Stories are important

We all have a story – it’s what shapes and defines us. The Bridge is no different.

The story began when a group of local people wanted to make a difference to the everyday wellbeing of people across West Lothian. As they reflected on their own life struggles, and listened to the voices of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, certain key themes emerged. The foundations of financial and emotional well-being were laid.

It has long been accepted that when crisis moments arrive in life for people in the West Lothian area that many are forced to access help through services elsewhere or to seek it in the private (fee-paying sector). The Bridge seeks to bring these key services and the hope they provide closer to home.

In our story, however, we seek to be different – not so much in what we do, but in how we go about providing our services. Building on the principles of compassion and love we seek to share the journey with our clients in order to see lasting hope and change.

Our vision

Improving the everyday wellbeing of the people of West Lothian by providing hope and support to families and individuals

Our values

Be relational – our focus is always on people

Be inclusive – we treat everyone equally

Be caring and compassionate – we treat everyone with respect and dignity

Be accessible – our communication and services are in ways that works best for clients

Working in partnership – collaborating with others where possible

Teamwork – supporting staff and volunteers to work cooperatively

Excellence – working to highest possible standards

Be environmentally sustainable – using resources responsibly

In the bridge we

Are motivated to make a difference

Treat all with dignity and respect

Are all about people

Are relational

Use our imagination

Provide hope

Work as a team

Are inspired by compassion

Think outside the box

meet our team

Alistair Shaw
Alistair ShawInterim CEO

financial wellbeing team

Anna Kesik
Anna KesikMoney Advice Lead
Tricia Fraser
Tricia FraserBridge Support Lead
Alister Charnley
Alister CharnleyMoney Adviser
Gillian Roy
Gillian RoyMoney Adviser (Volunteer)
Alistair Brown
Alistair BrownMoney Adviser (Volunteer)
Martin Bethell
Martin BethellMoney Adviser (Volunteer)
Laura Scott
Laura ScottSupport Adviser (Volunteer)
Gina Giubarelli
Gina GiubarelliSupport Adviser
Donna Cuthbert
Donna CuthbertFinancial Wellbeing Administrator

emotional wellbeing team

Fiona MacLellan
Fiona MacLellanCounselling Service Lead
Lynne Gillies
Lynne GilliesWellbeing Admin Lead
Nadia Almaini
Nadia AlmainiStepping Stones to Wellbeing Mental Health Worker
Victoria Christie
Victoria ChristieCounselling Wellbeing Administrator
Sarah Finegan
Sarah FineganStepping Stones to Wellbeing (Volunteer)

support team

Amanda Macdonald
Amanda MacdonaldFinance Support
Lynne Buckner
Lynne BucknerVolunteer Co-ordinator
Alan Davidson
Alan DavidsonWellbeing Fundraiser & Co-Founder
James Anderson
James AndersonIT Support Consultant

our trustees

Ken Brown
Ken BrownChair of Board of Trustees
Gareth Booth
Gareth BoothTreasurer
Kirsten Pringle
Kirsten PringleSecretary
Johnnie Burgoyne
Johnnie BurgoyneTrustee
Maria Lavery
Maria LaveryTrustee
Susan Baird
Susan BairdTrustee

For the Bridge to operate year on year we rely on funding from a range of different sources. Please see our most recent annual accounts above to see the full list of those who contribute to our work here in West Lothian.