About Geeza Break
30+ Years of Supporting Glasgow Families
About Geeza Break
Our Mission Statement
Geeza Break provides flexible, relationship based and holistic wraparound whole family support designed to meet the unique needs of disadvantaged families within the Northeast End of Glasgow. We are a 'grass roots' organisation embedded in the centre of the community offering 1 to 1 family support and group work for parents and carers, as well as a range of respite opportunities (sitting, overnight care, centre-based group work) for children from birth to 16 years of age.
Our Impact Statement
Families experiencing crises and adversity including addiction issues, food/fuel poverty, mental health, domestic violence and other complex needs, will gain, knowledge and understanding and an ability to build healthy coping strategies for the whole family. Overall, our intervention empowers families to lead more inclusive, active, and resilient lives, helping break the poverty and trauma cycle and improving their long-term health and wellbeing.
Our Values
Our core values and principles are in line with Health and Social Care Standards (2017), SSSC's Codes of Practice (2016) and in line with the 10 family support principles within The Promise, these are as follows:
- Accessibility – easily accessible service to all, removing barriers at the referral process.
- Participation – encouraging people to fulfil their potential and co-design support.
- Dignity & respect – human rights are respected and promoted.
- Equality and Diversity – a clear and equal rights policy.
- Privacy & confidentiality – as underpinned by the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Choice & Hope – providing families with hope for meaningful change.
- Health & Safety – ensuring safe environments for families and staff.
- Professionalism – committed staff providing co-developed services.
Geeza Break staff are provided weekly updates to legislation and guidance so we can provide the right people, in the right place, with the right skills, at the right time.
Duty of Candour
As a registered care provider in Scotland, Geeza Break is committed to the principles of the Duty of Candour. This legal duty, in place since April 2019, ensures openness and transparency by requiring organisations to inform individuals of serious adverse events, offer support, and reflect on lessons learned to improve future practice.
We are pleased to report that during 2024–25, no Duty of Candour notifications were required across our services. All staff receive training through the Scottish Social Services Council to maintain awareness and compliance with this duty.
For further information, please visit the Scottish Government Duty of Candour policy or the Care Inspectorate .
Board Members
Derek Sinclair
Chairperson
Trustee since 2009
Why I got involved: I wanted to support the local community and be involved in a great grassroots organisation that provides much needed practical support for children and families
My role: working alongside the CEO, my fellow Trustees and the Finance Officer to oversee the strategy, direction, and good governance of the organisation. Promoting the organisation and telling the impact of the services that support local people in the local northeast communities. Supporting fundraising activities.
What I like best: the variety involved in being part of such a long-standing organisation that really puts children, young people, and families at the heart of its services
For a break: Go to the football and spending quality time with my family
Nancy Ross
Trustee
Board member for 18 months
Geeza Break is a unique charity working with young people and families to facilitate change and empower them to reach their full potential. A small charity with a huge heart for the community.
I have worked with young people and families all my life. I was in teaching at various levels for 40 years working in areas of deprivation. I was blessed over the years to see young people transformed into amazing adults.
I was a trustee on the UK board for a Kenyan charity. I ran skills camps in Kenya for the young people and staff. Witnessing so many success stories♥️. Young people with a future!
I feel a real love for the east end community through the Charter, my church, and being part of this charity. I truly feel working together we can make a difference.
For a break: My fun times are with family and friends... 5 granddogs and 7 grandchildren. Doing lots of activities that certainly challenge and keep me fit... ish😂
Mark Mulholland
Treasurer
Treasurer for nearly 15 years
My role: I work closely with the CEO and Finance officer, reviewing budgets, cash flows and the up-to-date funding position of the charity. I also liaise with the auditors and ensure that the annual accounts properly reflect the financial position of the charity. I also work with the other Trustees, explaining the numbers at Board meetings and highlighting any financial matters that will allow the board to make decisions as a group.
What I like best: Having adopted two children nearly 25 years ago, I understood the challenges of bringing up a family and Geeza Break, naturally appealed to me. I enjoy working with numbers, and the fundraising team, to ensure the charity continues to thrive and prosper. I had the privilege of attending a recent Christmas Party with my Granddaughter and it was wonderful to see all of the children and their families having such great time and made the teams efforts seem so worthwhile.
For a break: I collect Lego and have a large collection. I find building models helps me relax and destress.
Elaine Mitchell
Trustee
Trustee for 6 years
I was born in Parkhead and, although I moved away from the area many years ago, I am a member of Parkhead Congregational Church.
This is where I first heard of the amazing work Geeza Break does with local families and offered the support of our church. Previously, I was involved with a charity helping children in foreign countries but, during Covid, I realised there were so many families needing support in Glasgow and, especially in the east end.
My role: to attend regular Board meetings, discuss all charity business, and to support the CEO and staff in any way possible.
