CLAN Cancer Support

It’s time to relax. It’s time for something special. It’s time…for Tempo.

Tempo, which has popped up in Bon Accord, is something completely unique to Aberdeen. It’s a space for everyone, your home away from home, where your most valuable gift is time.

For everything you’ll find inside Tempo is free to enjoy, the only cost is your time – and at 10 pence a minute with 100% of proceeds going to CLAN Cancer Support, it’s time and money well spent. Equipped with a fantastic kitchen where you can help yourself to refreshments including tea, coffee and cakes make yourself a bowl of cereal and toast. There are charging points, high-speed wifi, children’s toys, comfortable chairs and tables – the space has something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re looking for a space to meet with friends where your children can also play, somewhere to work or have a meeting away from the office, or even somewhere to read a book with a cup of coffee – Tempo, and it’s friendly staff of CLAN workers and volunteers, can help.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager, Bon Accord, said: “Tempo is something very special.

“In the short time it’s been open it’s been incredible to see the kinds of people who have come through the door, and see how much they have loved it. The concept is unique and those who have experienced it have thought it was amazing. We are really excited to be able to bring this to the city. It’s designed to be a space for everyone, where people can relax and refuel, and at this time of year, when it can feel like you’re constantly rushing, we hope Tempo will be a sanctuary.”

The ethos of Tempo is that people treat it like their home. They can help themselves to refreshments and take a well-earned break for as long as they like – then simply tidy up and load the dishwasher when they’re done.

A number of partners worked together to bring the magic Tempo to life. Bon Accord donated the unit, the kitchen was donated and fitted by local firm, Alaris, while some of the children’s’ toys have been donated by IKEA in Aberdeen.

“Using and supporting local businesses is important to us at Bon Accord, “ Mr Stevenson added. “We’re delighted to have had their support to help us realise this original idea and bring something completely new to the heart of Aberdeen as well as supporting a vital charity.”

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN Chief Executive, added: “We are thrilled to be part of this unique pop-up concept and look forward to welcoming people to Tempo over the coming weeks.

“Not only is it special in its own right, capturing people’s imagination, guests have the added reassurance of knowing they are making a difference, supporting CLAN in our provision of wellbeing and support services for those affected by cancer in north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.”

Kenny Anderson, CLAN chairman, said: "We're delighted to be part of such an exciting pop-up initiative and are incredibly grateful to Bon Accord & St Nicholas for offering us the opportunity to be involved in Tempo.

"It’s a unique venture which has already proved very popular with the local community. We feel very fortunate at CLAN to have such strong support in communities throughout North-East, Orkney and Shetland, the people who have visited Tempo so far have really embraced the concept and philosophy behind it and seem delighted to helping a local charity.

"Tempo has already welcomed more than 1,000 guests since opening only a matter of weeks ago and we expect this to grow throughout December as people visit the centre for their Christmas shopping and to enjoy the entertainment in the city. People can drop in for a well-earned break and enjoy a relaxing family atmosphere with access to free wi-fi and phone chargers as well as hot and cold refreshments, snacks and even breakfast.

“The current climate is challenging for everyone. The team at Bon Accord and St Nicholas has been a great support for some time now and to be able to work with them to raise funds and awareness of CLAN in such a different way is very exciting. All of the money raised by Tempo will help CLAN to continue to provide our free wellbeing and support services for those who have been affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, as well as Moray, Orkney and Shetland."

So come and experience Tempo for yourself. To see it is to understand it.

Tempo will be open seven days a week. From 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9.30am to 5pm on Sundays.

Photos courtesy of Newline Media.