In the latest of our Meet the Team features its the turn of our newest staff member Joanne Baxter. Joining the team in January 2021 as a Family Support Coordinator Joanne brings a wealth of experience to the team.

I have only recently joined the home start team as one of the family support coordinators. My role involves receiving referrals, assessing the needs of families and matching them to appropriate volunteers who provide support. I can also provide additional support for families and volunteers where required.

Previously to joining Home start I worked in early years education for 23 years. In addition I also worked for family mediation Lothian(family journeys) over a period of 19years. During this time I held several roles but most recently as a family contact support worker. This role involved supporting separated families to maintain parental contact and relationships with their children.

I’m a mum of 2 and if I get any spare time I enjoy the odd Zoom quiz with pals while we’re in lockdown.

I\n the short time I have been with home start it is clear that it is a valued service by the users with dedication to helping families shown by all involved and I am looking forward to being part of them team