Marr Local Learning Community
Local Learning Co
mmunity Partnerships (LLCPs) are made up of local organisations and community volunteers who share an interest in the community learning and development of the area. There are six of these partnerships across Aberdeenshire.
The partnerships feed into the strategic Aberdeenshire Learning Community Partnership (ALCP) who work towards agreed priorities. This is in line with local need and the requirements of the Scottish Government regulations for CLD.
Find out more about the ALCP by visiting https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/35457/widgets/106341/documents/76075
The ALCP priorities are the focus for gathering local data and intelligence and creating a response to meet the needs of communities. The aim of the LLCP is to work together to deliver programmes and activities which will have a positive impact on those living in the area.
The Priorities 
Community Empowerment - empowering people, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities, through learning.
Employment and Skills - mapping the community learning offer across Aberdeenshire ensuring progression and pathways are available to young people, adults and communities. This will develop clear progression access routes for learners to build the necessary skills and qualifications to progress in learning, training, employment and life.
The Marr LLCP has a wide and active range of partners working to support learning in this large and diverse area which includes Banchory, Alford, Aboyne and Huntly learning communities. A small subgroup has been set up to lead on the development of the partnership.
Marr LLCP Partners
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA)
Developing the Young Workforce
Kincardine and Deeside Befriending
Terms of Reference
https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/27851/widgets/93291/documents/59675
Local Learning Co
mmunity Partnerships (LLCPs) are made up of local organisations and community volunteers who share an interest in the community learning and development of the area. There are six of these partnerships across Aberdeenshire.
The partnerships feed into the strategic Aberdeenshire Learning Community Partnership (ALCP) who work towards agreed priorities. This is in line with local need and the requirements of the Scottish Government regulations for CLD.
Find out more about the ALCP by visiting https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/35457/widgets/106341/documents/76075
The ALCP priorities are the focus for gathering local data and intelligence and creating a response to meet the needs of communities. The aim of the LLCP is to work together to deliver programmes and activities which will have a positive impact on those living in the area.
The Priorities 
Community Empowerment - empowering people, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities, through learning.
Employment and Skills - mapping the community learning offer across Aberdeenshire ensuring progression and pathways are available to young people, adults and communities. This will develop clear progression access routes for learners to build the necessary skills and qualifications to progress in learning, training, employment and life.
The Marr LLCP has a wide and active range of partners working to support learning in this large and diverse area which includes Banchory, Alford, Aboyne and Huntly learning communities. A small subgroup has been set up to lead on the development of the partnership.
Marr LLCP Partners
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA)
Developing the Young Workforce
Kincardine and Deeside Befriending
Terms of Reference
https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/27851/widgets/93291/documents/59675
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Banchory Community Job Club
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Banchory Community Job ClubLooking for work, thinking about your next step, or would like some support with getting job-ready?
Come along to the Banchory Community Job Club and help shape what you would like to see from the club.
Starts on Tuesday 17th November
10 am to 12 noon
Banchory Ternan East Church, Station Road, Banchory AB31 5YP
You can:
Find out about job opportunities
Learn skills to help you get a job
Find out about local employment support
For more information contact: diane@aberdeenshirecomunityrecovery.org.uk
A partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership
Banchory Community Job ClubLooking for work, thinking about your next step, or would like some support with getting job-ready?
Come along to the Banchory Community Job Club and help shape what you would like to see from the club.
Starts on Tuesday 17th November
10 am to 12 noon
Banchory Ternan East Church, Station Road, Banchory AB31 5YP
You can:
Find out about job opportunities
Learn skills to help you get a job
Find out about local employment support
For more information contact: diane@aberdeenshirecomunityrecovery.org.uk
A partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership -
Youth Scotland Training Opportunity
Share Youth Scotland Training Opportunity on Facebook Share Youth Scotland Training Opportunity on X (formerly Twitter) Share Youth Scotland Training Opportunity on Linkedin Email Youth Scotland Training Opportunity linkUnderstanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges
Friday 20th November, 1 - 4 pm, Portlethen Academy
This introductory workshop will explore possible causes which could explain why people behave as they do, helping you to develop your understanding and deal with these situations in an appropriate way within your youth work setting. You will look at the impact and possible justification for these behaviours, considering what the root cause could be. The session will also introduce participants to a variety of skills that will assist them to manage behaviour that is challenging in a youth work setting with young people in a way that avoids the use of aggression and introduces the participants to the use of effective de-escalation techniques and pro-active strategies to support positive behaviour.
Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges
Friday 20th November, 1 - 4 pm, Portlethen Academy
This introductory workshop will explore possible causes which could explain why people behave as they do, helping you to develop your understanding and deal with these situations in an appropriate way within your youth work setting. You will look at the impact and possible justification for these behaviours, considering what the root cause could be. The session will also introduce participants to a variety of skills that will assist them to manage behaviour that is challenging in a youth work setting with young people in a way that avoids the use of aggression and introduces the participants to the use of effective de-escalation techniques and pro-active strategies to support positive behaviour.
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Youth Scotland Ready for Youth Work Course
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Portlethen Academy
Accreditation available at SQCF level 3
Ready for Youth Work is a practical course for youth workers and volunteers to ensure that they can: create a safe space for young people; plan, deliver and evaluate fun youth work sessions for young people; engage young people meaningfully and celebrate and recognise their achievements. This course provides a strong introduction to the National Youth Work framework and explores key elements of working with young people. The programme also includes awareness sessions on ’emergency first aid’ and ‘child protection’, helping to build essential foundational knowledge for safe practice.
Please see the link below to sign up for the Ready for Youth Work course through Eventbrite:
21st and 22nd November 9.30 am to 4pm (Both days required)
Portlethen Academy
Accreditation available at SQCF level 3
Ready for Youth Work is a practical course for youth workers and volunteers to ensure that they can: create a safe space for young people; plan, deliver and evaluate fun youth work sessions for young people; engage young people meaningfully and celebrate and recognise their achievements. This course provides a strong introduction to the National Youth Work framework and explores key elements of working with young people. The programme also includes awareness sessions on ’emergency first aid’ and ‘child protection’, helping to build essential foundational knowledge for safe practice.
Please see the link below to sign up for the Ready for Youth Work course through Eventbrite:
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Huntly Community Job Club 18th June
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This Thursday's Huntly Community Job Club will take place between 1 pm and 3 pm at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub at the Business Centre in Huntly. There will be a presentation by Aberdeenshire Council's Employment Support Team plus the usual opportunity to speak to employment advisors and support staff. - Find out about job opportunities
- Learn the skills to help you get a job
- Find out about local employment support
This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership.
This Thursday's Huntly Community Job Club will take place between 1 pm and 3 pm at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub at the Business Centre in Huntly. There will be a presentation by Aberdeenshire Council's Employment Support Team plus the usual opportunity to speak to employment advisors and support staff. - Find out about job opportunities
- Learn the skills to help you get a job
- Find out about local employment support
This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership.
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Marr LLCP lunch + learn Thursday 30th April
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Marr LLCP Lunch + Learn
Growing Neurodiverse Communities
Thursday 30 April, 1 pm to 1:45pm
Bring your lunch for a series of online talks focused on developing skills and overcoming common challenges experienced by community groups, established and emerging. Learn and connect with other groups and be inspired by examples of great community work – as well as learning from what hasn’t gone so well!
The talks are being organised by the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership (LLCP) and are planned to take place monthly. They will cover a range of topics that groups often find challenging in achieving what they want to do, from recruiting volunteers to dealing with red tape, dealing with conflict to making decisions as a group. Each time we will hear from a local community group or worker who has experience of that particular challenge.
For the sixth talk in this series, we are glad to welcome Bruce Phillips who is originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, but now lives in Huntly. Bruce has worked as a project manager, writer, curator and artwork producer. Throughout, he has had a focus on working with others to seek out unrealised potential, overlooked histories and to confront social inequalities. Drawing from his experiences of neurodivergence, he has actively advocated for neurodiverse (ND) inclusion in community and arts spaces, and was a member of Neuk Collective, an organisation that brings together, supports and advocates for neurodivergent artists in Scotland.
At this talk, Bruce will talk about lifting stigma around neurodiversity to grow ND community through public events, using past experiences as examples. He will talk about how his approach can apply across communities who experience exclusion and marginalisation from community spaces.
Each session will be facilitated by a member of the Marr LLCP who can signpost people to further support and information as required. These events are free and everyone is welcome.
Further information:
Register to join this talk by visiting this link:
https://ava.tfaforms.net/f/AVAMarrLLCPLunchLearn6AccessInclusionRegistrationFormIf you have questions related to this event, please email ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk / phone: 07342 057699.
