Having had personal lived experience of many of the issues faced by local people in Hillhead, I realised that I needed more than just recovery. This was when the vision of a peer-led recovery after-care resource was born. As the founder of GRACE with a huge wealth of knowledge and experience in recovery and aftercare settings, one of my main skills that are transferable to the GRACE vision is the aspiration to assist individuals to live independent lives as they move forward.

Born in humble beginning in India in a family where giving and caring for community was a daily routine. Although I did not have maturity to understand humanity it always made me immensely happy. My long professional career as a medical practitioner in NHS provided perfect environment to my ever-increasing passion to help others and to make a difference in life of others. After retiring, I found GRACE at my doorstep in Kirkintilloch. I have been fortunate to have had opportunity to serve GRACE in capacity of a trustee. I love to be a part of GRACE because all my passion about values, people’s wellbeing, equality, inclusion and educations are in parallel with GRACE’s ethos. In addition to working with GRACE, I volunteer to educate children in schools, help older people in the community, lead health walks and in past I mentored in a project for rehabilitation of prisoners.

Having spent most of my working life in logistics, I found myself suffering from anxiety and depression. Fortunately I was introduced to GRACE in 2019 where I became a volunteer and was involved in, and later managed, the Foodshare project. In 2021 I was honoured to be elected to the Board of Trustees and became Chair in 2024.

Isobel has been with GRACE for several years as a member, volunteer anf facilitator. She brings lived experience and her passion for GRACE to the board.

After a career in Mental Health, for many years leisure time was spent volunteering with various projects throughout the G66 area: Local Radio, Operation Christmas Child and Hospital Chaplaincy just to name a few. Nowadays, I am a Neighbourhood Improvement volunteer and lead local health walks. It is a pleasure being involved with GRACE and to serve on the board.

After 37 years of payroll experience for a large organisation, I decided it was time to retire. I joined GRACE in 2021 as a member,volounteer and also a trustee of the board.
My life experiences have given me the tools to be able to empathise and give something back to the local community.

Claire is a local resident and has been a member of the Board for many years. She is also Chair of the Board of Hillhead Housing Association. Claire is a retired psychiatric nurse, a member of Kirkintilloch Community Council, Secretary of Strathkelvin Credit Union and Vice Chair of Glasgow & West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations.

Anne MacIntosh has been a huge supporter of GRACE for many years using her background with Business Gateway with business planning, development and funding.

As a Speciality Doctor in Psychiatry I personally experienced the traumas of clinical depression and anxiety. Along my recovery journey, I gained a wealth of knowledge in intellectual, physical, physiological and spiritual wellbeing.

I joined GRACE as a volunteer and member in August 2023. I have diligently worked hard to support its ethos; to help provide aftercare for those who have experienced any form of trauma. I also engaged in many of the activities it provides along with minute-taking for the board. I became a Trustee in 2024 and will endeavor to maintain GRACE’s esteemed reputation.