Meet our team

Newsletter August 2020 Meet our team...

My name is Jackie Campbell and I am the Carers Service Manager, having been with VSA for over four years now.

What I like most about my current role is working with a fantastic team and being in a job where I feel my experience and commitment can really make a positive difference to the lives of Carers across Aberdeen.

My top tip for good mental health is to remember the vital need to take some time for yourself. So many people – most especially our Carers – may be so busy looking after the needs of other people that they forget and neglect themselves but, wherever possible, please remember to look after your yourself.

When I am not working, I really like to spend my time with my family – even if this means a lot of standing on the side-lines of chilly football pitches! In recent months I have also found some time to start reading again, which I am really getting back into.

My name is Judith Watt and I’m the Team Leader with the Carer Resource Service and have worked for VSA in different services for 27 years!

I enjoy working for VSA obviously – since I have been here so long and in my current role, every day is different – I enjoy working with our team and feel lucky to be part of the valuable service we deliver to our carers.

Life can be tough sometimes, and for me, I know its OK to say I’m not OK today. I just deal with how I am feeling and hope that tomorrow I will feel better and, the majority of the time, I do. In my time off, I love watching TV – a lot! I try and maybe go for a walk, but the TV often wins!

I enjoy eating, wine, and honestly, just being at home. I have taken up Art again, which I am enjoying – I gave up trying to teach myself how to crochet – any tips welcome! I would love to say I enjoy the gym, socialising and going on holiday, but I would be lying!

But contentment is a fantastic thing!

My name is Hazel Reid, and I have been a Carer Advisor with VSA for over six years, and I cover the North area of the city.

I like helping people – so from chatting on the phone to securing funding for a short break or completing an Adult Carer Support Plan, which may result in some respite for a Carer, I am happy to know I have played my part and that I have achieved a good outcome for my Carers.

To maintain good mental health (I feel this is important - particularly when you have a caring role ) to try and find some regular time to yourself, doing something you enjoy.

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and following my passion for playing and watching football. I also enjoy singing and am a member of a local choir, ‘Bonnie Achord.’ I sang in front of over 1000 people in the Music Hall when we participated in ‘Sing, Sing, Sing,’ which is a concert held annually to raise funds for VSA to continue their support for people with mental health issues.

My name is Donna Lawie and I have been with the VSA Carers Service as a Carer Advisor for two and a half years.

The thing that I like most about my job is that it gives me lots of opportunity for meeting people.

My top tip for good mental health is in maintaining contact with those people who are most important to you. And also, to take any opportunity for spending some time outdoors when you can.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Elaine Dukes and I have had the privilege of working for the VSA family for 24 years – with the last nine of these years being a Carer Advisor with the Carers Service Team.

I have a particular passion for supporting Parent Carers as, being one myself, I understand only too well the daily struggles that parents have in taking care of their child with additional support needs. I understand how difficult COVID-19 has been on families with no school or respite and want to reassure you all that our Carers Team are still working hard - albeit from home - to support you all in your caring role.

My top tip for families struggling, especially during these unprecedented times, is to try and get out of the house for a walk once a day - even if it is just for half-an-hour. I make a point of doing this myself and it has improved my mood tremendously.

When I am not working or caring for my son, I do enjoy meeting with my friends and going for long walks. I also like meals out and I really enjoy a good book.

My name is Louisa Donaldson, and I have been working at the VSA Carers Service as a Carer Advisor for two and a half years. Previously I have worked in various social care settings for many years, including as a paid carer within my roles.

I enjoy meeting carers and building up a good relationship with them and being able to help them even if it has just been by having a chat. I have also been able to challenge myself in the role by delivering talks to various groups & professionals, definitely taking me out of my comfort zone!

The recent lockdown has been challenging for all of us, and keeping mentally well has been even more critical. I have found that when the Aberdeen weather allows, getting out and about and enjoying the outdoors has helped.

When I am not in the garden, I love to sing and am a member of a choir, and even if I can’t attend at the moment, I still love singing around the house.

My name is Yvonne Matthew, and I have been with the VSA for five years – working in a variety of roles from Reception to Office Services and now within the Carers Services Team as the Service Administrator.

The thing I like about my current role is working within a Team Environment.

Regarding good mental health, I think it is essential always to remember to communicate how you are feeling – I benefit from discussing any concerns I may have with my good friends and family.

Outside my work, I take great pleasure in spending time with my family, especially my two lovely granddaughters who keep me on my toes!

My name is Teresa Massie, and I have worked for VSA for eight years in total. I have been a Carer Advisor with the Adult Carer Service for one year now. Previously I worked in Children & Families at Richmondhill House, dealing with Child Protection cases out in the community who were referred from Social Work.

The thing I like most about my role is that I get to go out and about in the community to help, guide, and support carers within their caring role. I enjoy engaging with carers, whether it be on the phone or a home visit, because anyone who knows me will tell you I am very friendly - a bit of a chatterbox and very down to earth – and this supports me in building good working relationships with my carers. The role is a challenge at times, busy and never two days the same, but this is why I enjoy my job.

My biggest tip for good mental health within a challenging environment is to look after yourself -because if you do not, then no-one else will! If. Please find something that supports you in having a bit of “me time,” as this is very important in life.

As my photo shows, I enjoy having a wee rake around the shops when I am not working, my favourite shop has such a lot of variety and something for everyone! I was most upset when they closed for lockdown! I like going out for meals, walking, swimming, cinema, socialising with friends, and going to various countries on holiday. I also look after my mum’s dog, Hugo, an eight-month French Bulldog, and find that very therapeutic.

My name is Arlene Malcolm and I am both a Carer Advisor (Mental Health) and a Counsellor with the Carers Service, having worked with the VSA team for nearly 11 years.

My job is very varied, interesting and rewarding - from working with carers to improve their health and wellbeing, to delivering workshops and giving talks to students there is never a dull moment! I am also lucky to be part of such a great team of colleagues, all with a wealth of different knowledge and experience.

Self-care is my top tip! We are often so busy making sure everyone else is ok we don’t take time for ourselves. However, it is a major factor in preventing burnout and managing stress. Try and take at least a few minutes each day to do something that’s relaxing or helps you feel calm.

I love going for walks and I am lucky to live in a part of the city where there are green spaces right on my doorstep. I also love dancing especially salsa and find bopping around the kitchen to Latin music makes me happy.

My name is Helen Donald, and I have enjoyed being part of the team at VSA Carers Service for nearly two years now, in the role of Carers Contact Worker.

The thing I like about my current role is that it is never routine or predictable because it involves people. Each phone call or enquiry to our service is different – behind every story is a real person, fulfilling a unique, and often hugely challenging, caring role.

My top tip for good mental health is to spend as much time as possible in the company of dogs. Dogs have a genuine ability to enjoy life in the moment and take immense pleasure in your company. They are also great listeners. (Other animals may provide equal benefit!)

When I am not working, I like taking long walks – especially along our beautiful NE coast, whatever the weather. I enjoy catching up with the company of friends over live music and refreshments or indulging in a good, dramatic TV box-set or film.

‘Today is a good day to have a good day’