About us

Over the last 35 years we have grown and developed our accommodation service and acquired additional services. This was done in alignment with West Lothian Councils policies and strategic development. The Craigshill Supported Accommodation Project, based in Livingston is staffed 24 hours a day and provides accommodation for 10 homeless single people, aged 16-26 years.

Our History

Open Door Scotland has been a part of the West Lothian Community for 35 years. The organisation was initially formed in 1986 by members of the community who were concerned with the numbers of young people sleeping rough in West Lothian. Emergency access supported accommodation specifically for young people was opened in the Craigshill area of Livingston. This was originally funded by local and regional councils, but is now almost fully funded by West Lothian Council.

What we do

Our Mission

We provide safe, stable accommodation and consistent relationship-based support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We create a person-centered pathway from crisis to independence - so that every person has the foundation to thrive.

Our Vision

Every young person in Scotland has a home, and the stability, opportunities, and confidence to shape their own future.

Our Purpose

To ensure every young person facing homelessness or housing instability has the home, tools, and the opportunity they need to build an independent and fulfilling life.

Our Aims

Open Door Scotland exists to support young people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless for a variety of reasons, e.g. family breakdown, social, practical, behavioural and emotional problems. Open Door Accommodation Project aims to:

Support young people in the short term, working towards longer-term, sustainable independent living and improved life chances.

Provide a flexible and innovative service to the population of youth homelessness; actively promote, encourage and highlight the needs of young homeless people and work in partnership with our funders and community towards addressing any needs identified.

Provide an environment that supports and encourages freedom of choice and promotes the learning process towards sustainable, independent living.
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Our Values

In today’s world of work, being employed isn’t just about having a job: it’s part of a person’s value system. It’s essential that company core values chime with employees’ values to maintain an engaged workforce. So what exactly are they?

Our Values

Our Team

Liss Owen

CEO

Hello, I'm Liss. I joined Open Door Scotland as CEO in January 2026, bringing a background that winds through chemistry teaching, data coaching, and local government; three worlds that all taught me the same thing: people thrive when someone believes in them and the right support is in place at the right time.

As CEO, I look after the strategic direction of the charity - working with our board, our funders, and our brilliant staff team to make sure every young person who comes through our doors gets consistent, high-quality support, and growing our reach so we can be there for even more young people who need us. Day to day, that means everything from shaping how we measure the difference we make, to supporting our teams on the ground, to making the case for young people in West Lothian wherever decisions about them are being made.

What I love most about this job is the team. Watching skilled, compassionate people build trust with young people who've often had every reason not to trust anyone - that never stops being remarkable.

Outside work, you'll find me cycling through my 100s of hobbies: running through fields with my cocker spaniel, playing guitar, theatre and stand-up, community politics, tennis, crafts, and skateboarding. Never bored, occasionally bruised.

Our Staff

Andrew

Services Manager

Hello,

My name is Andrew. I am the Services Manager at Open Door Scotland, I ensure all our services are excellent in meeting the needs of our users.

I am here because I believe in the work, we do and the difference that can be made. I have also faced adversity growing up and would like to support as many people as I can to overcome. I am passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to achieve their goals.

Outside of work I am also a counsellor, as I enjoy meeting people from different walks of life and being there for them. I also enjoy pottery, gaming, gardening, and being a husband.

Claire Neill

Fundraising Officer

Hi, I am Claire and I am Open Door’s Fundraising Officer. I help secure money for us to run services for young people and also for things that they might need when they move into their first home.

I have been working for various charities for nearly twenty years, and my favourite part is seeing people change their lives and get through hard things like homelessness, growing up in the care system or overcoming addiction. I always have total hope for all the service users I get to know, no matter the circumstances they might be in.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and teenage daughters, and our two dogs, Parsnip and Spud. I also love meeting new people- the quirkier the better!

Réna

Administrator

Hi, my name is Réna, and I work as the administrator at Open Door Scotland.

I assist the staff in their roles supporting young people, building positive relationships, solving problems, and keeping systems running smoothly behind the scenes.

I take pride in being detail oriented, organised and approachable, ensuring both colleagues and young people receive efficient and compassionate support.

I combine my friendly, people focused approach with a strong commitment to accuracy and teamwork, which allows me to contribute meaningfully to Open Door’s vision. I am passionate about making a difference and supporting an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Outside of work, I love having my dog, Alfie, take me for a walk and spending time with friends. My secret passion is building Lego!

Claire Morrin

Team Leader

Hello, My name is Claire. I am one of the Team Leaders at Open Door Scotland, I ensure all our staff are guided and inspired to provide the best support possible to our young people.

I am passionate about my role as a Team Leader as it allows me to support and empower both young people and the staff who help them achieve positive outcomes. Seeing individuals build confidence, develop independence, and move towards a more stable future motivates me to lead with compassion, purpose, and dedication every day.

