CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN
Providing Support, Information and a A Voice for Carers in West Lothian

Mary-Denise McKernan - Manager

I manage all aspects of the day-to-day operations of Carers of West Lothian.  This includes management of the provision of our core services to Carers, core administrative services and project developments.  I work closely with Carers of West Lothian Management Committee and Staff, and partnership agencies, to ensure the delivery of a quality support service for Carers in West Lothian.

I have been in post since May 2000, during which time the organisation has achieved substantial strategic developments.  I look forward to the next three years and beyond, where we will focus on consolidating these developments, strengthening the service we provide to Carers.

Annmarie Keast - Depute Manager

I have been with Carers of West Lothian since August 2003.  I started as a Carer Support Worker and took up post as Outreach Development Worker in April '04, working with GP practices to identify and support "hidden carers".

I was appointed Depute Manager on 1st April '05 and have overall responsibility for carer support in both core and outreach work as well as the day to day running of the Carers of West Lothian office.  I also have a lead role in recruiting and supporting our volunteers.  If anyone is interested in volunteering for Carers of West Lothian they should contact me on 01506 771750 for further information.

Victoria Clarke - Administrator and Office Support Worker

In post since August 2003 as Administrator working alongside Mary-Denise at the Strathbrock Centre office, I also took over the Office Support Worker post in December and now combine the two jobs.  I do the publishing work for the quarterly newsletter and design other publications for Carers of West Lothian as well as the accounts, web updates and general office duties.  I am an Arts Graduate and have run my own business working within the Arts field in the Lothian area and previously to this in Aberdeenshire.  Having been a Carer at one time, I have some understanding of the difficulties and frustrations facing Carers and recognise the benefits derived from an organisation such as Carers of West Lothian.

Jim Brown - Carer Support Worker

Elspeth Casely - Outreach Support Worker

I qualified as a Staff nurse in 1999. Most of my nursing experience has been based in St. Johns Hospital, where I have worked in various wards and departments.

I have experience of being a carer myself. I cared for my mother who had Parkinson's disease, for 7 years, while I was a child. I hope to use my experience both personal and as a nurse to help support carers in West Lothian. I am here to help with any issue or problem that may arise as a result of caring.

Connie Kirkwood - Outreach Support Worker

I joined Carers of West Lothian in April 2006, as an Outreach Support Worker.  In the past I have had various different jobs within the health sector, my last position being a Support Worker with Alzheimer Scotland Action on Dementia, based in the Falkirk Area.  During this role, I gained an insight into the challenges facing carers and have developed a passion for carer's rights.

Wilma Philpot - Young Carers Development Worker

I am the Young Carers Development Worker.  You might not see me around Strathbrock much, as I am based out in Bathgate with the Youth Strategy team.  Before I came to work here, I was a Worker in Pilton Youth and Childrens Project for 2 1/2 years and previously I was a Young Carers Worker in Falkirk and Stirling.

I very much enjoy the challenge of developing the Young Carers work and meeting all the Young Carers.

Xanthe Dalziel-Carruthers - Young Carers Support Worker