Additional volunteers are being sought across Forth Valley to help people with drug and alcohol problems get back on the road to recovery, and possibly into work.

The role involves making teas and coffees or helping to prepare food in a number of local ‘recovery cafes’. Organisers are also seeking people who may be able to help run interest groups such as music, relaxation or deliver alternative therapies to people in recovery.

The cafes, in Falkirk, Stirling and Alloa, have already clocked up some 4,000 visits since they opened last year but Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator Elaine Lawlor, believes that thousands more people could benefit from attending.

She explained:  “The response to the cafes has been absolutely fantastic and we want to recruit additional volunteers to help us build on the great work already underway. The advice and support received at the cafes has helped many local people get back into employment, gain confidence and lead a more fulfilling life.”

“Our volunteers also benefit through meeting new people and putting their skills, energy and enthusiasm to good use. Volunteering can also help reduce isolation and give people a new sense of purpose so we would urge anyone who has some time to spare really to come forward and get involved with the Forth Valley recovery community.

There are approximately 3000 people across Forth Valley who are affected by alcohol and or drug use and a much larger number of people using alcohol in a hazardous or harmful way.  The recovery cafes are part of a wider network of services and support available to people with addictions across Forth Valley.  Anyone wishing to volunteer at the cafes or find out more should contact Addictions Support and Counselling on 01324 673669.

Recovery Cafes – venues and times

Monday

Alloa Recovery Café (4.00-9.00pm) The Gate, 2 Ludgate Church.

Tea & coffee, recovery volunteers, arts and crafts, SMART recovery, peer support.

Wednesday

Tryst Community Centre Pop Up Recovery Cafe (1.00 – 4.30pm) Park Drive, Stenhousemuir. Pool/yoga and meditation, health checks, SMART Recovery, tea & coffee.

Friday

Stirling Recovery Café (1.00 -6.00pm) Ochil Community Centre, Raploch, Stirling.

Food, tea & coffee, live music, learn to play an instrument, SMART recovery, recovery volunteers and peer support.

Saturday

Falkirk Recovery Café (10.30-3.00pm) Addictions Support and Counselling, 32 Vicar Street, Falkirk. Recovery Films, N.A. meetings/coffee/tea/soup, SMART Recovery, live music and entertainment, alternative therapies – reiki, tai chi, massage.