Aberdeen in Recovery Annual Review 24/25 A look oven the past yeap with AIR, from exciting trips to a closer look at howwe help oupcommunity membeps in all aspects of life.
Table of 1. Reference and Contents Administration Details 1. Refepence and Administpation Details Achievements and Pepfopmance Charity name Happy Birthday (to usl) Other names charity is known by A Recovery Poem Charity number Remembering Our Friend Charity's principal address Name of the charity trustees on date of approval of TAR 5. Recovepyasa Family Names of all other charlty trustees 6. Making a Difference 2. Structure. Governance and Management 7. What have we been up to? Type of governing document Trustee recruitment and appointment a Oupyeap in Numbeps 3. Objectives and Activities 9. Declaration Charitable purposes Aberdeen in Recovery Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects Othep namos chairyty is known by. AIR Charity number. SC049125
Structure. Objectives Governance & and Activities Management Charitable Purposes: The organisation's vision. mission and objectives are: The organisation's purposes are: 3 OBJECTIVE&.The relief of the needs of those seeking to recover f rom addiction, their family and f riends. and in the f urtherance of this by: 1 VISION:A society which celebrates visible recovery and accepts its responsibility to participate by identif ying solutions to the conditions in which addiction thrives &1 Promoting the availability of support and resources of all kinds 42 MISSION:To be a bridge between 'dependence' to'independence. for the individual seeking recovery from problematic substance use and addictive behaviour 32 Working in partnership with other bodies to achieve these purposes Ourpartners Type of Governing Document Constitution . Aberdeen City ADP . Community Outreach Group . Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (COG) . Corra Foundation . Scottish Families (SFAD) . NESCol Tpustse Re¢puitment and Appointment Trustees are recruited by advertising through ACVO, SCVO, Volunteer Scotland, NHS Grampian and other service provider networks. . Alcohol & Drugs Action .DWP .RGU . Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership . CFINE . Aberdeen University Trustees are rotated and appointed at the Annual General Meeting. . NHS Grampian . Advocacy Services Aberdeen . ABZworks
Objectives and Achievements Activities & Performance cont. Summaryofthe main activities in relationtothese object&" HappyBirthdayto Us Alcohol and Drugs Poem (Famlly mambar. Aga13) Aberdeen in Recovery continued to offer a variety of peer support including groups, one- to-one sessions and training opportunities throughout the year. All this in addition to hosting their own events including a quiz night, Halloween and Christmas parties and open days. "Alcohol makes you feel warm. and numbs your mind when thoughts begin to swarm. AIR also continues to work with a variety of local partners including but not limited to Alcohol & Drugs Action. NHS Grampian and the Aberdeen City ADP to ensure we can provide the best support for our members on a case- by-case basis. AIR was busy with an events schedule including the Recovery Connects festival. International Overdose Awareness Day, and the popular Recovery Walk Scotland which was held in Greenock this year. BUT it can poison your heart. I've seen it create hate, tearing f riends and family apart. I've seen it take love, I've seen it imprison spirits that were once f ree as a dove. Don't get me wrong, it's ok to have a drink once in a while, but when it's every night it's a concerning lifestyle. We have strengthened existing relationships and started new ones, ranging from strategic level wdhere our input has been valuable to inform governance and service design as well as tackling the important topic of stigma. The 22nd May 2024 marked one year since vve got the keys to our new place. and what a journey it has been. It's ok to have a beer or a shot of whisky. But don't let it replace the warmth of a hug, let hope and love be your drug. We also played a big role in the development of the pan-grampian charter of rights for people affected by substance use. Starting with a blank canvas we've created a brilliant community space. and grown busier and busier as word has spread and the momentum has built. It's ok to lean on someone's shoulder and shed a tear or two. It's ok to have someone help you. Operationally we facilitate drop-in sessions by DWP, Safe Team (CFINE) at our premises - this has helped remove a lot of barriers for our community and helped them address issues on benefits and housing making massive differences to people. So. I'm begging you please take my hand, let me pull you f rom the quicksand. So. we decided to celebrate the year's accomplishments viith two open days and an anniversary partyl Our community space was bustling with folk over the three days - thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a wonderf ul time - and a special thanks to our members and volunteers for making AIR the amazing community it is! We are always looking for new ways to improve and refine how we do things, and going forward we promise to make our group sessions. training opportunities and other experiences as exciting as possible for our community members while still being beneficial towards their recovery journeys and life as a whole. If you have any suggestions or feedback on how we could improve be sure to let a member of the team know or through one of our contact lines. Because as your faithful f riend I won't let the bottom of a bottle be your end. For anyone who needs to hear it."
