Generous donation allows important student-led clinic to continue

The weekly clinic at the Old Torry Community Centre is one of the several community outreach and engagement programmes offered by the University. Currently the physiotherapy student-led clinic offers the chance for residents, of all ages and abilities, to exercise and/or seek advice, before staying for some refreshments. Two exercise classes  run on a Thursday, from 9:30am-11:30am and with approximately 20 local members of the community attending each of the sessions.

The donation from the Port of Aberdeen has allowed the sustainability of the initiative by covering financial expenses including exercise equipment, room hire and utilities, refreshments, advertisement, administration of the clinic and service evaluation.

Not only does the generous donation mean the clinic will become a permanent fixture but there is also an opportunity for it to expand the number of days it runs and in turn offering more residents the chance to benefit.

The clinic brings multiple benefits to the community, improving both mental health and physical health of residents. The initiative also equips RGU students with expert practical skills.  Furthermore, it ties in with RGU’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing.

Laura Binne, Dean of RGU’s School of Health Sciences, said: “Port of Aberdeen’s donation received is hugely appreciated and supports the School of Health Sciences Physiotherapy team at Robert Gordon University to continue to run a free student-led clinic for Torry residents.

“The successful clinic offers members of the local community the opportunity to exercise, seek advice and to socialise and allows RGU students to develop expert and diverse practical skills.

“There are multiple benefits to the initiative, which promotes wellbeing through exercise, prevention and rehabilitation strategies and encourages relationships to be built across the community.

“One of the aims of Robert Gordon University is to drive community interaction and engagement, actively supporting communities in a practical way that responds to local need.  The Torry physiotherapy clinic is a great example of this work.” 

Jordan Harkins, from the Port of Aberdeen, said: "The positive impact that the Torry physiotherapy clinic has on the local community is clear. By supporting RGU's efforts, we're not only promoting health and wellbeing but also nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. We're delighted to support the continued success, and potential growth, of the clinic."