Our staff
Our small but dedicated team is usually based in our office at Langstane House, 6 Dee Street Aberdeen. We have embraced hybrid working and still occasionally work from home, but we are always available via phone or email.
Cameron McCready -Chief Executive
I started my role with Home-Start Aberdeen in September 2023. I have previous experience in roles supporting people in Aberdeen who were affected by homelessness, problematic substance use, mental health issues and disability.
Favourite food- Lasagne
Favourite children’s book- ‘Snail and the Whale’ for little ones, ‘The Hobbit’ for not so little ones!
Favourite place in Aberdeen- Duthie Park
Cathy Beattie -Team Leader
I’ve been with Home-Start Aberdeen since 2009 when I relocated to Aberdeenshire and I am still very passionate about what we do. This passion began when I was a volunteer for Family Mediation and Victim Support when I saw firsthand the difference that regular, non judgemental, empathic support can make.
Favourite food -My husband is an excellent cook so I have to say one of his homemade curries.
Favourite children’s book -As a grandma to six grandchildren whose ages range from 8 months to 6 years, the Wonky Donkey will always be a favourite.
Favourite place in Aberdeen -It has to be the Winter Gardens which was the venue of our wedding in 2016.
Lyn Elrick – Co-ordinator
In this post for 9 and a half years! Was a home visiting volunteer for 2 years prior to this.
Favourite food -Chocolate or anything sweet although my body is not thanking me for this!
Favourite children’s book -Any of the Harry Potter books
Favourite place in Aberdeen– Cruickshank Botanic Gardens
Vicky Carter -Co-ordinator
I have worked at Home-Start since Jan 2016. Since leaving college I have always been involved in working with families and children, in schools, the community and even in Prison. Except for a short stint as a holiday rep!
Favourite food -Indian or Thai- anything with a bit of spice!
Favourite children’s book -The Gruffalo
Favourite place in Aberdeen -Maidencraig Nature Reserve
Lesley Lewis- Co-ordinator
Previously a Retail Buyer then volunteered for HS while my girls were young. Loved it so much I jumped at the chance when the job came up. Particular interest in school readiness and PNMH and believe that we all need a little helping hand emotionally & practically from time to time.
Favourite food -Anything that I haven’t had to cook myself
Favourite children’s book -Heidi or The Gruffalo
Favourite place in Aberdeen -Home
Becky Mennie- Group Co-ordinator
Recently Joined HS, 21 years in various childcare settings, running my own inclusive soft play centre ensuring children and families felt included
Favourite food – Italian
Favourite children’s book -Barbar
Favourite place in Aberdeen- Haddo House.
Debbie Rae -Family Support Worker
I work as part of Home- Start’s team in the role of Family Support Worker. I joined the team in May 2021, I previously volunteered for Home- Start so knew without a shadow of doubt I was joining a great organization. I came from a similar role of a Family Intervention Worker where I worked closely with parents and young children supporting and assessing them to enable them to keep their families together.
Favourite food -Roast dinner.
Favourite children’s book -The Very Hungary Caterpillar.
Favourite place in Aberdeen Victoria park .
Megan Mackie- Recipe for Life Coordinator
My experience lies in psychology and health. I use my knowledge and skills to design and implement change within a programme which helps educate families and cope with setbacks that people may experience when cooking, meal planning and coping with food shopping finances. I started volunteering with Home-Start in June 2021 and wanted to continue my support with families whilst taking a different perspective.
Favourite food: Shredded chicken curry
Favourite children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Favourite place in Aberdeen: David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park
Nicola Murphy- Finance Manager
I have worked at Home Start Aberdeen for 8 years and during that time have also Volunteered, supporting families.
Favourite food -Stovies or mac n cheese.
Favourite children’s book -Duck in the truck
Favourite place in Aberdeen -Brig o Balgownie
Nicki Small -Project Co-ordinator
I have been with Home-Start since 2014.
Favourite food- Any seafood
Favourite children’s book- Goldie Locks and the Three Bears
Favourite place in Aberdeen- Duthie Park, Winter Gardens
Our board
The Trustees on our Board have overall responsibility for making sure Home-Start fulfils its charitable purposes.
This includes:
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Safeguarding and promoting our values and mission
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Ensuring that we operate in an effective, responsible and accountable manner
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Looking after our finances and assets
We currently have five Trustees from a wide range of backgrounds including health, finance, business and fundraising. The Board is also supported by five advisors with backgrounds including child protection, health visiting, HR, law and IT.
Our volunteers
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We have almost 100 home visiting volunteers who have undergone a robust and comprehensive training programme to give them the knowledge and skills they need to help families make sure their children get off to a great start.
We offer other volunteering roles including:
- Working in our shop
- Helping families improve their cooking skills and have a healthy diet through our Cook’n’Connect project
- Being part of our Friends of Home-Start group who organise fundraising events and other activities
- Helping out with admin in our office
- Being a trustee on our Board
I have been so grateful for the help and support received from my volunteer. Life has been so difficult and without her support, caring and kindness I would never have managed to get through these difficult times.