The Faces of Transition

Callum Hutchison was born and raised in a very challenging environment in Glasgow’s east end. His early life was one of trauma which resulted in low aspiration, exclusion, fear, addiction and crime. Both as a perpetrator and victim, Callum was no stranger to violence and prison was a regular destination for him. Life changing interventions from people and organisations he thought would be the last to help him has resulted in Callum turning his life around.

Gordon is regularly instructed as defence counsel across the full gamut of criminal practice, including trials and appeals. He is held in high respect for his no-nonsense practical approach coupled with his eloquent oratory and dexterity in interpreting key relevant facts of a case. Together these skills ensure Gordon's reputation as a well instructed and feared opponent at the Criminal Bar.

Maree Todd grew up in the West Highlands, attending Ullapool High School and then studying pharmacy and prescribing at Robert Gordon's and Strathclyde, as well as taking an ante-natal teaching diploma at the University of Bedfordshire. A pharmacist by profession, Todd worked in NHS Highland for 20 years, mainly as a mental health pharmacist in a psychiatric hospital. She also contributed to SIGN guidance on perinatal mental health.

Dr Vanessa Collingridge is an award-winning broadcaster, writer and academic specialising in science, environment and history. She has lived and worked on all 7 continents, with numerous books and credits including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 & 5, ABC, Discovery and The History Channel. Vanessa believes passionately in the value of communication to break down social, cultural and intellectual barriers.

Ewan is CEO of Cyrenians, a charity tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. Born in Dunfermline, Ewan has over 30 years’ experience working in the public and third sectors. Alongside his position at Cyrenians, he holds a number of roles, including: co-chair of the Edges of Care workgroup for the Independent Review of Care; member of the Scottish Governments Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans Delivery Group; member of the Regional Council of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Regional Deal. In 2018, he received the SCVO Charity Awards Leading Light Award.

Diane leads on the strategic development and delivery of the SCCR and is passionate about developing collaborative and supportive relationships to ensure the SCCR as a national initiative, brings about positive change for families and young people across Scotland. She has a first class honours degree in Social Policy, a diploma in Criminology and achieved certification in Leadership and Management. Diane trained and qualified as a mediator and practiced for over 16 years and has a proven track record of professional expertise, an experienced mediation trainer and has supported and supervised other mediators.

Natalie Young began her journey in her field in 1997 when she trained as a mediator and used her skills to help people build better relationships, externally, with others. In 2014 Natalie trained as a yoga teacher and now uses yoga philosophy to help people have better relationships with themselves, internally, then others. Creating strong bodies, beautiful minds and grateful hearts.