What I like best: One of my favourite tasks is to help organise the Easter and Christmas parties for our families. It's a great opportunity to engage with service users, support staff, and have a fun day.
For a break: When I have free time, you will find me supporting Scotland at rugby matches or hand making craft items with my family, to raise funds for Geeza Break.
Geezabreak Staff
Gillian Middleton
Chief Executive Officer
Started: 7 October 2024
A bit of everything really! Strategic, operational, and organisational leadership and progression of the charity, supporting staff development, safeguarding & developing good practice as a registered, regulated health and social care organisation. Income generation, representing the organisation to external stakeholders, financial stewardship, service development, recruitment and working alongside the board of directors to support ongoing good governance.
Why I joined: Contributing to positive health, care and wellbeing outcomes of precious children, young people, and their families. Providing a service that is relied upon, valued, nurturing and person centred that makes a real difference.
For a break: I love live music — you can often find me singing and dancing along at a gig like nobody’s watching!
David Greenwood
Finance Officer
6 years since 2018
All things finance — making a difference every day.
For a break: I like to read when I get the chance; Agatha Christie is my favourite.
Emily Drummond
Respite Sitter & Sleep Counsellor
12 years since 2013
My role is to support families within the community. I work with the parents within the family home and group settings. I support the young children by giving them positive play experiences and also one to one support and guidance.
For a break: I enjoy taking my border collie Shadow to the dog park.
Maureen Connor
Respite Carer
10 years since 2015
I help and support families by providing overnight care in my home for children from ages 0 to 16 years. I spend quality one-to-one time with the children, do activities, and provide routine and stability during their respite stay.
Hobbies & fun facts: I enjoy spending time with my four grandchildren, walking, swimming, World War II history and cowboy movies.
Samantha Melrose
Senior Family Support Worker
9 years since 2016
Working alongside families helping them navigate the challenges of day-to-day life and parenthood, helping them get back on track. I also support other staff and assist the CEO with organisational needs.
For a break: When I'm not at work or being a mum I go to the gym.
Zaida Ahmed
Respite Sitter / Family Support Worker
11 years since 2014 (Respite Sitting); 1+ year in Family Support
I provide weekly four-hour respite sessions, taking children into the local community for positive play, museums, arts & crafts and activities planned around what the child wants. Family Support involves building relationships with the whole family.
Fun fact: I am a Certified IAIM Infant Massager.
For a break: I like spending time outside walking and with family.
Trisha Swan
Family Support Worker
2 years since May 2023
I support families to deal with challenges affecting wellbeing and stability, assessing needs and providing appropriate support and guidance.
For a break: I often book overnight stays somewhere new in the UK or abroad when I can.
Michele Moran
Family Support / Respite Sitter / Sleep Counsellor
12 years since 2013
I provide family support (visiting homes and helping with budgeting, applications and practical support), respite sitting (weekly/fortnightly 4-hour sessions) and sleep counselling (creating sleep plans from diaries).
Fun fact: I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and read all the books in 4 days.
Cathy McInally
P/T Senior Family Support Worker
20 years since 2005
My role has included family support and overseeing the family support / respite team and service delivery. Recently I reduced hours to part-time which gives me time for walking and climbing the odd hill.
Jack Anderson
Project Coordinator
3 years since 2022
Work closely with the Family Support team and Respite Team to coordinate the right support for each family. Day-to-day oversight of support provided and administrative support for services. Monitor and track support, provide stats for reports, support vetting and onboarding and sit on Health & Safety and Fundraising sub-groups.
What I like best: Seeing the difference the organisation makes.
For a break: Watch the 80s sitcom “Cheers”.
Brenda Crawford
Respite Sitter
3 years since 2022
Provide a 4 hour respite service taking children out for positive play — parks, soft play, museums or our community flat with sensory and toy rooms. Activities are planned around the child’s needs.
What I like best: Knowing I'm making a difference and seeing children play and make new friends.
For a break: I enjoy long walks with my dog and spending time with family.
Gerry (Geraldine)
Respite Carer
1 year since 2024
Provide overnight respite care in my home for children under 4, including dinner, playtime, bathtime and bedtime stories. Carers sometimes meet so children can play together.
What I like best: Helping families, building trust with parents and seeing children thrive.
For a break: I enjoy travelling and exploring new experiences — heading to Italy soon!
Patty Nelson
Young Persons Support Worker
13 years since 2012
I work with young people, listening and supporting them while following planned programmes that include group work and activity sessions.
What I like best: Geeza Break is local for me and I meet loads of young people. Seeing the change in them at the end of the programme is amazing, and we have a great staff team.
For a break: I love to relax or do something arty.
Want to Make a Difference?
Join us in supporting Glasgow families
Donate Now Volunteer With Us Make a Referral