Families Together

The Families Together team includes 12 Family Outreach Workers across East Lothian supporting families, children, and young people. The team have a wide range of experience with many of them living within East Lothian, and so have a great insight into some of the challenges that families face, and creative ways of helping them to move forward in a positive direction.

Meet the team

Claire Shearer, Family Outreach Worker - Fa’side

I have worked within Children’s Services for 22 years I am really pleased to be part of the team working with families in Tranent/Fa’side

I enjoy painting and roller skating.

 

Elspeth Richards, Family Outreach Worker - Dunbar

I have worked as a nursery nurse for thirty years, worked within nurture bases, and have been a Pupil Support Officer.

A child recently believed me (briefly) when I told them I was 21!

 

Lynne Wallace, Family Outreach Worker - Dunbar

I previously worked for 20 + years in Edinburgh as a Residential Childcare Officer. I am passionate about providing families with early help and support, where and when they need it.

I enjoy Wild Swimming and try to do this as often as possible.

I have worked with Children and families for over 40 years both in education settings and home. It’s great to see families reach their goals.

I love swimming and the best job I’ve ever done is being a Gran.

 

Kerry Aitchison, Family Outreach Worker - Musselburgh

I previously worked in Musselburgh Grammar School as a learning assistant I really enjoy empowering young people to achieve their goals.

I have just applied to do a sky dive in support of the teenage cancer charity.

Lindsey Blackley, Family Outreach Worker – Tranent and Haddington

I have worked with Children and Families for over 17 years I am excited to be part of the Families Together East Lothian Team and working within the community.

I love all things crafty and my wee dog, Sadie!

 

Hazel Kilday, Family Outreach Worker – Haddington

I have worked with Children and Families for over 18 years. Posts have seen me working over East and Midlothian. A large part of my working life has been with Women’s Aid I am really excited to be part of FTEL. I am passionate about the families I support and helping them achieve the best outcomes.

I’m a mad dog mummy with 5 Cavapoos, and 4 daughters. I enjoy sewing and this year I’ve started to make memory bears in my spare time.

 

Michelle McKinney, Family Outreach Worker - Prestonpans

I have worked supporting families within the 3rd sector for 2 years now. It is so rewarding seeing their confidence grow.

I love to teach swimming to children and have done this for nearly 14 years with a local swim school.

 

Natalie Moir, Family Outreach Worker -Prestonpans, Cockenzie/Port Seton and Longniddry

I have worked in East Lothian as part of the Pennypit Community Development Trust since 2013. I work a dual role as a family outreach worker and community nutritionist.

I have a passion for cooking and travel and have recently taken up swimming.

 

Steve Phair, Family Outreach Worker - North Berwick

Most recently I worked for an Early Intervention Project in Midlothian working with young people aged 12-18. I am quite excited to see the East Lothian Council way of engaging young people and hope I can bring a bit of new perspective to the team.

I am care experienced and grew up in foster care, some of my big role models and influencers as a teenager were social workers and youth workers.

 

Danielle Guiney, Family Outreach Worker - Dunbar

I have worked in adult social work for 12 years in the review team. Have worked as a Locum residential childcare practitioner in Midlothian for the last 5 years.

Interesting fact – I can function on very little sleep, any more than 4-5 hours unbroken sleep is like I have won the lottery.

 

Stephan Boyd, Family Outreach Worker - Prestonpans

I have worked with children and families for the last 15 years in various settings. I come from a Community Learning and development background.

Most recently I have worked in residential childcare and as a sessional youth worker.

 

Zoe Thomson, Participation Officer

I worked as a Participation Officer with Shetland Islands Council and with Midlothian Council on their 12+ Early Intervention Project. The part of my role I enjoy most is listening to the stories of local people. I enjoy being outside!

I spend my summer camping, wild swimming, and paddle boarding. I also love skiing.

 

Emma Laverie, Participation Officer

I have a background in Community Learning and Development I particularly enjoy facilitating discussions which lead to action and improvement in communities.

Outside of work I enjoy long distance running, love a good book and spending time with family and friends.

 

Ciara Sweeney, Project Officer

I have previous experience as an intern working in the Council's transformation team. I look forward to working in the FTEL team!

Outside of work I enjoy spin classes, walking my dogs and spending time with friends and family.

 

Marissa Durnan, Community Research Officer

I’m originally from Canada and my background is in paediatric physiotherapy.

I have recently retired from coaching and competing in All Star Cheerleading after 12 years.

 

Scott Rintoul, Parenting and Family Support Coordinator

 

Dawn Adams, Team Leader

I am a qualified Social Worker and I have 23 years of experience.

I enjoy the outdoors and swimming in the sea. I also help with the Borders Blues Club in Innerleithen.