Where It Began
Early Intervention began as an idea in 2019, inspired by local mum Linda Lumsden’s experiences following her son’s autism diagnosis. Independent Speech and Language Pathologist Lara Goldie supported its early development before COVID delayed launch. Social care professional Amanda Nicolson joined in 2021, helping to bring those early plans to life.
Its development brought together lived experience, professional knowledge and a shared understanding of the barriers families face.
After Lara moved overseas in 2022, Linda continued to develop and deliver Early Intervention, leading its planning and day-to-day operations, while Amanda continues to oversee the accounts. Alongside lived experience, Linda’s work is informed by postgraduate study in education, autism, law and dispute resolution.
Lived experience alongside professional knowledge
Linda & Amanda
Amanda met Linda while they were both studying at university, and they shared a belief that everyone can flourish when given the right support, resources and opportunities — including those many of us can take for granted. That shared outlook became part of the values behind Early Intervention. Linda has continued to develop and lead the group, while Amanda’s ongoing oversight of the accounts has supported its development and growth.
Lara Goldie — Speech and Language Pathologist
Linda first met Lara, an Independent Speech and Language Pathologist, in early 2019, before her son's autism diagnosis. Lara worked with him twice weekly and also supported staff within his setting. She later helped Linda develop the early idea for Early Intervention and, when the group began delivering activities, ran its first children's sessions. Lara continued to support Early Intervention until moving overseas in 2022.
Nadine Allan — Music Therapist
Our collaboration with Nadine and ELM Music Therapy became an important part of the group’s first programme of therapeutic opportunities. During COVID, when many face-to-face NHS services for children had been suspended, we worked together to create opportunities for children to access music therapy in a supportive environment. The response from families helped demonstrate the value of accessible, community-based opportunities and influenced how our provision continued to grow.
Turning the idea into opportunities
Securing early funding from The National Lottery Fund Scotland helped turn the original idea into practical opportunities that could be delivered for local children and families.
From a small idea to a growing community
Early Intervention began with a simple aim — to create more strengths-based opportunities for children with disabilities and Additional Support Needs and their families.
Parent support groups began in 2021, followed by children's activities in 2022, starting with small-group speech and language and music therapy sessions.
As families told us they needed more, provision grew to include school holiday programmes, developmental opportunities, exclusive venue hires, family events and community partnerships.
As the community grew, parents and carers became increasingly involved — volunteering, fundraising and helping create opportunities for other families.
We don't have paid staff or premises. Our resources are stored in volunteers' homes and transported to each event. What we do have is a community of families, volunteers, professionals, local organisations and supporters working together to create more opportunities for local children and families.
From recognising the gap to the community today
What began as a response to one family’s experiences has developed into sustained community provision supporting hundreds of local children and families.
Recognising the gap
Lived experience highlighted how difficult it could be for families to access appropriate support and inclusive opportunities.
Bringing the idea to life
Early plans began taking shape, with parent support and the foundations for future community provision.
Therapy for children
Small-group speech and language and music therapy helped turn the original idea into direct opportunities for children and families.
Growing our community
With activities continuing to reach capacity, the range of opportunities available to children and families expanded.
More opportunities & partnerships
New partnerships with local organisations, professionals and venues helped us offer an even wider range of inclusive experiences.
Hundreds of families reached
Demand remained consistently high, with hundreds of children and families accessing activities and experiences throughout the year.
Our community today
A volunteer-led community shaped by families, partnerships and the people who continue to make it possible.