A Leith-based social enterprise is scaling its efforts to improve access to psychological support, offering trauma-informed and neuro-inclusive services for individuals, families and workplaces.
Shore Psychology, founded by senior clinical psychologist Dr Amy Homes, delivers evidence-based therapies, ADHD and autism assessments, as well as training and consultancy from a purpose-designed centre overlooking the waterfront. The service aims to address gaps in traditional systems, particularly for those who face barriers in accessing timely and appropriate care.
Dr Homes brings extensive experience in trauma-informed practice across public, statutory and third-sector settings, including work connected to Scotland’s national trauma-informed programmes. This expertise underpins Shore Psychology’s ethos, which reframes mental health challenges from “what’s wrong with me?” to “what’s happened to me?”.
Operating as a Community Interest Company, the organisation reinvests any surplus into community provision. It works in partnership with charities including Multi-Cultural Family Base and Crew 2000, supporting individuals who may otherwise struggle to access psychological services.
In its first year, Shore Psychology has grown into a female-led team of 28 healthcare professionals, including clinical psychologists and allied specialists. The organisation now supports adults, children, young people, families, groups and workplaces, with demand rising across all service areas, particularly workplace wellbeing.
Alongside its clinical work, Shore Psychology provides training and consultancy to charities, public bodies and private sector organisations. Its programmes cover trauma-informed practice, neurodiversity awareness, stress management, resilience in trauma-exposed roles, navigating difficult conversations and creating psychologically safe working environments.
To complete the fit-out of its Leith centre, Dr Homes secured a £20,000 loan through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, with support from DSL Business Finance. The funding enabled the creation of a trauma-informed environment, including carefully designed therapy rooms and a dedicated training space for group work and organisational learning.
Dr Amy Homes, founder and director of Shore Psychology, said: “Around one in three people will experience trauma at some point in their lives, yet many face challenges in getting the timely, appropriate support they need, particularly when it comes to neurodivergence. We wanted to create a service that feels accessible, grounded in evidence-based care and shaped by a real understanding of people’s experiences.
“The funding helped us bring that vision to life. It meant we could design a space that reflects trauma-informed principles and helps people feel safe from the moment they arrive.”
With demand continuing to grow, Dr Homes plans to expand Shore Psychology’s reach through new charity partnerships and further investment in community-based care. The organisation is also seeking a small number of strategic corporate partnerships with businesses that share its commitment to widening access to psychological support.
Louise McCoy, Managing Director of Start Up Loans Products at the British Business Bank, said: “Shore Psychology represents a forward-thinking approach to mental health care, combining clinical expertise with a strong social mission. By working closely with local communities and charity partners, Dr Homes and her team are helping to improve access to support and strengthen how mental health services are delivered. We’re proud to support such an impactful organisation.”
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Since its launch in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided £12.5 million to business owners in the City of Edinburgh. Across Scotland, the programme has delivered 8,900 loans worth £90 million to smaller businesses.
Leigh Lawrie, loan officer at DSL Business Finance, added: “It was a pleasure to work with Amy on this. What she is building through Shore Psychology is incredibly important, creating more accessible, trauma-informed psychological support for people who may otherwise struggle to get the help they need. We were pleased to support Amy in bringing that vision forward and helping the business establish a space and service that will make a real difference in the community.”
