Lifelines Scotland

Our project

We’re a national NHS project, hosted by the Rivers Centre in NHS Lothian, and are proud to be working with government, statutory, voluntary and charitable partners to support the wellbeing of the emergency service staff and volunteers in Scotland.

Below you’ll find out about who we are, our history, and the support we offer. You can also take a look at our Prospectus to learn more about our work to date.
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Gill at conferenceplay button
At our 2023 conference, Gill described the journey that has informed the project aims and content.

Who we are

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Gill Moreton

PROJECT LEAD
Gill is project and clinical lead for Lifelines Scotland. She has worked with children and adults affected by trauma since 1991. She joined the Rivers Centre team in 2002 and has led the Centre’s work with emergency service staff since 2005. Gill is a clinician, supervisor and trainer and acts as a consultant to the Scottish Government.
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Paula Easton

PROJECT LEAD
Paula has been involved in the project since it launched in 2016. She is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked with adults affected by trauma since 2004 when she joined the Rivers Centre team.  Paula has extensive experience of working with emergency service staff and those in high risk roles. She is a clinician, supervisor, trainer and consultant.
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Katie Chilvers

PSYCHOLOGY ASSISTANT
Katie joined the team in 2023 after completing her masters degree in clinical psychology at Newcastle University. She also works as a support practitioner in the Scottish Borders for adults with complex mental health needs and she hopes to continue building her career within the discipline of psychology.
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Stephen Penny MBE

TRAINING ADVISOR VOLUNTEERS
Steve joined the team in 2021. He has been a volunteer emergency responder with Scottish Mountain Rescue (and the Tweed Valley MRT based in Melrose) for over 30 years (started 1991) and is currently National Wellbeing Officer (in a voluntary capacity). He retired from the Forestry Commission in 2020 after a career spanning over 35 years.
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Paul Weatherburn

TRAINING ADVISOR FIRE
Paul joined the team in 2021  He served in the military for 11 years where he first became an instructor. He thereafter served in the Police for 23 years, qualifying as a National Firearms Instructor. He also coordinated the Buddy peer support group for Lothian and Border Police Firearms Units for 7 years.
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Leni Rademacher

TRAINING ADVISOR POLICE
Leni joined the team in 2021. She is a qualified Social Worker who worked in the field of Children and Families, child protection and training for over 25 years. She has worked closely with Police Scotland both in protecting children and delivering staff training. In 2019, Leni become an Independent Consultant and Trainer.
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James Evett

TRAINING ADVISOR AMBULANCE/POLICE
James joined the Lifelines team in 2022 after serving 23 years in the military. His roles within the military covered regimental welfare support, including Regimental Nurturing team leader at the infantry training centre. James has spent 20 years leading, mentoring and training infantry soldiers.
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Eliz MacIntosh

TRAINING ADVISOR AMBULANCE
Eliz joined the team in 2022 after a long career in education, both as a teacher and Child Protection Officer with Highland Council. She has been with the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team for over 14 years and is their Wellbeing Officer. Eliz has also been a First Responder for the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Our History

Fountainbridge library building

1998

Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress starts working with emergency service staff.

People at a training session

2016

The Scottish Government funds the team at the Rivers Centre to develop Lifelines Scotland for volunteer responders organisations.

Screen from the road trip

2017

Online learning module, the Staying Well Road Trip is created 

Group photo at launch

2020

Lifelines becomes a resource for the whole emergency service community in Scotland.

The support we offer


If you need support urgently, try one of the national services listed in Find help or go to Your Lifelines service page.

Our advice and support page provides a gateway to a wide range of information. We also have more resources such as our Lifelines quick guides and a selection of music, books and films that we hope you’ll enjoy! 

Our training is designed to meet the needs of the emergency service community in Scotland. You’ll find lots that is relevant to you, your colleagues and family. As a starter, you can take our Staying Well Road Trip yourself or with your team.
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Advice & Support
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Our Training
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Take our Staying Well Road Trip

Our funders...

Scottish government logopolice scotland logoSPA logoScottish ambulance service logoSFRS logofire fighters charity logo

Our partners...

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The Lifelines Scotland project supports the health and wellbeing of all emergency responders.
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