Arden qualified as a physiotherapist in 2018 after completing her MSc pre-reg PT degree in Edinburgh. With a keen passion for paediatric neurology, she worked in the NHS for over four years, supporting children and young people affected with various neurological conditions within their community settings. Prior to moving to Scotland in 2016, Arden worked as a professional contemporary dancer across Europe while touring internationally. She simultaneously owned a rehabilitative training company in the Netherlands, with a specialisation in functional core training and postural awareness for professional athletes (dancers, acrobats, kick-boxers and MMA fighters). Originally born in Canada, Arden is thrilled to have joined our team in August 2023.
Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen to close and transfer funds to Cerebral Palsy Scotland
Fundraising organisation Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen (CPA) has announced that it is to close on 19 June. Remaining funds from CPA are to be transferred to Cerebral Palsy Scotland and ring-fenced for use by people with cerebral palsy living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Set up on 18 June 1973, Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen was dedicated to raising money for the purpose of distributing grants to benefit people with cerebral palsy and related conditions.
CPA’s Chairperson, June Waters, is due to retire from the committee on 13 June 2023, leaving only four committee members, none of whom are available to act as Chairman.
Initially an Aberdeen Committee of the Spastics Association, it became an independent charity at a later date, known as Aberdeen and District Cerebral Palsy Association, more recently changing name to Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen.
The charity gave regular funding grants over its nearly 50 year lifespan. For example, aA PhD student was funded for three years to carry out cerebral palsy research, Cerebral Palsy Scotland was funded to run outreach therapy sessions for adults with cerebral palsy in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, public parks and gardens received funding for play equipment, and many individuals received grants for equipment such as standing frames, all-terrain buggies, specialised wheelchairs, trikes, electronic devices, iPads, and specialised items not supplied by the NHS or Local Authority.
Commenting on CPA’s closure, Cerebral Palsy Scotland CEO, Stephanie Fraser, said:
“We were all very saddened to hear of the decision to close Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen. The charity has a long history of helping people with cerebral palsy and their families in the Aberdeen City and Shire area. We would like to sincerely thank the CPA committee and supporters for putting their trust in us to manage the charity’s remaining funds. We’re committed to using these to support children and adults with cerebral palsy from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to access our specialist therapy and other services.”
June Waters, Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen Chairperson, said:
“On 19 June 2023 Cerebral Palsy Aberdeen (CPA) closed down, exactly 50 years to the day it was set up in 1973. All remaining funds were transferred to Cerebral Palsy Scotland, to be used for the benefit of people with cerebral palsy residing in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
I and the CPA committee members, Lesley, Rhona, Susan and Amy, would like to thank Cerebral Palsy Scotland for their support over the years, and send best wishes to everyone at Cerebral Palsy Scotland, wishing them well in the future.”
If you’re an adult with cerebral palsy or care for a child with cerebral palsy and live in Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire, please contact us to discuss accessing therapy sessions.
Evelyn Partners
Evelyn Partners specialise in providing financial planning and investment services for those receiving compensation as a result of personal injury such as a spinal injury or Cerebral Palsy. Pre-settlement services include advice on regular periodical payments versus lump sum settlement.
Edward Stanton leaves a lasting impact
Leaving a gift in your will can have a life-changing impact for people with cerebral palsy in Scotland and their families.
We are grateful to Edward Stanton, who decided to leave a legacy to Cerebral Palsy Scotland in his will. Below, Edward’s friend Peter writes about Edward and what motivated him to donate in support of people with cerebral palsy.
I’d like to tell you about Edward Stanton, a man I am proud to have called my friend. Born in 1939 he was diagnosed soon after with cerebral palsy. In keeping with the times he was considered uneducable so did not attend mainstream school.
Worse still, at the age of seven he was removed from his family in Glasgow to Caldwell House near Lugton in Renfrewshire and later to Lennox Castle Hospital, Lennoxtown. Deliberately placed out of sight it took a lot of effort using public transport for his family to visit. That determination was shared by Edward and reflected in his irrepressible spirit and the opportunities that he took to enhance his prospects and those of others.
Edward stayed in Lennox Castle until he moved back to live with his family in 1967. A life-long Celtic fan, let’s just say that was a very good year. Gradually he built up his own way of living and took on the family tenancy.
To say Edward embraced life with both hands would be an understatement. His sense of fun meant he was always up for an escapade, the hairier the better. At the same time he was a powerful advocate for others and as opportunities arose for him to access support to live in the way he wanted so he encouraged and educated others on how do so too. Through rights based campaign work, direct action and group advocacy he enthused and emboldened others. He took part in training events with nursing and social work staff and students not to mention regular letters to Scottish Ministers and local councillors. His persistence and determination to find a way was clear.
Edward used his story to encourage others. He had several versions of his biography and he didn’t let his lack of formal education get in the way. He typed out a version of his story on computer using one finger, words, dictated to him letter by letter by letter. During a difficult time at work I asked him how he managed to get through all those years in institutional care. His reply “I just had to believe that one day it would
be better” embodies all those qualities.
Edward died in July 2021 having taken ill when watching his beloved Celtic. He asked in his will that a donation be made to Cerebral Palsy Scotland. I am pleased to be able to carry out his wishes in a tribute to his sense of generosity and justice.
Find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Cerebral Palsy Scotland or making a donation in memory of a loved one.
Read the latest policy update from Cerebral Palsy Scotland
We’re ambitious for people with cerebral palsy and continue to advocate with government and policymakers for the cerebral palsy community to have life-long access to knowledgeable, compassionate services and support. Find out about our latest policy work.
National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions
Our CEO Stephanie Fraser is Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions. Stephanie has been meeting individually with all members of the committee to identify future priorities for the Committee.
Scottish Government
Recently there have been a number of Ministerial changes in Scottish Government. While this has impacted political engagement and forward momentum, we continue to raise awareness and press for change as much as we can.
- Jenny Minto MSP is the new Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health. As members of the The National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions and the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Stephanie Fraser will met Ms Minto on 24 May to discuss her priorities for neurological services and for people with cerebral palsy.
- Maree Todd MSP is now the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. She has responsibility for social care, the National Care Service, mental health and wellbeing, alternative and augmented Communication (AAC), self-directed support and other areas. Ms Todd was previously Minister for Public Health. Because her work impacts on neurological service provision and people with cerebral palsy, we will continue to be in touch with Ms Todd.
- Natalie Don MSP has been appointed Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise. Her remit includes early years, children’s services, children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and transitions for those with disabilities and/or autism. We are keen to engage with Ms Don regarding education and services for children with physical disabilities and cerebral palsy in particular.
- We have also been in contact with Dr Una MacFadyen, Lead Clinician for the Children with Exceptional Healthcare Needs Managed Clinical Network, regarding how Cerebral Palsy Scotland can support their network with developments.
House of Lords and House of Commons
Marking the end of Cerebral Palsy Awareness month, the House of Lords debated the future of Adult Social Care on 30 March. Our CEO Stephanie sits in the House of Lords and participated in this debate, highlighting the perspective of the challenges face by adults with cerebral palsy.
On the same day the House of Commons had an adjournment debate on Services for Adults with Cerebral Palsy.
We will continue to monitor policy debates and developments across the UK as we continue to work positively with Scottish Government to press for change.