Remembering Our Friend 1963- 2025 AIR lost an important part of our communitythis year. Heap the Impact had on oup memberE.
Recovery Wetackle Recovery as a Family through the lens of having experience with addiction. A look at how we Cated our own pecovenyfamily from one lonely stall. Aberdeen in Recovery, often known as AIR, is a peer-led charity based in Aberdeen that supports people affected by addiction. Within that mernbership, people can take on different roles such as volunteer. activist. or ambassador contributing to activities, outreach. and the charity's overall development. The organisation is built around the principle of lived experience, with many of its volunteers, ambassadors, and members having personal journeys of recovery themselves. This creates a welcoming environment where individuals can connect, share their stories, and find strength in community. This creates opportunities for empowerment and leadership while strengthening the recovery community. AIR also places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. It works to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. whether engaging online. at events. or in its city centre space. The charity's mission is to act as a bridge f rom dependence to independence. To achieve this. it offers a wide range of supports such as group sessions. one-to-one peer mentoring. conversation cafés. workshops, and recovery- focused events. By creating safe, supportive, and inspiring opportunities, Aberdeen in Recovery continues to play a vital role in helping people rebuild their lives and supporting recovery across the community. AIR also embraces creative approaches. running podcasts and radio programmes that give people in recovery a voice and help reduce stigma around addiction. By working alongside other recovery based organisations in Aberdeen and the Shire we can offer a wide range of helpf ul vvorkshops for those who wiould like to get more involved. Membership is open to anyone who has experienced addiction personally or through a loved one, and who is on their own path of recovery. We also offer training to use Naloxone. for more information get in touch. 10 11
Making a Difference Alook at howwe have made an impact in our members lives. We go above and beyond to ppovide the necessapy suppopt for our community members. CaseStudy1-MpJ Case Study2 - Ms P Casestudy 3 - Mp M Case Study4 - Mp P Mr J was introduced review the decision to AIR through a f riend and made them who attended. In aware of the Charter addition to being in of Rights for People early recovery f rom who use Substances, drugs and alcohol, his highlighting specific main issue was housing. rights relevant to Mr He had been placed in J's circumstances. The a temporary property council reviewed their but had received a decision, and based on letter from the council the appeal letter we informing him they wrote, overturned this. vvere going to take back the flat and he had 21 days notice. Ms P has been attending stuck in. She got a AIR for almost a year number of months now. At the start. Ms P under her belt and vvas very nervous about when she felt she was coming in as she did stable again she started not want 'other people, applying for jobs. knowing she had a 'problem'. Mr M is a community member who started coming along to AIR through ADA. His recovery was well I wrote back to them established and he was answering their at the stage he needed questions and was sure more. He was ready to to highlight the hard become a volunteer work he had put into and take on that extra his recovery. responsibility. that they were under consideration for listing. Mr P has been attending housing department AIR for around a year. of the Council and He has multiple complex explained the situation needs including drug and that we would and alcohol use, mental continue going round health challenges, this 'revolving door, with housing and benefits. Mr P whilst he was living All of these are closely where he was. interconnected and we seen the knock on We also contacted our effects of one challenge person in the DWP to to the next. look at his benefits and arranged an appointment to get him on to the correct rates which he was entitled to. Gaining employment was one of her main After attending for goals and l am happy a period. Ms P had a to say she was significant relapse. She successf ul in one of her had made commitments applications which is Thankf ully Mr J had not to attend appointments amazing. Cre)lapsed as a result of etc and was unable to the stress this caused f ulfil these. Initially she Although she is still They decided he had him and the decision contacted us asking if reluctant, through self- made himself homeless came, obviously. as a we were able to cancel stigma, to say she is in and therefore was not huge relief. He has been these appointments for recovery, she has made entitled to support. On able to continue on her. healthy boundaries and speaking to Mr J, this his journey and is novv said to her employer vvas clearly causing finally able to settle We needed to have a she needs one day off him a huge amount down and lay some very open and frank