Kim is our  Heart Coordinator, so she is the face you will be meeting front of house, as she coordinates volunteers and activities.

Kim comes from a customer service background within the charity sector and is the first point of call for visitors to our centre.

She also works with customers booking at our fantastic venue, giving support through the booking journey and building great lasting relationships

Mike has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to working as a taxi driver throughout the bustling city. He now joins us in the role of caretaker and is genuinely looking forward to sharing his extensive experiences with the Heart Community. Additionally, he is a fluent French speaker and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to greet everyone with a friendly "Bonjour."

A specialist in dementia and the creative arts, Jan is a bold leader in dementia and passionate about the growing Meeting Centre movement.

After a career in the arts and several years working as a Dementia Advisor, Jan understands the importance of and the benefit to members of having a safe space in the community for folk to learn new skills, discuss challenges and make social connections.

Caretaker

Judith Crabb is a Town Planner by profession, who has worked in the voluntary and community sector for over 30 years, including in the role of CEO, Business Development Manager, and Funding Officer. Judith has  experience working on projects in England, Wales and Scotland.

Judith is a volunteer with several local charities and serves on the Community Council.

David Scott is a dedicated architect with extensive experience in the local community. Having lived in the area for more than twenty years, he established an architectural practice alongside his wife, Lesley Dell. Their collaboration reflects a deep commitment to the community, as David actively works with various community groups and housing associations.

With over thirty years of experience, David specializes in the preservation and enhancement of historic buildings, ensuring that their significance and character are maintained for future generations. His passion for architecture is complemented by his fond memories of Victoria Primary School, where he often enjoyed the galas and discos, highlighting the strong ties he has to the local community and its history.

Norma Johnston is a solution-focused counsellor whose main interest is in mental health and wellbeing. Her working life started on Craighall Road, passing Victoria Primary School every day.   

Norma has now come full circle, living in the area and she believes The Heart of Newhaven will bring significant benefits towards a healthier community.

Mike has spent most of his working life in financial services but has been a director at

Age Scotland

Anna is a Senior Lecturer at the University of St Andrews School of Management.  Her research explores skill and identity in a variety of different contexts. Anna is also an experienced equality, diversity and inclusion practitioner. Previous to pursuing an academic career, Anna worked in corporate affairs for a public sector regional development organisation. Anna enjoys making pottery in her spare time, and lives in the local area.

Anna leads Chairs the HONC People and Organisation Working Group, which is has oversight for progressing matters relating to employee, trustee and volunteer development.

Linsay is a chartered surveyor, and for many years headed up the real estate team for a national retailer, leaving in 2021 to have a change in direction. Unable to quite leave all things property, she is currently working as a surveyor for a national charity.

Lynne lives locally with her dog Millie (a very lively working Cocker) so you may well have seen her out and about in the area! She is a mother to two daughters and a grandmother to 3 children who live very close by and keep her wonderfully active and stimulated!

Before retiring Lynne was Head of Planning and Performance in Edinburgh Council's Children and Families Department, arriving at that position via a career in community education and development roles spanning nearly 40 years in positions in both the statutory and voluntary sectors primarily in Scotland. Lynne is particularly interested in all aspects of child development and health and wellbeing and is delighted that the Heart has a specific focus on intergenerational work

Outside space development co-ordinator

Janice is an accountant currently working for two small local charities. Spanning almost 40 years, her experience ranges from private investments, private practice and management accountancy. She came to Edinburgh over 30 years ago, settling originally in Trinity and still lives locally.

She volunteers with Citizens Advice Edinburgh and is helping the Heart of Newhaven keep its financial records up to date. 

Over the course of my career I’ve worked in economic development and regeneration across the UK, mostly recently at Perth & Kinross Council. I live very near the Heart and this was one of the reasons I wanted to give back some of my time and experience to my community.

And also, I can easily see if all the lights have been switched off!!