Inverness celebration for people who have won battles with drug, alcohol and mental health problems
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AN event celebrating recovery from drug, alcohol and mental health problems will be held in Inverness this Saturday.
It is the first time Recovery Walk Scotland has been staged in the Highland capital.
The event is designed to draw attention to the work being done in Inverness and the Highlands to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol related harm and demonstrate commitment from those in recovery.
Organisations involved include Scottish Recovery Consortium, Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (HADP), Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, and See Me – the national programme to end mental health discrimination.
The event starts at Inverness Cathedral with a public memorial service for those who have lost loved ones.
A route through the city will culminate at the Northern Meeting Park.
Hundreds of walkers will include public health minister Joe Fitzpatrick, who will address the gathering.
Deborah Stewart, HADP co-ordinator, said: “Promoting recovery is central to all our work. Many people in Highland can and do recover from drug, alcohol and mental health problems.
"Knowing that people recover sends hope to families and communities and encourages people who may be struggling with problems to come forward for help.
“A group of people from across Highland with lived experience has worked exceptionally hard to bring the walk to Inverness and give it a definite Highland flavour.
"A public memorial service for those who have lost loved ones will be followed by a procession through the city to the Recovery Village in the Northern Meeting Park where participants can enjoy music by folk-rock band Torridon. Other attractions include a pipe band, activities for families and food, all delivered for free to participants. We want as many people as possible to join us for what will be a really positive and great day out.”
HADP will be wearing 'People First’ and ‘Language Matters’ T-Shirts as part of its local campaign to tackle stigma – which can be a barrier to recovery.
Jardine Simpson, chief executive of The Scottish Recovery Consortium, said: “With this year’s drug deaths, alcohol deaths and suicides standing at record highs it is imperative we all get together; no matter our role in society, no matter where we come from to show our collective will to make fundamental changes to supporting our society’s most vulnerable to leave their distress and embark on their own journey of recovery.
“We have taken Recovery Walk Scotland 2019 to its mostly northerly location this year to show recovery is happening all over Scotland with recovery communities and people with lived experience helping people into recovery and helping each other to develop and build positive, contributing lives. These compassionate communities create hope, genuine recovery opportunities and lead to healthier and better connected local Scottish communities. So please join us, show your support, play your part in making Scotland’s response to its most vulnerable a more effective and compassionate one.”
