Our Organisation
firsthand aims to increase resiliency and improve well-being of vulnerable families, children and young people who are isolated as a result of their caring duties, disability or mental health. We provide a sitter service to lone parents and families affected by disability, and a befriending service to isolated young people with disabilities and / or mental health issues.
We are a charity, established in 1992, and a company limited by guarantee. Our sitter service is registered with the Care Commission and has recently received a grade 5 in all areas of inspection. Our Befriending Service has reached the Approved Provider Standard, and we have Investing in Volunteers.
Our funding comes from a range of sources, with a long-standing service level agreement with the council for most of the sitter service and part of the befriending service, and funding from a range of grant making trusts, our own fundraising initiatives and individual donations.
Diversity and Equal Opportunities
firsthand strives to maintain an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harrassment. Our purpose is to ensure equitable treatment of applicants, employees, volunteers, children, young people and families. We are responsible for advancing, upholding, reaffirming, and monitoring policies and procedures that ensure the organisation complies with all applicable local, national/UK mandates/legislation. This is achieved by fostering collaboration and cooperation in our community and by encouraging all members to respect each others contributions without regard to gender, race, disability, or any other protected category.
Our Staff
Sharon McIntyre Director
Susan Johnston Finance and Administration Officer
Bill Boyd Befriending Co-ordinator
Barbara Doctor Sitter Co-ordinator (Early Years)
Kate Watson Sitter Co-ordinator (Disability)
Emma Fitzpatrick Sitter Co-ordinator (Disability)
Board of Directors
Susan Oswald Convenor
Katherine Peace Vice-Convenor
Judy Cromarty Treasurer
Irina Rasch Management Secretary
Martin Gaughan
Jane Brown
Gillian Hutton
Sue Robertson
Gillian Thomson
Carolyn Jameson
