About us
'Once you choose hope, anything’s possible' - Christopher Reeve
Born out of the needs of local people, Lochaber Hope was formed in November 2005.
We are a person centred organisation and believe that everyone has the ability within themselves to reach their own potential. Staff and volunteers work and learn closely together to make this an attractive choice; a safe, inspiring, positive environment to allow people to safely explore strengths and barriers.
Meet our Staff
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Alyson (Aly) Smith
Founding & Executive Manager
Since founding Lochaber Hope in 2005, Alyson has been dedicated to supporting the Lochaber community in countless ways. You’ll often find her actively leading initiatives both within Lochaber Hope and at New Connections, our thriving community hub. As Director, Alyson oversees all aspects of Lochaber Hope and New Connections, including essential services such as Counselling and Mentoring, as well as key projects like The Workshop, Employability, and Bright Minds. Alyson is always working hard to find and secure the necessary funding to ensure the sustainability and growth of these vital programs, constantly seeking new opportunities to expand and enhance the support available to the Lochaber community. Should you wish to get in touch with Alyson, please contact her at alyson.smith@lochaberhope.org.uk (please note that all enquiries regarding support services will be redirected to administration).
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Doreen MacKenzie
Operations and Employability Manager
Doreen has been a dedicated member of Lochaber Hope for over 18 years, working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. As the driving force behind our operations, she ensures both our processes and staff stay on track. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, Doreen leads our Employability Programme, guiding individuals toward meaningful employment through skill-building and support. Her expertise extends to finance and HR, making her the go-to person for all matters in these areas. Working closely with Aly, Doreen oversees multiple projects, ensuring their success while consistently rising to any challenge that comes her way. For any inquiries or to connect with Doreen, please reach out at Doreen.mackenzie@lochaberhope.org.uk.
Iona Macleod
New Connections Manager
Iona is our Manager at New Connections (our community hub), she leads this team with a wealth of different life and working experiences and brings with her thousands of brilliant ideas with a smile. Iona helps to bring our community together in as many different, and exciting ways as possible. Should you wish to get in touch with Iona, please contact – iona.macleod@lochaberhope.org.uk.
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Juliette Garrett
Project & Marketing Manager
As Project and Marketing Manager, Juliette brings our community-focused initiatives to life. Whether she’s out connecting with local groups or working behind the scenes to ensure smooth project delivery. From managing our website and social media to overseeing project planning, delivery, and funding applications, Juliette wears many hats. Her efforts help drive the organisation’s growth and ensure we continue to effectively serve the community. If you'd like to reach out to Juliette, feel free to contact her at Juliette.garrett@lochaberhope.org.uk.
Stuart Sanders
Workshop Joiner
Stuart is the lead Joiner in ‘The Woodworking Studio’. Stuart leads the Workshop and all of our participants in a supportive, therapeutic and creative space to design and make their own creations. Stu is a great teacher and loves to work with people who haven’t used tools before, to help them build confidence and create a beautiful piece of art! Should you wish to get in touch with Stuart, please contact – theworkshop@lochaberhope.org.uk
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Shonda Macnab
Wellbeing Co-Ordinator & Counsellor
Shonda is our Wellbeing Coordinator and runs our Wellbeing sessions for children, youth, and adults. The Wellbeing service works with people who need wellbeing support, and in some cases, it prepares people to attend counselling and/or helps them transition out of counselling. These sessions are delivered using a practical, on-the-ground approach to help people adjust to different Wellbeing environments. Shonda is also a Counsellor with Lochaber Hope, working with adults at this point in time, but is looking forward to starting her child and youth counselling qualifications soon. For any wellbeing or counselling enquiries, please contact Lochaber Hope Administration – admin@lochaberhope.org.uk
Cat Vis-Christie
Schools Counsellor
Cat is our dedicated schools counsellor who works within our local schools (primary and secondary) to deliver counselling services to our younger community members. Cat brings with her a wealth of experience, and a fluffy friend to pat – our Chief Pup and Therapy Pet - Rueben the Australian Labradoodle. Should you wish to get in touch with Cat Vis-Christie, please contact – catherine.vischristie@lochaberhope.org.uk (please note all enquiries requesting counselling services will be redirected to administration).
Siân McWalter
Project Worker
Siân can be found at New Connections with Iona, Siân assists with the day-to-day running of New Connections while being our point-of-contact for our Bright Minds, youth Mental Health programme. Siân comes to us with a broad background in all things adventure, outdoors and young people! Should you wish to get in touch with Siân, please contact – sian.mcwalter@lochaberhope.org.uk
Vicky McGinlay-Smith
Group and Event Facilitator
Vicky supports New Connections development and helps facilitates groups and events, Vicky’s specialised role is currently working with Women with Autism and developing on how we can further support people with Autism in our community. Should you wish to get in touch with Vicky McGinley-Smith, please contact - Vicky McGinley-Smith vicky.msmith@lochaberhope.org.uk.
