About Us
Upmo provides tailored support and opportunities for young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We help them develop life skills, build confidence and achieve their potential by providing a diverse range of creative, educational and social activities to take part in.
Mission
Every week, we encourage our students to build confidence, use imagination and develop life skills through music, drama, art, IT & digital and other expressive and physical activities. We also offer trainee placements as part of our growing work experience programme.
Our Vision
An inclusive society where adults with learning disabilities and autism can thrive.
Our Mission
We provide personalised support and opportunity to a community of adults by working together to develop confidence and learn skills to reach their individual goals and ambitions.
Commitment
At Upmo, we know that having the right support services is crucial to the wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities – and gives peace of mind to their families and carers.
We can help you and your family navigate the challenges of transition. And because our unique model combines support services with learning opportunities, we can also transform everyday support into a rewarding life-enhancing experience.
Locations
Upmo’s headquarters are in Leith, where students participate in Creative Art, Multimedia and IT Workshops. Also in Edinburgh is our space in St Margaret’s House, which focuses on Performing Arts, Upmo Retail and Music workshops and student café. Our sites in East Lothian and Midlothian provide a range of these activities to locally based students.
We work with Edinburgh Leisure to deliver our community café and employability initiative, Upmo Eat, from 3 of their leisure centre sites at Leith Victoria, Drumbrae and Ainslie Park. Upmo Grow provides outdoor learning opportunities from our garden at The Inch Nursery in Edinburgh.
Senior Leadership Team
Meet our Senior Leadership Team, who manage our team to deliver our mission and goals as a charity.
Claire Farquhar
Alan Smart
Mark Smith
Managers
Jonathan Price – Gorebridge & Prestonpans
Anna Hurtado – St Margarets
Krishnan Balasubramanian
Craig Batstone
Lisa Morrison
Board of Trustees
Our board of trustees is responsible for the governance of the charity. All trustees work in a voluntary capacity to further the aims and objectives of Upmo. We’re proud to have parents of students on the board, as well as experts in areas that every forward-thinking organisation needs.
Nasir Ali
Sonya Campbell Perry
Paul Atkinson
Richard Snodgrass
Jean Heath
Donna Petrie