Our Team

James is a law graduate with experience working in homelessness and environmental conservation. As U-Evolves Operations Lead, he is committed to helping U-Evolve to grow and be the best it can be so we can reach and support as many young people as possible. James loves hiking and is always up for an adventure! He is passionate about nature and the positive benefit this can have on people’s mental wellbeing. He also loves music and enjoys learning new instruments with varying degrees of success!

Ian Downie is a training psychotherapist and therapeutic coach. With a background in residential childcare, he began his training with the ambition of doing more than providing basic care.

Ian is passionate about raising mental health awareness, to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and to support those who need a bit of help. He believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to find happiness in life and will do anything he can to help them find it.

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Ian Downie

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U-Evolve

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https://u-evolve.org/

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Alice is a training counsellor and has a BA degree in Psychology from Napier University. She comes with a more holistic approach and is trained in hypnotherapy and healing massage. Alice is passionate about helping others and loves to discover the tools needed to help her clients achieve their goals and grow – “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall” (Confucius)

Ana, originally from Romania, has a MSc in Psychology of Mental Health from Edinburgh University. Since moving to Scotland she worked with young people and adults experiencing homelessness and difficulties with their mental health. She is passionate about working with young people as she believes that teenage years are a key moment in one’s life. Ana hopes to help them become aware of themselves and how to use their existent resources. In her spare time, she likes to do a bit of baking, watch musicals, and practice yoga.

Becky Duff is an experienced third sector leader, having worked previously in a leading health charity and mental health anti-stigma campaign. Becky is passionate about creating a society where young people can thrive. She believes that U-Evolve’s approach to supporting young people is key to achieving this goal.

Emily is a Communications and Fundraising professional with a background in both the corporate and charity sectors. Passionate about telling the stories of U-evolve and our young people to build a community of informed and inspired Mental Health champions. An advocate for improved support and access to mental health resources for Scottish young people, Emily is delighted to be supporting the wider U-evolve team to achieve this whilst breaking down barriers to support and challenging stigma. Outside of work, Emily is known for her love of a new hobby and can be found behind the pottery wheel or sewing machine! Emily Graham, Fundraising and communications coordinator

Scott is an accountant by training, but, likes to think that he not a typical accountant! He has held leaderships roles in a number of organisations and was most recently Finance Director at Morton Fraser Solicitors. Scott has extensive board and governance experience. He is U-Evolve’s Treasurer.

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Scott Mcclure

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U-Evolve

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https://u-evolve.org/

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Yasmin is an experienced third sector leader and educator. She has worked with young people in all capacities including schools, colleges and currently in a large youth charity. She is passionate about empowering young people to live their best lives and supporting them to reach their potential.

Susie is passionate about supporting children and young people to thrive and realise their potential. She has worked in the voluntary sector for nearly 20 years, and currently manager at Canongate Youth. Outside of work Susie enjoys spending time with my family, yoga, getting outdoors and watching a good show on Netflix! Susie says, “I am very excited to be joining the Board at U – Evolve where I hope I can bring some of the skills and expertise I have developed over the years to help give more young people the support they deserve.”

Naomi  is an experienced people leader in Early Career within the financial services sector, leading an employability education programme for young people (aged 13-24) across the UK. As a mentor and active member of the Bank’s Gender Network, she’s  passionate about helping others to realise their inner strengths and skills at all stages in their education or career.

Claire worked in Financial Services for 20 years in several different areas including Commercial, Business Planning, Finance and Customer Services. She has two primary school aged children and enjoys travelling, taking on new challenges and keeping fit. Claire is really excited to be join the Board and putting the skills she has acquired to good use.