MHYW Support

What do the Mental Health Youth Work team do?

The Mental Health Youth Workers (MHYW) are a new team to East Lothian. The team aim to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing. A MHYW coordinates, and signposts pupils to both universal and targeted support, as well as delivering targeted interventions to pupils requiring additional support.

Meet the Team...

Each MHYW links with an East Lothian cluster. Read more about them by clicking on the cluster areas below:

ROSEHILL HIGHSCHOOL (WALLYFORD)

PRESTONPANS

TRANENT

Hello, I'm

Gemma Burns

You can contact me at:

gburns@eastlothian.gov.uk

I'm the Mental Health Youth Worker for the Tranent cluster. When I left school I began volunteering with a peer education project. This helped me realise how much I enjoy working with young people and since then I have worked in lots of different youth work roles. Working in a range of places with lots of different young people showed me my passion for creating safe spaces where young people can talk about their experiences and feelings (in groups or in 1:1); to learn more about themselves and find ways that work for them to help them cope when things are difficult.

Favourite Quote

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.”

Maya Angelou

Superpower

Time Control!

DUNBAR

Joy Burton

jburton1@eastlothian.gov.uk

My name is Joy Burton and I'm the Mental health youth Worker for the Dunbar Cluster. After studying Psychology I worked in a wide range of jobs and took time out to travel later in life and realised the most important thing you can possess, no matter your age or job, is good mental health. I love the outdoors and nature to support my own mental health and really want to help young people explore and find ways to improve theirs.

Favourite quote: Life is too short to spend another day at war with yourself.

( Ritu Ghatourey)

Super power I'd most like : Invisibility so I could be nosy and to be able to fly.

HADDINGTON

Michael Cleary
mcleary1@eastlothian.gov.uk

Hey! I'm Michael & I'm your Mental Health Youth Worker for the Haddington cluster. I am an East Lothian native, having gone to school at North Berwick. My experience with mental health support is centred in sociology and psychotherapy, having practice in counselling with both with adults and young people during my postgraduate course. From this experience I have grown to love working 1:1 , having cathartic conversations in a safe space and recently running support groups. If you see me in Haddington, don't hesitate to come say hi.

I collect loads of quotes! some of my favorites are:

We tell ourselves stories in order to live - Joan Didion

It's impossible to imagine a colour you haven't seen - Neil Hillborn

Peace to every crease on your brain - Earl Sweatshirt

Superpower:

Flying would be a load of fun, controlling fire would make camping a lot easier-- but I'm going to have to say time control.

Where to find me?
I work out of several rooms in Knox High school, primarily by the lockers at the front entrance or around the base. However, feel free to contact me over email if you can't find me

I may already be meeting somebody so please do not disturb the room if there is a sign telling you not to.

Otherwise, please stop in for a chat or just to say hi!

MUSSELBURGH

Hello!! My name is Danni Spencer...

…I'm the Mental Health Youth Worker for Musselburgh Grammar and it's feeder primaries!

I have worked with young people in the community since I was 15! And more recently starting working with young people around mental health and wellbeing in school settings. After studying Psychology at university, I became interested in why people think, feel and behave in different ways. I find it so interesting to listen and learn about other people's lives and help in anyway I can!

______________________________________

You can contact me at;

dspencer@eastlothian.gov.uk

______________________________________

My Favourite Quote:

Keep Going, Keep Growing.

If I could have a Superpower:

If I could pick a superpower I would choose to teleport. Then I could easily visit lots of amazing places and avoid travelling in the wet Scottish weather!

ROSEHILL HIGHSCHOOL (WALLYFORD)

To be able to help others you must first help yourself

Name: Martin Lahiffe.

Bio: I come from the West of Ireland and have been a youth worker for over 35 years. I have worked in several countries and in varying roles.

I have been a mental health youth worker since January 2017. I am based in Rosehill Learning Campus in the Modern Languages Department.

Contact details: mlahiffe@eastlothian.gov.uk

PRESTONPANS

Hi! I'm Carla Byrne!

I’ve been working with children and young people for over 20 years, in Youth Work, and it’s a role I feel privileged to be able to do: There is nothing better than watching young people grow and develop in confidence. I’ve a background in behavioural science, community education and counselling. In my spare time I enjoy good company, music, tasty food, and the outdoors.

I work across Rosehill High School, and Pinkie and Wallyford Primary.

Favourite Quote: “Human rights are inscribed in the hearts of people; they were there long before lawmakers drafted their first proclamation.”

Mary Robinson (Ireland)

If could have any superpower it would be: Shapeshifting so I could experience life from differing perspectives…

You can contact me at: cbyrne@eastlothian.gov.uk

Where can you find me?

I will be based in the Integration room at Preston Lodge High School.

(Found in the Maths corridor)

If you are looking for me while I am unavailable, please send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Sometimes I will be meeting people, please don't disturb when this sign is up with the door closed.

but..

If my door is open, you are welcome to pop in and say hello!

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