Originally from India, I bring a global perspective to the team. My passion for public health led me to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Edinburgh. During my studies, I honed strong research skills that will be invaluable in my role as Project Development Officer. Additionally, my dissertation focused on…

Mark joined Fast Forward in 2017, lured by the challenge of developing the Ask Dad project. Ask Dad focuses on dads and the positive role they have in their children’s lives. Mark grew up in Torry, Aberdeen, and, after completing a degree in Cultural History, moved to Edinburgh in 1999. In 2003, Mark ventured to…

Laura was born in Fife and now lives in Bonnyrigg. She has a degree in Community Learning and Development from Dundee University. She joined the Fast Forward team in July 2014. Laura’s involvement in youth work began with attending local groups as a teenager. She eventually volunteered with youth clubs and moved on to working…

Jill began working with young people after transitioning from a youth member to youth leader for her local youth group back home in Canada. Through this, she discovered a great passion for young people’s mental health and wellness which led her to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with Honours. Jill merged this passion with…

Jamie was raised on the east coast of Canada and moved to the UK 10 years ago. Jamie’s first passion is music, and on the lucky chance of playing a gig in Scotland, he fell in love with Edinburgh and decided to make it his permanent home. After completing his first degree in Hospitality and…

Fran was born in Worcestershire.  She taught English in Thailand right after school which set her on a path to want a career working with children and young people. She moved to Scotland for university in 2008 and fell in love with Scotland so much she decided she didn’t want to leave. On the completion…

Farrah was raised in Texas and moved to the UK just over a decade ago to complete a postgraduate degree in Islamic Studies and Humanities. Soon after she moved to Edinburgh to study Inclusive and Special Education at Moray House. Farrah has over twelve years of experience supporting young people, families and educators through her…

Donna was born in Edinburgh and graduated with a BA in Youth and Community Work in 1990. As a Project Officer within the Scottish Gambling Education Hub, Donna has been with Fast Foward since November 2018 and leads work with the parent and carer sector. Donna has a wide range of experience within the community,…

Originally from the Scottish Borders, Ande now lives in Midlothian. Ande has a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health, both from Queen Margaret University. Ande’s most recent dissertation project focused on how primary education students in Scotland are prepared to deliver comprehensive sex education in Scottish schools. Despite focusing on…

Amie began her five month placement in September, joining the team as a Project Intern. During this time, she will be conducting a mini-research project, focusing primarily on the influence of peer pressure and how this informs consent. Alongside this project, she will also be gaining experience by shadowing colleagues across the organisation.