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Families Together
Families together East Lothian listen, act and build kind and compassionate relationships to enable families to have greater choice and live well within their communities and beyond.
Who we are
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.
Anyone can ask for our support. Get in touch to see if this service is right for you or a family you work with.
Marissa Durnan, Community Research Officer
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.