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 

Jackie Morrice- Co-ordinator
 
I have volunteered with Homestart since 2016 working with families facing various difficulties with a particular interest in school readiness and children with additional needs.
Prior to that I worked as a solicitor in both criminal and family law and latterly in assisting families with the legal formalities when a loved one dies.
 
Favourite food – Indian
 
Favourite children’s book – Giraffes Can’t Dance (and anything that celebrates our uniqueness!)
 
Favourite place in Aberdeen – The beach

Rachel Burns Co-ordinator

 I started working for Home-Start as Coordinator in November 2024.  Prior to this I was a home visiting volunteer since June 2021 when I took a career break to spend time with my 2 young children.  I have a Psychology and HR background originally.  I also volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Support on their helpline and have an interest in Counselling.

Favourite food – Victoria sponge cake 

Favourite children’s book -The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp

Favourite place in Aberdeen- Balmedie beach

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 

Pamela MacLure- Co-ordinator and Play Leader 

I started as a volunteer with Homestart in April 2024.  I originally trained as a pharmacist but then went into family support after having my own children.  I have worked for Aberlour Family Service, the Family Learning Team at Aberdeen City Council and Bethany Christian Trust.  I also run a pre-school singing and toddler group called mainly music at the church I go to on a voluntary basis.

Favourite food: Any puddings!

Favourite children’s book: Harry Potter

Favourite place in Aberdeen:  Hazlehead 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 

Becca Whitelaw- Playworker
 
I am new to home start starting at the end of September 2023. Before hand I worked in a private nursery for 12 years then had a short break while I had my second daughter. Two years ago I started working in a local play group setting.
 
Favourite food- either roast dinner, stir-fry or crisps!
 
Favourite children’s book- The Gruffalo or Giraffes cant dance.
 
Favourite place in Aberdeen- I don’t really have anywhere just somewhere quite I can go to walk my dogs

Our board

 

The Trustees on our Board have overall responsibility for making sure Home-Start fulfils its charitable purposes. 
This includes: 
·        Safeguarding and promoting our values and mission 
·        Ensuring that we operate in an effective, responsible and accountable manner 
·        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.  
Find out more about becoming a trustee

Our volunteers

 

Our Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We have almost 50 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 Recipe for Life project 
  • Fundraising
  • Helping out with admin in our office 
  • Being a trustee on our Board       

                                

Find out more about volunteering