Nicola is our longest serving Project Worker.
Nicola has built up an amazing amount of knowledge, having worked on all our programmes at some point. She now supports parents in Edinburgh in a range of ways, as well as running our regular construction courses, to help young people gain their CSCS card.
Nicola’s Fun Fact: “David Hasselhoff once tipped his Stetson to me and wished me a good day AND Mick Foley (who????) said to me “you have a lot of spirit, kid!”.
Dawn is the Employer Liaison Officer at Barnardo’s Works Edinburgh, and works 3 days per week.
She will talk to you about which job you are most interested in and work with you to understand what that job involves. You might be able to do some work experience or volunteering to help build skills and experience needed to go into work or college. Dawn is always on the lookout for new jobs to apply for or anything else to help you get into work.
Dawn’s fun fact: “My most impressive claim to fame is that my husband’s sister’s husband’s brother’s daughter has competed in the Olympics AND appeared with Chris Hemsworth on his Limitless show”
Rachel is our Team Manager so supports the staff team to ensure all our programmes run smoothly. She helps to deliver our Whitbread programme, which sees participants receive employability support so they are ready for their work placement in a Whitbread establishment; Premier Inn, Bar & Block or Toby Carvery.
Rachel’s Fun Fact: “I can be spotted in an infamous Irn Bru commercial – if you really squint!”
Laura is currently on maternity leave and won’t be back with us until next year. When she is here, Laura is the Administration & Finance Officer for the Barnardo’s Works East of Scotland team in Edinburgh.
This involves being responsible for all the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work that goes on to keep our Edinburgh office ticking over nicely. She also manages all our money matters to make sure our invoices get paid and our service users receive their correct training allowances, bus tickets, grants and other funding.
Laura’s Fun Fact: “I enjoy practicing yoga, running, cooking or exploring the great Scottish countryside with my sausage dog Ted and my family”
Rhianna is the Service Manager of Barnardo’s Works East of Scotland, making her responsible for overseeing and planning the service provision and all of its various programmes.
Rhianna’s Fun Fact: “I’m originally from the North of England but has been living in Scotland now for over 10 years!”
Barnardo’s Works East of Scotland is an innovative service supporting young people, families and New Scots who might normally face barriers to secure independent and sustainable employment, study or further training. We offer support services throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians to those applying for college, looking for a job or Modern Apprenticeship.
Our variety of group and tailored individual programmes help all our clients to gain valuable life and work skills, qualifications and practical work experience. Everyone is supported during their programme by a Project Worker to meet the targets set to enhance their personal development and employability.
We also have our own fully trained counsellor, who runs private, confidential appointments to provide mental health guidance to those who most need it. Our programmes are complemented by enrichment activities which are designed to be fun, whilst building confidence, exploring new things and making new friends. This can include trips to different attractions, team building games and talks by employers or support agencies.
The East of Scotland team is made up of twelve members across the service between our Management, Admins and Project Workers; every one of them here to help however they can!
Our Edinburgh team!