AVA Magazine - September 22

24 AVA | September 2022
PROFILE |
Getting to know those who work hard
in your Third Sector Interface
Who are you?
Hi, I’m Aimi Blueman Community
Support Co-ordinator for the Hospital
Homecoming Project. I’ve been
with AVA for a year and I’m halfway
through the project. I’ve had an
eclectic career which includes Crime
Intelligence Analysis, Research, HR
and OD Consultancy and Gardening!
Its fair to say I like variety and a
challenge! In my spare time I love
cooking, gardening and hill walking. My challenge for 2022 is
to climb 22 munros – nearly there!
What is your job?
My job is to co-ordinate a project that will see speedier
discharge from hospital for those people who are isolated
and lonely and require additional support when they return
home. The support for patients will be for up to 12 weeks
and will be provided by community groups and volunteers;
support will include things like shopping, prescription pick up,
transport to appointments and friendly chats/check ins. It is
anticipated this support will prevent readmission. The project
is in three pilot areas in Aberdeenshire and also in pilot sites
across Aberdeen City and Moray. I am working with the
NHS, Health and Social Care Partnership and colleagues
in Aberdeen and Moray to identify pathways for suitable
patients and looking to make the project sustainable in the
long term.
How did you end up working with AVA?
Nosiness! I am a trustee of Braemar Care and I sent for the
application pack to see what the project was all about. I
read the job description and thought it sounded like a
worthwhile challenge that I wanted to be involved in!
What does a typical day look like?
It starts with coffee and can be very varied! Typically I can be
speaking to the NHS and Health and Social Care Partnership,
raising awareness of the project and looking at patient
pathways, Community groups about the support they can
offer and to patients about their support needs. As this is a
test of change project I am recording data as I go along
at every stage. I’m currently looking to expand the project
into new geographical areas and looking at potential new
referral pathways that will take the project down a more
proactive path.
How has Covid-19 affected your job?
Positively! I live in a remote and rural place, Covid 19 and
working from home has enabled me to take up this position
which I wouldn’t have been able to consider if it had been
office based.
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action is a
charitable company limited by guarantee.
Company number: SC137343.
Scottish Charity Number: SC014223
Registered office: 45 Queens Road,
Aberdeen, AB15 4ZN
Tel: 03718 110008
Email: enquiries@avashire.org.uk
Website: www.avashire.org.uk
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