through the week as she of stress and anxiety good foundations for discussion with her, and has other commitments. and was putting his which he will build on. as peers we were able to recovery at risk. We wish him the best of do so. letting her know luck with a (now) bright that is not what we are f uture ahead. there for and she knew where we were when she was ready. With this reassurance. Whilst completing a his PVG was granted. PVG application for Mr M vvas then able to him, he disclosed he start his own recovery had some issues in the group where he is past, as most of us can thriving. On receipt of relate to. During the his AIR t-shirt he said process, Disclosure °Yes. l finally belong to contacted me as part someone!" of their due diligence After months of speaking to Mr P. it was clear the root of the issues was the insecurity of accommodation. He Within a month. was in the homeless Mr P was offered a system and as a result permanent f lat and was not able to access has since flourished. the required psychiatric He has been able to treatment to address access the primary care his mental health he requires and in turn challenges. has remained abstinent f rom substances for We then went on to almost 3 weeks now contact someone in the which is amazing. We know that it is to attend AIR to keep in touch with her community and continue getting the moral support and f riendship she gets f rom here. We wrote a letter to his housing officer to A short time later she re-engaged and really 12 13
What have we Creating positive been upto? memories together through our own recovery journeys. A look back ovepthe memopies we've madethis yeaptogethep while out and about. We have been fortunate enough to We hosted again for part of have a summer filled with sunshine International Overdose Awareness Da this year and this has allowed us to be where we had reat f un doing crafts, able to expand the amount of outdoor playing ga dot ivities. activities and trips that ffer to our community. This was cappe with community congregating at Marischal Community members planned College for a small ceremony as the locations together like Potarch building was illuminated in purple Perth's Kinnoull Hill and many more. We to commemorate IOAD which was also had some members at this years incredibly touching and amazing to Tall Ships event which was a blastl be a part of. Of course we ha r usual annual unity gr events starting with the Recovery bridges continue to be formed we Connects festival in Glasgow's Queens will be able to offer more activities Park where people come together and experiences for our members to to celebrate recovery and enjoy the enjoy. fantastic music, stalls and other entertainment. er this is throug y exciting ofev year. or by h fully bringing some larger eve o the local area AIR is committed to growing recovery in Aberdeen and beyond. ur ugh Then there was the ery wdhich was held in Greenock this year. We had a great turnout again and everyone really enjoyed themselves as alvvays when we participate in the walk. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open on all channels so you don't exciting news on u ming nd opportunities fo uto d, you'll be kicking yourself if you dol We also hosted riety vent at our own location inclu a Quiz Night, two Open Days. as well as a Halloween and Christmas party. 14
Ouryear in Numbers Numbers don*tell the whole story. buttheycan paint a picture. The positivity shown by our memberE in the case studies ape reflected acposs statistics. 144 19 5.519 18.229 MATGYESArrENDED SAFE HOURS PROVIDED 723 8.580 349.250 PROMOTIONAL REACH 50 1.250 501 EVENTS HOSTED Key Point1 Key Point 2 Key Point 3 Key Point4 Our total membership has seen a 22Yo increase this year showing that we are continuing to grow at a steady speed. We delivered an increase of 68% more groups this year than last year in accordance with the increased membership. Our promotional reach was nearly 200% of what we achieved last year showing we are raising our profile and becoming more visible. Our SAFE Hours provided has seen a near 3x increase over last years numbers showing we are succeeding in providing a safe environment. 16 17
Declaration Thankyou! The tpustees declape that they have approved the trustee repopt. From evepybody at AIR fop being a part of our amazingjoupney. Whether yOue been with us fpom the stapt or have onlyjoined us this year, we couldnt do any of this without your continued suppopt and engagement. We cant wait to see what the future brings and the people we will meet along the way, so please do continue tojoin us as things will only continue to get bigger and better from here. We would also liketo thank all of our paptneps which we work alongside to reach our common goal of a safer, friendliep, and more effective recovery community in Aberdeen City and beyond. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees: Our Paptners: NHS RGU NNH EAST SCOTLAND Signature(s) Familie, Grampian Full name(s) ABZ WORKS Department for Work & Pensions Position (eg. Chair) BOARD BOARD TRUSTEE ADP 13/1012025 13110/2025 JNIVERSITYOI ¥BERDEEh 18
Aberdeen in Recovery confident EMPLOYER
