunction with other ACVO staff as appropriate. Their role will be to promote a co-ordinated approach to community consultation and communication. To set up a system or framework which will help planners to reach a significant number of recipients of services of services, as well as potential recipients, carers and voluntary and independent organisations. To carry out an audit of information and consultation mechanisms within the health and social care sector.

The Project involves, to name but a few; - regular dissemination of information, a bi-monthly Newsletter, regular e-bulletins, an online Events Diary and free webpages to voluntary organisations in the City.

Who?

The Communications Project comprises of partners from the Voluntary Sector, Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian and other agencies such as the VSA and Grampian CareData. The project is currently funded by ACVO, Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian.

Why?

The Project seeks to co-ordinate communication activities of existing networks and assist the development of new ones. It also seeks to consolidate and improve engagement of service users, providers and carers as well as strengthen local democracy overall.

For further information, please contact Michelle Duff.