Karam Singh
Graduate IT Coordinator
Karam is our Graduate IT Engineer who is skilled in helping create content for various projects, while also helping out with the day-to-day upgrades, updates and modifications to our existing IT systems. Karam also loves to challenge the Chess Group down at New Connections from time-to-time! Should you wish to get in touch with Karam, please contact – karam.singh@lochaberhope.org.uk
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Iain Miller
Projects and H&S (part-time)
Iain is one of our long-standing volunteers who helps us with our Health and Safety and all things related to Risk Assessments. Not only this, but Iain is our right-hand man up in The Workshop alongside Stuart, he also helps us out by covering the reception desk at Lochaber Hope and is a well-loved part of the volunteer team down at New Connections. Iain is also a volunteer Mentor and just an all-round AMAZING person. Should you wish to get in touch with Iain, please contact – ian.miller@lochaberhope.org.uk (please note the lack of the second ‘i’ in his first name).
Carrie Skilton
Reception Administrator
Carrie is our super lovely, friendly and organised reception administrator from New Zealand, known for her exceptional customer service and welcoming approach. She’s passionate about creating a smooth and efficient experience for clients and colleagues alike. Always ready to assist with a smile!
Meet our Counsellors
Face-to-Face
Alyson (Aly) Smith
Counsellor
Qualifications: I hold a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Postgraduate qualifications in Child and Youth Counselling as well as Couples Counselling. As a member of COSCA, I adhere to high professional standards in my practice. My therapeutic approach is person-centred, and I offer both face-to-face and online sessions. I specialize in general adult counselling and child and youth counselling. My availability includes Tuesdays and Thursdays. In my practice, I provide a safe and confidential space, known as a therapeutic environment, which helps you to explore areas that may be affecting you in a detrimental way which can sometimes make it difficult for people to achieve their full potential in life. This may be due to recent events or from long ago, the person may not even know where the issue or difficulties have stemmed from, they may be singular or complex. No matter the case, we can work together towards making the desired changes to allow you improved emotional and mental wellbeing.
Pawel Wyderka
Counsellor
Qualifications: Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy Professional Body: COSCA Modalities: Person Centred Style: Face-to-Face and Online Areas: General Adults Counselling and Child and Youth Counselling Availability: Wednesdays only Languages: English and Polish You don't have to struggle alone! Hi, my name is Pawel Wyderka. I offer Person Centred Therapy. Such therapy sessions help, for example, a person struggling with: reduced self-esteem, lack of confidence, anxiety, depression, stress, post traumatic stress disorder, neurosis, addictions (drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, etc.) personality disorders, various types of psychosomatic complaints that are medically unexplained (e.g. headaches, shortness of breath, etc.) In addition, Person Centred Therapy can help people who: have difficulty building relationships (personal and professional) are currently in unhealthy, damaging relationships are experiencing life crises (grief, divorce, miscarriage, etc) feel emotional emptiness and disturbance, face existential questioning, harbour religious or spiritual dissatisfaction. Client-focused therapy is effective for people who do not want to struggle alone with their difficulties and have decided to access professional help. I offer sessions face to face, online and on call. Each session is confidential and I work closely within the COSCA code of ethics, while being regularly supervised. The sessions are entirely dedicated to the client and their problems. Together we aim to allow you to live the best version of your life possible. New Clients: Pawel currently has a waiting list, please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Pawel may be available to work with you.
Britt Doughty-Godchaux
Counsellor
Qualifications: Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy Professional Body: BACP Modalities: Person-Centred Style: Face-to-Face Areas: General Adults Counselling (16+) Availability: Fridays at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm or 4pm. New Clients: Britt currently has a waiting list, please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Britt may be available to work with you.
Janet Steele
Counsellor
Qualifications: I hold Advanced and Professional Diplomas in Psychotherapeutic Counselling as well as an Advanced Specialist Fertility Counselling Diploma. As a member of the NCPS, I practice a person-centred approach, offering both face-to-face and online counselling. I specialize in working with general adults (16+), with a particular interest in supporting the elderly and those dealing with bereavement, infertility, or addiction. My availability is Monday to Friday, from 9am to 2pm. Life is overwhelming at times. It’s hard to feel you are dealing with it alone. Every journey begins with a first small step. I hope to be able to help you through difficult times to see change and a way ahead. Finding the inner strength to cope can make all the difference. You have the power within you to find the best you and you deserve to. You are the only person who knows your life, challenges, self, feelings and emotions. Don’t struggle in silence. I will be there with and for you each step to hear and listen to what you want and need. You are in control of each session." I have extensive experience working with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, and loss, including bereavement of pets. Additionally, I am passionate about helping those facing challenges related to abuse, bullying, and infertility (both male and female). I am dedicated to aiding clients in recovering from the impacts of these situations.
