Gráinne Smith has worked for several years on the Eating Disorder Association helpline as a volunteer, putting to good use her training and experience as a former Samaritan. During that time she has spoken to hundreds of carers and sufferers as well as to many professionals.
A founder member, now chairperson, of NEEDS Scotland (North East Eating Disorder Support) and a member of the Mental Health group that developed the Scottish Executive Health Department framework document for eating disorders services in Scotland, she has also taken part in Mental Health and Well-being Support Group visits to health boards and presented a petition on eating disorders to the Scottish Executive. She currently works to raise awareness of how poor mental health affects whole families while good mental health underpins physical well-being.
During a long career in primary education, including nine years as head teacher of Fyvie Nursery and Primary School, Aberdeenshire, she enjoyed working with whole families and children aged from 3 to 12. As a writer, Gráinne has had short stories and poems published in magazines and anthologies; while working with Grampian Region she helped write and present courses for teachers and head teachers; she has also written many educational materials including coordinating and contributing to the pack ‘‘Fyvie Castle – Its Life and Legends’’.