For The Right Reasons charity in Inverness to close after 14 years of supporting people trying to conquer their drug or alcohol dependency
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An Inverness grassroots charity which has helped thousands of people trying to conquer their drug or alcohol dependency has closed its doors.
For The Right Reasons, based in Merkinch, was set up 14 years ago by Episcopal Church minister Richard Burkitt and GP Simon Harrison who were both keen cricketers.
When the team’s fast bowler failed to turn up for a match, they were shocked to learn he was probably out hunting for heroin.
As well as providing a support service, For The Right Reasons also developed a print and publishing social enterprise alongside a charity shop in Grant Street – and has often acted as a hub for the broader community.
But it is now being wound up with the numbers of those actively involved in running it having dwindled while Mr Burkitt (72) is retiring. The coronavirus pandemic has also placed its finances under strain.
Mr Burkitt said: "For The Right Reasons was set up because I was so worried about the drug situation which was terrible, and still is.
"Alcohol is one of the worst problems too.
"I feel that while For The Right Reasons has done much to help over the years, I think it is probably time that it was passed on to a different group."
Print shop manager and support worker Kevin Swanson joined the organisation 12 years ago when he was battling a heroin addiction.
Reflecting on its achievements, he said: "We have helped people who have moved on to do degrees, engineering, working offshore.
"We have also been a focal point in the community for a lot of other groups."
He said the charity had planned to start winding down for some time but the coronavirus pandemic had impacted on finances especially as it had relied on the print shop to provide between 70 and 80 per cent of its income.
At the same time, it provided vital food parcels and other items for people in the local community.
"We have been trying to clear the debts so we can properly wind up," said Mr Swanson, who estimated the current shortfall was about £6000.
"We are doing everything possible and that includes selling off the assets."
Mr Swanson said it was difficult to quantify the numbers the charity had helped over the years but estimated it was thousands.
"When someone feels recovered, they often disappear," he said. "You don’t know whether they are doing good or bad."
Mr Swanson, who is now starting nurse training, said it was also time for himself to move on.
He acknowledged that when For The Right Reasons first set up, it sometimes attracted criticism from others with its approach.
"When it started, people didn’t want to highlight the drug and alcohol problem in Merkinch," he said.
"There was a lot of opposition and people didn’t want to be involved.
"But we did get some amazing people involved."
The Lottery had also recognised its work and given funding.
Mr Swanson acknowledged the closure would leave a gap – and one which he believed had widened during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I have never seen such an alcohol pandemic due to what are now called functioning alcoholics," said Mr Swanson, who also believed the amount of drugs in the area had increased.
Mr Swanson described For The Right Reasons as a unique charity.
"I believe in Merkinch that something will come along after us," he said.
Anne Sutherland, manager of Merkinch Partnership, is working with the trustees of the charity which is set to be formally wound up this autumn but she said discussions were ongoing in a bid to safeguard the future of the shop and the print shop.
"For The Right Reasons is going to be missed," she said. "It has been such a good resource in the area."
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