The group organising these talks is made up of representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and Deveron Projects.
Accessibility:
This talk takes place online using Microsoft Teams. Automated captioning is available.
There is no requirement to have your camera on.
Questions can be asked in person or via the chat function.

Marr LLCP Lunch + Learn
Growing Neurodiverse Communities
Thursday 30 April, 1 pm to 1:45pm
Bring your lunch for a series of online talks focused on developing skills and overcoming common challenges experienced by community groups, established and emerging. Learn and connect with other groups and be inspired by examples of great community work – as well as learning from what hasn’t gone so well!
The talks are being organised by the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership (LLCP) and are planned to take place monthly. They will cover a range of topics that groups often find challenging in achieving what they want to do, from recruiting volunteers to dealing with red tape, dealing with conflict to making decisions as a group. Each time we will hear from a local community group or worker who has experience of that particular challenge.
For the sixth talk in this series, we are glad to welcome Bruce Phillips who is originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, but now lives in Huntly. Bruce has worked as a project manager, writer, curator and artwork producer. Throughout, he has had a focus on working with others to seek out unrealised potential, overlooked histories and to confront social inequalities. Drawing from his experiences of neurodivergence, he has actively advocated for neurodiverse (ND) inclusion in community and arts spaces, and was a member of Neuk Collective, an organisation that brings together, supports and advocates for neurodivergent artists in Scotland.
At this talk, Bruce will talk about lifting stigma around neurodiversity to grow ND community through public events, using past experiences as examples. He will talk about how his approach can apply across communities who experience exclusion and marginalisation from community spaces.
Each session will be facilitated by a member of the Marr LLCP who can signpost people to further support and information as required. These events are free and everyone is welcome.
Further information:
Register to join this talk by visiting this link:
https://ava.tfaforms.net/f/AVAMarrLLCPLunchLearn6AccessInclusionRegistrationFormIf you have questions related to this event, please email ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk / phone: 07342 057699.
The group organising these talks is made up of representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and Deveron Projects.
Accessibility:
This talk takes place online using Microsoft Teams. Automated captioning is available.
There is no requirement to have your camera on.
Questions can be asked in person or via the chat function.
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Huntly Community Job Club 9th April
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The next session of the Huntly Community Job Club will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Thursday 9th April at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8FG. The Aberdeenshire Council Adult Learning Team will be talking about ICT and other learning opportunities which can help build skills for finding a job.
This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership. For further information contact Ed Garrett on ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

The next session of the Huntly Community Job Club will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Thursday 9th April at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8FG. The Aberdeenshire Council Adult Learning Team will be talking about ICT and other learning opportunities which can help build skills for finding a job.
This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership. For further information contact Ed Garrett on ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
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Huntly Community Job Club 26th March
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The next session of the Huntly Community Job Club will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Thursday 26th March at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8FG. Enable Works will be there to talk about how they can support people to gain skills and find jobs. This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership. For further information contact Ed Garrett on ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
The next session of the Huntly Community Job Club will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm on Thursday 26th March at the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8FG. Enable Works will be there to talk about how they can support people to gain skills and find jobs. This is a partnership project delivered through the Marr Local Learning Community Partnership. For further information contact Ed Garrett on ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
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Huntly Community Job Club
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A new community job club will start on Thursday 12th March, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Aberdeenshire Community Recovery (ACR) Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly. This initiative has been developed by Marr LLCP partners and will be offered on a pilot basis every second Thursday until the end of June.
The first session will be an opportunity for people to have their say on what they would like from a job club, and there will be refreshments and home bakes.
For further information email Ed Garrett
ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
A new community job club will start on Thursday 12th March, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Aberdeenshire Community Recovery (ACR) Wellbeing Hub, The Business Centre, Gordon Street, Huntly. This initiative has been developed by Marr LLCP partners and will be offered on a pilot basis every second Thursday until the end of June.
The first session will be an opportunity for people to have their say on what they would like from a job club, and there will be refreshments and home bakes.
For further information email Ed Garrett
ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk -
Next Marr LLCP Meeting
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Growing Learning and Partnership Working
The next meeting of the Marr LLCP will be an in person meeting in the community rooms at Alford Community Campus, on 17th February from 12.15 pm until 2.45 pm.
The first part of the session will be a regular LLCP meeting. The rest of the session will be more interactive and will be an opportunity for groups and services in the Alford area to find out more about the LLCP, meet other local organisations and services and identify ways in which we can work better together.
Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring your own lunch. There will be time for informal networking. Do also bring any information you might have about your organisation or service as there will be a table for sharing this information.
Please can you respond to Susan Weetman at susan.weetman@aberdeenshire.gov.uk confirming your attendance at the meeting.

Growing Learning and Partnership Working
The next meeting of the Marr LLCP will be an in person meeting in the community rooms at Alford Community Campus, on 17th February from 12.15 pm until 2.45 pm.
The first part of the session will be a regular LLCP meeting. The rest of the session will be more interactive and will be an opportunity for groups and services in the Alford area to find out more about the LLCP, meet other local organisations and services and identify ways in which we can work better together.
Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring your own lunch. There will be time for informal networking. Do also bring any information you might have about your organisation or service as there will be a table for sharing this information.
Please can you respond to Susan Weetman at susan.weetman@aberdeenshire.gov.uk confirming your attendance at the meeting.
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Marr LLCP lunch + learn Thursday 27th November
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#4 Supporting Volunteering with Jane Mitchell
Thursday 27th November, 1 pm to 1.45 pm
We have the next in our series of Lunch and Learn talks, brought to you through the Marr Local Community Learning Partnership (LLCP). We invite everyone again to bring along their lunch for the next talk in what has been a series of online talks focused on enabling people to develop skills and overcoming common challenges they have experienced working with / for community groups, those established and those emerging. Learn and connect with other groups / people and be inspired by examples of great community work – as well as learning from what hasn’t gone so well!
We are excited to welcome Jane Mitchell, Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network (MCHLN) from Kincardine and Mearns, South Aberdeenshire. Jane brings a wealth of experience from her years working across a range of statutory and third sector services, including working in the fields of learning and physical disabilities, and mental health, both in children and adult services across Council and Third Sector Organisations. Jane is going to be discussing her experience of managing volunteering within MCHLN, a charitable organisation which has been in existence since 2002. She will cover working to meet the principles of the Scottish Volunteer Charter and will highlight the opportunities and challenges faced when an organisation has its foundations enabled through volunteering. Click on the links here for more information:
Home - Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network
Volunteers - Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network
Each session is being facilitated by a member of the Marr LLCP, who can signpost people to further support and information as required. These events are free and everyone is welcome.
Further information:
Register to join this talk by visiting Lunch + Learn Registration Form
The group organising these talks is made up of representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and Deveron Projects. If you have any questions relating to this event, including accessibility, please contact Ed Garrett on email: ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone: 07342 057 699.
Accessibility: This talk takes place online using Microsoft Teams. Automated captioning is available. There is no requirement to have your camera on. Questions can be asked in person or via the chat function on the day.

#4 Supporting Volunteering with Jane Mitchell
Thursday 27th November, 1 pm to 1.45 pm
We have the next in our series of Lunch and Learn talks, brought to you through the Marr Local Community Learning Partnership (LLCP). We invite everyone again to bring along their lunch for the next talk in what has been a series of online talks focused on enabling people to develop skills and overcoming common challenges they have experienced working with / for community groups, those established and those emerging. Learn and connect with other groups / people and be inspired by examples of great community work – as well as learning from what hasn’t gone so well!
We are excited to welcome Jane Mitchell, Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network (MCHLN) from Kincardine and Mearns, South Aberdeenshire. Jane brings a wealth of experience from her years working across a range of statutory and third sector services, including working in the fields of learning and physical disabilities, and mental health, both in children and adult services across Council and Third Sector Organisations. Jane is going to be discussing her experience of managing volunteering within MCHLN, a charitable organisation which has been in existence since 2002. She will cover working to meet the principles of the Scottish Volunteer Charter and will highlight the opportunities and challenges faced when an organisation has its foundations enabled through volunteering. Click on the links here for more information:
Home - Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network
Volunteers - Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network
Each session is being facilitated by a member of the Marr LLCP, who can signpost people to further support and information as required. These events are free and everyone is welcome.
Further information:
Register to join this talk by visiting Lunch + Learn Registration Form
The group organising these talks is made up of representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and Deveron Projects. If you have any questions relating to this event, including accessibility, please contact Ed Garrett on email: ed.garrett2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone: 07342 057 699.
Accessibility: This talk takes place online using Microsoft Teams. Automated captioning is available. There is no requirement to have your camera on. Questions can be asked in person or via the chat function on the day.
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08 December 2026