Shonda Macnab
Counsellor
Qualifications: Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy Professional Body: BACP Modalities: Person-Centred Style: Face-to-Face Areas: General Adults New Clients: Shonda is not yet available for clients. Please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when she may be available to take on clients.
Face-to-Face (Therapet)
Cat Vis-Christie
Counsellor
Qualifications: Cat Vis-Christie is a qualified Child and Youth Counsellor with a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy. As a member of COSCA, she adheres to professional standards and practices a person-centred approach. Cat offers both face-to-face and online counselling for children, youth, and adults. Working at the Lochaber Hope office and in various schools across the Fort William area, Cat brings her therapy pet, Reuben, who is trained to work with both adults and children. Cat is passionate about using the outdoors and conservation to improve mental and physical wellbeing through nature-based therapy. Known for her bubbly, kind, and caring demeanor, Cat is deeply understanding and supportive, drawing from her personal experiences with neurodivergence. She is available for sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Cat currently has a waiting list for new clients. Please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when she may be available to work with you. www.christiecounselling.co.uk
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Reuben Vis-Christie
Cat's Therapet
Qualifications: Diploma in snacks (but only the good kind). Professional Body: Scotland Belly Rub Association (SBRA) Modalities: Cuddles and Snuggles Style: Hand to head Areas: Child and Youth Counselling & General Adults Counselling Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Reuben, AKA Rooby Roobs… is the Lochaber Hope Manager in charge of snacks and pats… in that exact order. He is an Australian Labradoodle who wants to be friends with everyone and will smother you in love until you love him back (it’ll only take 10 seconds!). He is one of the only breeds who are truly hypoallergenic and he has been specifically trained (with qualifications!) to work in the counselling space with both children and adults, he is not jumpy, nor barky. New Clients: Reuben and Cat are a package deal, you won’t usually find one without the other! Please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Cat and Reuben may be available to work with you.
Online Only
Mairi Henderson
Counsellor
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor, registered with BACP. I have experience working with clients in private, charitable, and school settings. My approach is integrative, with a strong person-centred basis, which means I will use different modalities of counselling to best fit your personal needs and goals. As well as working with adults on a range of issues, I have also done advanced training in counselling children and young people. Anxiety, depression, low mood, and self-harming behaviours can have a hugely negative effect on a young person’s life. Children often find it hard to put their thoughts and feelings into words, and that’s why working creatively with this age group can be helpful. I use tools like story building, nesting dolls, emotion cards, and “getting to know you” games to build relationships and encourage meaningful conversation. EFT (“emotional freedom technique” or “tapping”) can also be a helpful tool for some. Other areas I have a particular interest in are chronic illness and anxiety. Living with a chronic illness such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be isolating and lead to anxiety or low mood. CBT (which helps interrupt negative thought patterns) and mindfulness (focusing on being present) can be particularly effective in managing the challenges of chronic illness. Anxiety is also prevalent, especially following the uncertainty of COVID and lockdowns. Our nervous system, like a smoke alarm, can become oversensitive, perceiving threats everywhere and triggering anxiety. By learning techniques to calm the body, we can influence the brain and reduce anxious thought patterns.
Donnie Nicolson
Counsellor
Qualifications: I am a qualified psychotherapist with a Diploma in Gestalt Therapy, an MA in Psychotherapy (Distinction), and a BA in Philosophy with Psychology. I am also a member of the European Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT). My practice is exclusively online, allowing me to provide flexible hours to accommodate your schedule. I specialize in various areas of counselling, including anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, relationships, men's issues, and general counselling. Originally from Lochaber, I moved to Barcelona in 2008, where I run my own psychotherapy practice. In addition to my private practice, I volunteer with Lochaber Hope, offering my expertise to support the community. I am dedicated to academic research and have co-authored two papers that explore innovative methods for assisting individuals with long-term grief. In my personal time, I enjoy music and play the bagpipes. More info: www.donnienicolson.com
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Moira Middleton
Counsellor
Qualifications: Moira is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, and is also a certified Havening Practitioner. Moira holds a BCAP Post Diploma Award in Counselling Children and Young People (10 - 18). As a member of COSCA, she practices a person-centred approach, offering both online and telephone counselling. Moira works with general adults, children, and youth, with availability on weekday afternoons until 6pm. "I offer a confidential space for you to talk through any issues. Using a non-judgemental approach, I will value you as a person by working in an open and genuine way to understand your experiences from your perspective. I aim to help you become more self-aware and achieve greater confidence and independence. Some of the issues I work with include stress, bereavement, survivors of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, depression, work-related stress, trauma, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), low confidence/self-esteem, and personal identity. When I am not working, I love being outdoors. I am a keen gardener and enjoy growing my own vegetables and using them to cook. If I am not gardening, I can usually be found out cycling, going for a run, or 'dooking' somewhere in Moray (mainly Lossie). I am at my happiest when I am enjoying the beautiful sights of Moray." Moira currently has a waiting list for new clients. Please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when she may be available to work with you. Website: moira-middleton.co.uk
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Sarah Conaghan
Counsellor
Qualifications: BSc (Psychology); and Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Professional Body: BACP Modalities: Integrative Counsellor Style: Online Areas: General Adults; and Child and Youth. Availability: Monday afternoons and Fridays after 11am. Website: https://www.facebook.com/SConaghanCounsellor/ New Clients: Sarah has availability to start working with new clients.
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Aileen Parker
Counsellor
Qualifications: Professional Body: COSCA Modalities: Person-Centred Style: Online and Telephone Areas: General Adults; Child and Youth, Couples; and Family Therapy. Availability: Weekdays New Clients: Aileen has availability to start working with new, individual clients (online only). Please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Aileen might be available for couples or Family Therapy.
Trainee Counsellors
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Sean McGeoch
Trainee Counsellor
Sean is Trainee counsellor who is completing his placement hours with Lochaber Hope. Modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Style: Hybrid – Fortnightly face-to-face, online on alternate weeks. Areas: General Adults (17+) Availability: Thursday - 1:45pm & 3pm. Friday – 8:45am & 10am. New Clients: Sean currently has a waiting list, if you’re interested in working with Sean please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Sean may be available to take new clients.
Alice Currie
Trainee Counsellor
Alice is Trainee counsellor who is completing her placement hours with Lochaber Hope. Professional Body: COSCA and UKCP and UKATTA Modalities: Transactional Analysis Style: Face-to-Face Areas: General Adults Counselling (18+) Availability: Mondays 2pm - 5pm. Please Note – As Alice is a trainee counsellor, there may be some mental health conditions she is unable to work with until specific points in her training. New Clients: Alice currently has a waiting list, please contact Lochaber Hope for an estimate of when Alice may be available to work with you.
Meet our Directors
Rebcca Fraser
Director
Rebecca is a born and bred local, and joined our Board in December 2023. She is a practising Solicitor and Partner of local law Firm, Twin Deer Law. Rebecca’s clients value her friendliness and for being approachable. She aims to provide sound practical advice at a client-friendly level and it is this attitude and approach she wanted to bring to the Board of Lochaber Hope. Rebecca is always happy to assist with any legal, HR or H&S query we may have!
Brenda Grant
Director
Brenda joined Lochaber Hope in 2007 as a volunteer mentor and became a director in 2011. Working for Highland Council she gained experience in money advice, council tax and housing benefit. After retiring she gained a first-class honours degree in Scottish History in 2018. She recently moved to south of Edinburgh but remains a committed director attending meetings on-line.
Oliver Stephen
Director
Oliver is the Sawmill Manager of the BSW Timber Group Mill based in Fort William. He has experience in management, manufacturing, sales, and banking and, in 2016, gained a degree in Business Management (BA). Oliver and his family are residents of Lochaber and are involved with their many community activities like football, golf and Lochaber Showstoppers.
Isla Campbell
Director
Isla was lucky enough to grow up in the Lochaber area and moved away to start her career in Policing where she was lucky enough at the end of her career to return back to Fort William. Having recently retired, having seen the impact of inequality and poor mental health from a policing perspective, she was keen to start contributing in a different way, thus her involvement with Lochaber Hope (and Aly is very persuasive!)
Stephen MacTavish
Director
Stephen runs his own fast-growing plumbing business. He is a local resident and married with a young daughter. He is also the author of ‘Impatient to Be Someone’ and spent five years in New Zealand learning and teaching life skills to younger people. Stephen offers us a lot in terms of both his personal, and professional experiences with helping others in the community.
Lochaber Hope is part of The Fair Work Convention, dedicated to creating a world-leading working life where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society through a five-dimensional approach: effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect.
Read our full Fair Work First Statement and Declaration