Outside of work I like to walk my dog on nature trails, spend time with my family, partner, and friends. I am also a big cinema/movie buff, and I love being a mum to my son.

Jordin

Team Leader

Hello I’m Jordin and I’m proud to be a Team Leader at Open Door Scotland, where I’ve spent the past three years supporting young people aged 16–25. Many of the young people we work with are facing real challenges whether that’s homelessness, care experienced or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who have arrived in Scotland seeking safety and a new beginning.

I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard and respected to be able to move forward. Within the team I actively encourage open communication, reflection and shared learning, ensuring everyone feels confident and supported in their roles. Together, we focus on delivering high-quality person-centered support that meets each young person’s individual needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors whether that’s going for long walks or runs to stay active and recharge. I’m also a proud Papi to my wonderful grandaughter, who keeps me on my toes and brings a huge amount of joy and perspective to my life.

Elise

Project Worker

Hello, I’m Elise. I’m a Project Worker based within the supported accommodation and work with young people who need help increasing independent living skills and a helping hand to get ready to move into their own permanent tenancy. I believe in the work we do as every young person should be given opportunities to feel heard and supported.

I have experienced homeless myself and would like to bring my knowledge and skills forward, giving our young people the same opportunity to learn new skills, and get ready to prepare for independent living.

Outside of work, I am a social butterfly and spend a lot of my time with friends and family, I also love swimming, gaming and cooking.

Adam

Project Worker

Hi, I'm Adam! I work as a Project Worker at Open Door Scotland, where I support young people with housing, wellbeing, and building the skills and confidence they need to move towards independent living.

I've worked across the charity sector for over six years in a variety of roles, from frontline support to managing national projects and programs. What has always stayed the same is my passion for helping people overcome challenges and achieve things they didn't think were possible. Seeing a young person grow in confidence or reach a goal they've been working towards is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Outside of work, I'm a bit of a history nerd and enjoy gaming, especially strategy games. I'm also a big fan of live music, spending time with my fiancée, and generally finding any excuse to talk about films, politics, or Star Wars.

Olu

Project Worker

Hi, my name is Olumide, and I am a Project Worker with Open Door Scotland. I work alongside young people to develop their independent living skills, build confidence, and prepare for successfully moving into their own permanent tenancies.

I am passionate about supporting young people and believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel heard, valued, and empowered, and the performance of my role has been further strengthened by my social work training. This personal experience allows me to bring empathy, effective communication, and practical knowledge to my role, helping young people develop the skills they need to achieve their goals and live independently. I am committed to creating a supportive and positive environment where young people can grow, learn, and build a brighter future for themselves.

Outside of work, I volunteer with the youth teams in local churches, organize musical events, love to spend time with my family, and play table tennis for a healthy work-life balance.

Nana

Project Worker

Hi, I’m Nana! I work as a Project Worker at Open Door Scotland, where I support young people with housing, wellbeing, independent living skills, and achieving their personal goals. I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, overcome challenges, and feel supported as they move towards living independently. I enjoy creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels listened to and respected, no matter their background or circumstances.

Outside of work, I love playing football, swimming, and attending concerts. I also enjoy spending quality time with my kiddos, who keep me active, make me laugh, and remind me to appreciate the little things in life.

Maya

Support Worker

Hi, I’m Maya, a support worker at Open Door Scotland. I work alongside young people to develop independence, improve their wellbeing, and build the practical skills needed to maintain tenancies and achieve personal goals.

I am passionate about promoting choice, autonomy, and meaningful participation. I believe that young people should be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives, and I aim to ensure their voices are heard and, most importantly, respected.

Outside of work, I am a trustee for an addiction recovery charity, a cause close to my heart. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially if we are attending a live music event!

Darren

Support Worker

Hi, I'm Darren! I work as a Support Worker at Open Door Scotland, where I support young people within their own temporary or permanent tenancies. I help them develop independent living skills and reach personal achievements.

I am passionate about the support we provide young people within our service. Supporting them through the important moments that come with living on their own and advocating for them when required.

Outside of work, I love Warhammer and gaming, as well as spending time with my family.

Simba

Support Worker

Hi I’m Simba, a support worker at Open Door Scotland. I work alongside young people who are Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers.

I support them to develop independence, improve their wellbeing, apply for jobs, universal credit, housing applications, and education applications – as well as setting up their tenancy with gas and electricity, housing benefits, and much more. I enjoy this role as I am passionate about working with young people. They are the treasure of today and tomorrow. Working alongside UASC young people humbles me as I aim to inspire them having gone through a similar journey.

Outside of work, I am a licensed laity speaker in my church where I also lead the board of young adults. I also enjoy football and visiting family.

