The charitable foundation of St Mirren Football Club has joined forces with a leading residential rehab centre to create a new space for people recovering from alcohol and substance use issues.
Abbeycare, which runs the rehab facility in Erskine, is offering weekly drop-in sessions at St Mirren’s SMiSA Stadium.
The three-hour ‘Abbeycare Buddies’ sessions - which references the club's nickname - will provide a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment for people local to Paisley and surrounding areas to access recovery-focused interventions.
PARTNERSHIP
The new hub, delivered in partnership with the Foundation and funded by Renfrewshire Council, aims to support people struggling with a range of addictions and mental health issues. A range of activities are also offered in partnership with other local organisations, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions.
Gayle Brannigan, CEO of the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, said: “Recovery is an area we have always been very passionate about. We appreciate that most people’s lives will have been impacted by addiction, whether that be directly or indirectly, all of us know someone who has lived with or is living with the illness.
“For the Foundation, it has been important to find a recovery partner whose ethos is fully aligned with ours, and who we feel offers a variety of holistic therapies and expertise post-detox. We have definitely found this with Abbeycare in Erskine.
“We are very excited about the format of Abbeycare Buddies. The Wednesday night sessions are unique and vibrant, and will be held in a safe and welcoming space here at the stadium.
OPPORTUNITIES
“In addition to Renfrewshire Council, we give huge thanks to our very own Patron Saint Ken Mearns, who personally donated funds to kick-start the project, as recovery is a subject very close to his heart.”
Laura Howat, head of mental health, learning disability and alcohol and drugs recovery services at Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said the development will “enhance the range of recovery opportunities” for people across Renfrewshire.
Everyone who attends a session will be given the opportunity to share their own experiences with the group, and receive support and advice from the Abbeycare team. Attendees can also become volunteers for the project, developing their own personal and professional skills in a supportive environment.
Read the full story at healthandcare.scot
Find out more about the Foundation at smfcfoundation.co.uk
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