STV shines a light on East Ayrshire Recovery Hub

Three members of East Ayrshire Recovery Network bravely appeared on STV news this month to share their incredible stories of recovery from addiction and hopes for the new East Ayrshire Recovery Hub.

David, Geoff and Terrie-Ann, who all have personal experience of addiction and recovery, spoke to STV’s Vanessa Taaffe, who was keen to hear about support available in East Ayrshire and to learn more about the new John Finnie Street Recovery Hub, which will open its doors next month.

We were delighted to be behind the scenes as all three recovery network members spoke with courage and dignity about the tremendous impact the support of the group has had on their lives.

Community Recovery Engagement Worker, David Spencer, spoke about finding recovery, friendship and employment through East Ayrshire Recovery Network, adding that the support he received has not only saved his life but has given him a life filled with hope and purpose:

"I’ve seen people in recovery change their lives, go into employment, get into relationships and get married.

It’s not just about saving lives; it’s about changing lives and giving people hope for the future.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have here. All members of the team are so passionate about what they do.”

Recovery Development Co-ordinator, Geoff Brown, seconded David’s comments, adding that the new recovery hub will provide people with the glimmer of hope that they often feel is long gone:

“One of the things I was lacking when I was going through addiction was hope. I felt there was no hope.

With the recovery hub, the community engagement workers and the East Ayrshire Recovery Network we can give people that hope.”

Recovery Hub Volunteer, Terrie Ann Barnes, then shared her incredible journey and her hopes for the future as one of the first volunteers for the new hub:

“I’ve been in recovery for two and half years and it’s become my passion to help other people.

Recovery isn’t something you can do alone. You need the support of others, as addiction can be very isolating.

I’m so excited to get started and be part of the solution. 

If one person can see me and say ‘well she did it’, then what I’ve been through hasn’t been for nothing.”

Neil Kerr, Chair of Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, said he wants the new East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, which is still under refurbishment, to show people that recovery is possible for anyone struggling with addiction and that, with the right support at the right time, lives can be saved:

“Every drug death is a tragedy. Our work is to make recovery normal, visible and something we can celebrate.

We’re determined that this hub will make a real and tangible difference.

Recovery is available, it’s achievable and it’s happening right now in East Ayrshire.”

East Ayrshire Recovery Network provides person-centred, compassionate and non-judgemental support to anyone going through problematic alcohol and/or drug use, with the aim of helping them reclaim their lives and futures. To find out more, visit the East Ayrshire Recovery Network website.

Recovery support is available alongside treatment for addiction. The RADAR Service offers treatment same or next day, to anyone who wants to start their recovery journey, and reclaim their life and their potential.

RADAR can be contacted on 01563 578770.