Annabelle

Outreach Officer

Hiya, I'm Annabelle. I work as an Outreach Officer at Open Door Scotland, where I support young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness.

I support young people with independent skills, like applying for jobs, UC, housing applications, and education applications. Setting up their temporary tenancy or permanent- with gas and electricity, housing benefits, etc.

I really enjoy this work as it allows me to advocate and help young people get to where they would like to be, support them to become independents adults and to get somewhere safe and secure.

Outside of work, I enjoy PC/ console gaming, painting my own nail art, and love spending time with my 4 fur babies and family

Lori

Outreach Officer

Hey! I'm Lori. I am one of the Community Outreach Officers at Open Door Scotland. In this role, I support young people in the community who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. I also present Open Door at events such as school assemblies to ensure all young people in West Lothian are aware of the support we can provide if they ever need it.

I really enjoy my work with young people and love seeing them improve their independent living skills.

Outside of work you will usually find me in the great outdoors – whether that is clay pigeon shooting, arranging flowers, or drystone walling in the Scottish borders.

Tracy

Outreach Officer

Hi, I’m Tracy and I work as an Outreach officer with Open Door Scotland supporting young people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless.

Within my role I support the young people with daily living skills, promoting their independence such as applying for their own tenancies, setting up their tenancy, managing finances and benefits.

I am passionate about the support the service provides and that young people have a voice and are heard.

Outside work I like to spend time with my family and friends. I am a proud granny of five grandsons who make me laugh and smile and bring so much joy into my life.

Our Board

Tony Holloran

Chair of Board

Tony Holloran serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Open Door Scotland, bringing legal expertise and a strong commitment to public service. A solicitor at a global commercial law firm, Tony is passionate about expanding opportunities for young people across Scotland.

His dedication is rooted in hands-on experience as a former Children’s Panel. Member within the Children’s Hearing System. As Chair, he works closely with a committed Board and staff team to ensure Open Door Scotland is well-governed, effective, and impactful.

In addition to his role with the charity, Tony also serves as a Tribunal Judge on the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland, reflecting his ongoing commitment to fairness and justice.

Kevin Coyle

Vice Chair

Kevin joined the board in late 2024 and provides a breadth of consulting experience across strategy, transformation, governance and risk with over 20 years in banking, latterly as a COO he brings extensive operational experience too.

I love that Open Door is able to not just support our clients but in doing so provide a platform for them from which to build and plan their futures; whether through education, vocational training or employment, with the guidance and support of our team that makes a real positive impact for years to come.

David Greaves

Treasurer

David joined the Board of Open Door in 2018, after a career working in West Lothian mainly for the Council in Planning and Economic Development.

David has long and varied experience of supporting the development of voluntary sector organisations, developing new innovative projects, employment and training initiatives and accessing funding to support new initiatives. David is committed to the work of Open Door particularly in through empowering young people to achieve their full potential.

Ailsa Graham

Board Member

Ailsa Graham joined the Open Door Scotland Board in May 2026. She brings over 20 years of senior marketing and communications leadership across financial services, government, and professional services, currently serving as Head of Brand and Channels at Tesco Insurance and Money Services.

Ailsa has held roles at Tesco Bank, the Scottish Government, and Ernst and Young and has held advisory positions with the Data and Marketing Association and The Marketing Society.

She is passionate about Open Door Scotland’s mission because she believes that people facing homelessness deserve to be treated with compassion and dignity, and that access to support is something everyone is entitled to.

Mark Thorley

Secretary

Mark is the Secretary of the Open Door Scotland Board. He was formerly a solicitor with his own litigation practice but now focusses on chairing tribunals and sitting as a part time sheriff.

His practice had a focus on young people and he has maintained an interest in helping young people.

Vince Bowles

Board Member

Vince is a Board member with Open Door Scotland and brings 13 years experience as a Community Outreach Worker with the former Lothian Region Social Work Department along with over 20 years, initially as a Training Officer and then as the Health and Safety/Facilities Manager with Scottish Autism before he retired.

Vince recognises the values and mission of Open Door Scotland as no young person should be at risk of homelessness and be able to have a safe home environment with the right to education and employment.

A volunteer with St.Andrew’s First Aid for 30 years, Vince has held a number of roles within it, including being a former Board Trustee.

About us

Our History

What we do

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Purpose

Our Aims

Our Values

Our Team

Liss Owen

Our Staff

Andrew

Claire Neill

Réna

Claire Morrin

Jordin

Elise

Adam

Olu

Nana

Maya

Darren

Simba

Annabelle

Lori

Tracy

Our Board

Tony Holloran

Kevin Coyle

David Greaves

Ailsa Graham

Mark Thorley

Vince Bowles

get in touch