chief executive officer - Beth MACKENZIE

Beth started working at Feeling Strong in May 2023. Beth’s skills, knowledge and experience benefit from a combination of work across the education and charitable sector. She trained as a teacher in inclusion for children and young people with additional support needs, before being awarded a scholarship to study MSc Inclusive Education at The University of Edinburgh. Beth has supported children and young people in different settings and organisations, working within person-centred and corporate teams across the UK. She is incredibly passionate about supporting, and championing, children and young people by providing experiences and opportunities that are safe, friendly, inclusive and accessible to enable others to feel comfortable and confident in telling their story. In 2024, Beth was selected for the The Young Women's Movement #30Under30 List.

Community & learning coordinator - Louise lumsden

Louise has been a member of Feeling Strong since 2022 and graduated from Abertay University with a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology in 2023. Louise was first introduced to the charity while on a 3 month student placement which led her to taking on a temporary role as Peer Listening Officer in the Recovery & Support Workstream, before stepping into her current role. She is passionate about taking steps to improve youth mental health and wellbeing and helping young people to identify their own paths and achieve their hopes, goals and aspirations. From both personal and professional experience, Louise believes there is great value attached to peer support, skill building and finding ways to look after yourself while on your own mental health journey! 

RECOVERY & SUPPORT COORDINATOR - EMMA DEANS

Emma has recently joined the Feeling Strong team as the new Recovery and Support Coordinator! She was first introduced to the charity when she took part in the 2020 Dundee University Mountain and Road Riding Club fundraiser and has done various other fundraising events for mental health charities.

Emma has a background in the charity sector with a focus on community, workplace and school engagement, and has helped young people grow in confidence with active travel and getting active for mental health. She is passionate about providing opportunities for all and ensuring there is support in place for everyone who is involved with Feeling Strong. 

When she’s not in the hub you’ll find her outside in the hills, riding a bike, or dipping in the sea for some cold water therapy! Emma is a big believer of getting active and spending time doing what you love for your mental health and wellbeing.

CAMPAIGNS & CONTENT corrdinator - CAITLYN BANNATYNE

Caitlyn graduated from Abertay University with BA Hons in Computer Arts with a background in illustration, comics and printmaking. Caitlyn was a member of the First Minister’s Reading Challenge Advisory Group in 2016 and started working with young people by chairing the Youth Advisory Group for the same project in 2017. She worked with the Abertay University Student's Association on developing a mental health charter in partnership with the university and interned at V&A Dundee working with media and marketing. Caitlyn has experienced mental health services in Glasgow and Dundee and is passionate about championing safe spaces with creative practices supporting positive mental health and wellbeing. 

peer outreach coordinator - Bethany McDonald

Having recently joined the Feeling Strong team, Bethany is really excited and keen to help promote positive mental health and wellbeing within the Dundee community. Being born and brought up in Dundee, this is something that means a great deal to Bethany, and she is a big believer in the benefits of providing opportunities for young people to try new things and be creative in a space with other like-minded individuals. 

Bethany has a background in 1-1 peer mentoring with MCR Pathways, and will be utilising her skills learned from her personal and professional experience to provide a safe-space for young people to chat and seek advice on a 1-1 basis within the Whitfield/surrounding community in Dundee.

peer listening & RESOURCES officer - Errin Mathieson

Errin has been a volunteer with Feeling Strong since March 2019 and is currently studying Community Education at the University of Dundee. Errin has been passionate about promoting positive mental health and wellbeing awareness ever since she realised there was a gap in Dundee’s mental health services, and believes that Feeling Strong can make a long-lasting, positive impact on the Dundee community.

CO-CHAIR - JOELY NICOL

Joely is a trainee Cognitive Behaviour Therapist working at the University of St Andrews within the Student Services team. She is a graduate of the University of Dundee, where she was a sabbatical officer and trustee focusing on wellbeing and mental health campaigns. She is passionate about supporting young people thrive and to meet their full potential in any environment.

TReasurer - SCOTT FERGUSON

Scott is a Project Management professional, specialising in Project Controls, with a focus on planning, scheduling, and cost & budget control. He possesses experience delivering largescale capital projects & programmes, spanning a number of industries & sectors. Scott is a strong advocate for the promotion of wellbeing, both physical & mental, and has held positions as a behavioural safety trainer and wellbeing officer within industry. He is passionately keen to draw on his experience to assist & empower Feeling Strong to provide the best platform possible to safely & effectively support young people of all needs & backgrounds to thrive.

TRUSTEE - EMMA GORDON

Emma came to Scotland over a decade ago for university and has since made Dundee her home. Her background is in public health, and she is particularly interested in all aspects of mental health from prevention to crisis work.  Although in her current role she supports charities within the third sector, she has worked with young people in the past, particularly talking about substance use, relationships and sexual health. She has particular focus and experience with young people with additional support needs and wants to ensure that people have access to the support that suits them and not just what works for the majority.