CALA Homes (North) has donated £1,000 to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to provide an art therapist to conduct clay sculpture classes in Aberdeenshire.
The organisation has more than ten stroke groups in the area which encourage attendees to take part in activities that boost their physical and mental wellbeing. The donation was made as part of the housebuilder’s £10,000 community bursary scheme which was launched last year to mark 140 years since the company was established as the City of Aberdeen Land Association.
The first stroke group in Aberdeenshire was set up more than 20 years ago and each group is member led and supported by volunteers.
The funds will cover the cost of 18 art classes across six of the groups including providing the materials needed. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is enlisting the help of art therapist Fran Marquis to deliver some of the sessions.
Fran has extensive experience working with stroke survivors and uses a range of clays during her sessions which are particularly beneficial to those who have lost upper body mobility and fine motor skills.
The art project has been dedicated to the memory of Isobel Elrick, Chairperson of the Carron Stroke Group who was a great advocate of the classes but sadly passed away last month.
Steve Jarvie, construction director at CALA Homes (North) welcomed the charity’s board members to the CALA office in Westhill to officially hand over the cheque.
Steve said: “Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s groups in Aberdeenshire demonstrate the importance of recreational activities such as art classes in aiding the recovery of stroke survivors.
“The organisation has many inspirational stories of how locals have found the classes a real support and even discovered hidden talents they hadn’t realised they had.
“It was a pleasure to meet members of the charity and hear more about the great work they do in the area.”
Fundraising officer at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Katie Jones said: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity from CALA Homes in supporting those with stroke illness in the area. It will make a real difference to members attending our groups, giving them the opportunity to access creative activities which can be beneficial to their recovery.
“Working with experienced professional artists is something they rarely have the chance to do as there can be difficulties in attending mainstream art classes. The members are very excited about the prospect and are keen to try something new. We can’t thank CALA Homes enough for making this happen.”
The CALA Homes (North) community bursary will support 12 different charities and community groups across Aberdeen and the surrounding area this year by funding vital equipment and services. Beneficiaries include Grampian MS Therapy Centre, Grampian Deaf Children's Society, Aberdeen Science Centre, and SensationalALL.