About Ferrywell Youth Project
The aim of the Ferrywell Youth Project is that through a project rooted in Christian faith and values, young people in the Pilton, Muirhouse and Drylaw area of Edinburgh will be valued and supported to live their lives characterised by positive, healthy and responsible choices and have a significant impact on the community – including active engagement with local churches and other agencies.
According to the Scottish Index of Mulitiple Deprivation (SIMD), Muirhouse/Drylaw ward is in the 3% most deprived wards in Scotland. This applies to the income, employment and education indicators. Young people in the area are coping with all different kinds of struggles, from alcohol and drug abuse, high levels of unemployment and crime, to mental health issues, poor educational attainment and lack of stable role models.
Our staff and volunteers work alongside local schools, churches, social work and other agencies, providing a range of services to support these local young people.
Some of our key areas of work include:
- A weekly youth group DIME for S1-S6
- One to one support and formal counselling for pupils in local schools
- Running Scripture Union groups and other small groups in schools
- Drop in groups for young people in our building which is in the heart of the community
- One to one support for young people out-with school
- Small group trips and residential holidays for those that attend DIME
- Work with local churches so that young people can be challenged in their faith, have a sense of belonging in church and form friendships with other Christians of a similar age.
FERRYWELL PEOPLE
John Gillan is the Project Leader since 2016. Being involved in youthwork in North Edinburgh for over 20 years with SU Scotland, he’s a well kent face in the area. John worked in residential childcare and then, after completion of his Masters in Social Work, worked in a children and families practice team for 9 years. John also completed a PG Certificate in Child Welfare and Child Protection.
John uses this depth of knowledge and experience as he leads the project and the team, working in partnership with local schools, families, agencies and churches. His passion remains drawing alongside the young people helping them to be the best they can be, through one to one support in and outwith school, groupwork and community youthwork. John’s favourite colour is green and favourite song is ‘Chasing cars’ by Snow Patrol. His most unpopular opinion is that pineapple belongs on pizza.
Erin Howieson has been working full time for Ferrywell youth project since March 2022. Previously she worked for four years as a Residential Care Worker for children and young people, whilst completing her degree BA Hons in Social Sciences. Her Passion is supporting young people in their life journeys, providing positive experiences through one to one, group work and community based youth work. Erin’s favourite colour is sea foam green and favourite song is ‘Breaking Free’ by high school musical her most unpopular opinion is that cold weather is much better than warm weather.
Jane Hurst has been working part time for Ferrywell since September 2017. After working in the NHS for 20 yrs Jane decided she wanted a change of career to focus on supporting young people. Jane has always been passionate about supporting and encouraging teenagers and has worked with young people as a volunteer for many years. She gained a diploma in counselling which she now uses in schools working as a counsellor for FYP in Craigroysten Community High School. Jane’s time with Ferrywell is split between counselling in the school, one to one support with young people from DIME, as well as being involved in the many groups and activities that happen throughout the week. Jane’s favourite colour is bright green and her favourite song is ‘Good enough’ by Dodgy her most unpopular opinion is that “Children should be seen and not heard.”
BOARD
- Michael Duncan (Chair)
- Liz Mackie (Treasurer)
- Neil Stewart (Secretary)
- Fiona Watson
- John Nonhebel
- Christina Bielska
- Zonya Bewick
MANAGEMENT GROUP
- Dan Robertson (Chair)
- Zonya Bewick
- Craig Lumsden
- Alison Higgins
- Christina Bielska
- Rachel Armstrong