Donna Lawrie

Gypsy/Traveller Mental Health & Wellbeing Worker

Donna joined MECOPP in 2015 and became the Gypsy/Traveller Development Worker responsible for supporting Gypsy/Traveller carers and their families in Edinburgh and the Lothians. In June 2021 she joined the Community Health Team as the Mental Health & Wellbeing Development Worker.

Donna’s role is to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the Gypsy/Traveller community and to support their participation in accredited mental health training. She is also developing a range of accessible resources with and for the community to raise awareness of specific issues in relation to mental health and wellbeing. She will be supporting community engagement with planners, policy makers and service providers. Donna will also be working with the NHS, local authorities, and other relevant agencies to ensure Gypsy/Travellers are provided with appropriate services.

Prior to working with MECOPP, Donna worked as a Youth Development Worker with young Gypsy/Travellers across Scotland and also worked for a charity supporting young people involved in the criminal justice system.