Enter SC No. below
Enter charity name below
Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR)
SC049125
seinsOROLM
| Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | Receipts and payments accounts | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the period from |
01 Day |
Period start date April 2024 Month Year |
to | Day 31 |
Period end date Month Year March 2025 |
|||||||||||||||||
| Section A Statement of receipts and payments | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Expendable endowment funds |
Permanent endowment funds |
Total funds current period |
Total funds last period |
|||||||||||||||||
| to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | to nearest £ | |||||||||||||||||
| A1 Receipts | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ADP Core funding | - | - | - | 112,873 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Corra funding | 50 | 50,000 | 50 | 50 | 50,000 | 52,500 | ||||||||||||||||
| NHS | - | - | - | 2,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Donations | 3 | 3,479 | 3 | 3 | 3,479 | 6,015 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bank Interest received | 430 | 430 | 430 | 430 | 430 | 405 | ||||||||||||||||
| ACVO | - | - | - | 9,702 | 702 | |||||||||||||||||
| Trades Widows Fund | 5 | 5,000 | 5 | 5 | 5,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A1 Sub total | A1 Sub total | 8,909 | 8,909 | 50,000 | 50,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 58,909 | 58,909 | 58,909 | 183,495 | |||||||
| A3 Payments | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses for fundraising activities | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross trading payments | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management costs | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payments relating directly to charitable | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| activities | 65 | 65,079 | 56 | 56,275 | 121 | 121 | 121,354 | 113,142 | ||||||||||||||
| Grants and donations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Governance costs: | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Audit / independent examination | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||
| Preparation of annual accounts | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Legal costs | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | Other | Other | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| **A3 Sub total ** | 65,179 | 65,179 | 56,275 | 56,275 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 121,454 | 121,454 | 121,454 | 113,142 | ||||||||
| A4 Payments relating to asset and | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| investment movements | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of fixed assets Purchase of investments A4 Sub total - - ~~SS~~ |
- | - | - | - - - - - ~~SS~~ |
||||||||||||||||||
| Total payments Net receipts / (payments) A5 Transfers to / (from) funds |
65,179 56,275 - - 121,454 113,142 56,270) ( 6,275) ( - - 62,546) ( - 70,353 - ~~ |
~~ | ~~ |
~~ ~~—————~~ |
||||||||||||||||||
| Surplus / (deficit) for year | 56,270) ( 6,275) ( ~~ |
~~ | - | - 62,546) ( ~~ |
~~ |
| APPENDIX 2 Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) |
APPENDIX 2 Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) |
APPENDIX 2 Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) |
SC049125 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section B Statement of balances | |||||||
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Contingent liabilities B4 Liabilities B1 Cash funds B2 Investments B3 Other assets |
Details | Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 120,305 56,270) ( |
Restricted funds to nearest £ 54,987 6,275) ( |
Expendable endowment funds to nearest £ - |
Permanent endowment funds to nearest £ |
Total current period to nearest £ |
Total last period to nearest £ |
| Cash and bank balances at start of year | 175,292 | 104,939 | |||||
| Surplus / (deficit) shown on receipts and payments account |
62,546) ( |
70,353 | |||||
| - | |||||||
| - | |||||||
| Cash and bank balances at end of year (Agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
64,035 | 48,712 | - | - | 112,746 | 175,292 | |
| - | - |
- Fund to which |
- |
- |
- |
||
| asset belongs | Market valuation to nearest £ |
Last year to nearest £ |
|||||
| Details | Fund to which | asset belongs | Total Cost (if available) to nearest £ |
- | - |
||
| Current value (if available) to nearest £ |
Last year to nearest £ |
||||||
| Details | Total Fund to which li |
- | - |
- |
|||
| ability relates | Amount due to nearest £ |
Last year to nearest £ |
|||||
| - | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which li | Total ability relates |
- | - | |||
| Amount due (estimate) to nearest £ |
Last year to nearest £ |
||||||
| Signature | Print Name | Total | - | - |
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| Date of approval | |||||||
| 10 December 2025 | |||||||
| 10 December 2025 |
AiR Payments and Receipts to 31st March 2025 Final (002) / Statement of balances
2
December 2007
APPENDIX 2
Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR)
SC049125
Section C Notes to the Accounts
| C3a Trustee remuneration C4a Trustee expenses C6 Other information C5 Transactions with trustees and connected persons C1 Nature and purpose of funds(may be stated on analysis of funds worksheets) C2 Grants C3b Trustee remuneration - details C4b Trustee expenses - details |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of activity or project supported | Individual / institution |
Number of grants made £ |
||||
| Total | - |
|||||
| If no remuneration was paid during the period to any charity trustee or person connected to a trustee cross this box (otherwise complete section 3b) |
||||||
| Authority under which paid | £ | |||||
| employed undersection 79 & 80 of the constitution | X | |||||
| If no expenses were paid to any charity trustee during the period then cross (otherwise complete section 4b) |
this box | X | ||||
| Nature of transaction | Number of trustees |
£ | ||||
Nature of relationship |
Transaction amount (£) |
Balance outstanding at period end (£) |
||||
| Restricted and unrestricted balances have been restated for the prior year. Restricted income and expenditure were incorrectly allocated to unrestricted and have been reallocated this year, this is reflected in thisyears balances |
AiR Payments and Receipts to 31st March 2025 Final (002) / Notes
3
December 2007
APPENDIX 2
Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR)
SC049125
Additional analysis (1)
Analysis of receipts and payments
1 Donations
| 1 Donations | 1 Donations | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Expendable endowment funds to nearest £ |
Permanent endowment funds to nearest £ |
Total current period to nearest £ |
Total last period to nearest £ |
||||
| Donation | 3,479 | 3,479 | 6,015 | ||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Total ADP RPP ACVO Corra Other unrestricted Total 3 Gross receipts from other charitable activities 2 Grants |
3,479 | - | - | - | 3,479 | 6,015 | |||
| - Unrestricted funds to nearest £ - - |
- Restricted funds to nearest £ |
- | - | - Total current period to nearest £ - - - 50,000 |
- Total last period to nearest £ |
||||
| 112,873 | |||||||||
| - | 2,000 | ||||||||
| - | 9,702 | ||||||||
| 50,000 | 52,500 | ||||||||
| - | 50,000 | 50,000 | 177,075 | ||||||
| - Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
- Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Expendable endowment funds to nearest £ |
Permanent endowment funds to nearest £ |
- Total current period to nearest £ |
Total last period to nearest £ |
||||
| Bank Interest received | 430 | 430 | 405 | ||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Total | 430 | - | - | - | 430 | 405 | |||
| - | - | - |
4 Payments relating directly to charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Restricted funds to nearest £ |
Expendable endowment funds to nearest £ |
Permanent endowment funds to nearest £ |
Total current period to nearest £ |
Total current period to nearest £ |
Total last period to nearest £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payments relatingdirectlyto charitable activities | 65,079 | 56,275 | - | 121,354 | 113,142 | ||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| Total | 65,079 | 56,275 | - | - | 121,354 | 113,142 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
AiR Payments and Receipts to 31st March 2025 Final (002)Additional notes (1)
December 2007
APPENDIX 3 OSCR 0tt6h Charity Regulat( Inde endent examiner's re ort on the accounts Report to the Chanty name trusteeslmembers of Aberdeen In Recovery Registered charity SC049125 number On the accounts of the charity for the period Period start date Month Period end date Month March Yeer 2024 to 31 2025 Set out on pages 15 remerter ki IlUde Ihe pe umter5 sheets) Respective The chariws trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance responsibilities of with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investrnent (Scotland) 2005 Act and the trustees and examiner Charities Accounts (Scoliand) Regulab'ons 2006 {as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) {c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts examiner's statement Regulations. An examinats'on includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do rt express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's In the course of my examination. no matter has ccAne to my attention statement which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with seclion 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. and to prepare accounts which accord wth the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper e accounts to be reached. Signe Nam Relevant profession qualification(s) or body MA (Hon3) Accounting and Legal Studie3 (if any): Date: 10/12/2025 Address: ACVO 38 Ca3tle Street Aberdeen ABII 5YtJ "Please delete the words in the Ikets (k) 1 appty. Wthe (k) aFvty. set tlM)se ITtt5 have c¢Nne to your attentK)n on Ihe follong page.
APPENDIX 3 Disclosure section Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlight material problems. Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose