Who We Are

Your Care… Your Choice… Our Staff…

Our Staff

VIOLET KEENAN

I have been active in the care sector since 2004 being involved in the rollout of the training to Local Authorities regarding the implementation of Self Direct Support. I am keen to ensure that the rights enshrined within the legislation, that have been a long time in the making, are…

PAUL BARROWMAN

For the last 16 years, I have been involved in Welfare Rights and benefits with various charities and local authorities, advising on entitlement, assisting with claims and appeal representation, gaining various welfare rights related certification. Through this, a greater understanding of other issues and legislation has been gained and eventually…

LAUREN URQUHART

I have always had an interest in helping and supporting others and first began working in a care home on a voluntary basis at 15 years old. Through my journey in the care sector, I have worked in supporting adults experiencing addiction issues and later in delivering information sessions on…

KEVIN McGOLDRICK

I have a passion for bridging the communication gap between local authorities and the community by promoting Self-Directed Support to the people. The SDS ethos is shifting the balance give the supported person choice, flexibility and control over their care including a holistic view with socialising and respite to all…

Board of Directors

STEPHEN OLIVER

I’ve been on the Board since 2018. My interest in SDS is born out of the wish to provide my son, who has learning disabilities, with a fulfilling life where his support can change as he grows. As a commercial manager within major healthcare companies, I have experience of working…

Linda Riley

I use Self Directed Support. As a disabled person with 35 years working in the care field my purpose for being on the Board is to try to change things for everyone. There is often a rift between management and professional people who don’t really get the real story from…

Emma Bowen

Over 11 years’ experience of working within local government in Adult, Child and Social care. I was a voluntary Citizens Advice adviser for over 5 Years within Stirling. I’ve gained over 11 years’ experience working as a Personal Assistant. I’m a mother with a son with Asperger, ADHD and on…

Gillian Sherlock

My name is Gillian Sherlock I am very much interested in social care as a user. The reason I wanted to join the board of SDS & ILF Forth Valley was to help make a difference in helping people to make a choice regarding their care package as it can…

Craig Townsend

I have experience in volunteering with Forth Valley Flyers (coaching disabled athletes) and also with the RVS (meeting and talking to dementia patients in hospital). This gave me an insight on how to communicate with people with varying abilities and conditions and the need to be clear when dealing with…

Iain Wilson

I have worked in Social Care and Social Work for over 30 years and am a Qualified Social Worker. I currently work as the SDS Manager for the ILF Scotland Transition Fund. My wife and I are also specialist foster carers, working with children and young people with complex needs.…

Want to learn more?

If you want to learn more about our charity and perhaps get involved, please contact Stephen Oliver stephen@sdsforthvalley.org or send an email to info@sdsforthvalley.org