‘I have rarely got involved in fundraising activities for a charity but I made an exception last year and am very glad I did.
‘I have been struggling to cope with the impact of my son’s problematic use of substances for over 20 years and it was just over 5 years ago that my partner and I were invited to attend a family support group. The group made a huge difference to our mental health and well-being, we learned a lot about addiction as an illness, we made new friends and we heard about Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.
‘As the years passed we became more involved in the wider recovery community, trained as SMART facilitators and set up our own support group in our home town – with great advice and support from Scottish Families. I am convinced of the benefits that a support group brings to families and friends and we have recently started a second group in our area.
‘When Scottish Families sent us information about the Kiltwalk we shared it with our group and were surprised by their enthusiastic response. Knowing how people can become socially isolated as a result of the stigma associated with addiction I expected that they might be reluctant to participate in such a public event. But I was wrong!
‘Fundraising proved to be a bit slow to start but our team eventually raised an amazing total of about £2,000. The actual event was a great success. An enjoyable walk through Edinburgh with thousands of other fundraisers, wearing our Scottish Families t-shirts and kilts (some of us!). It was also an excellent team-building exercise and helped us to break down a few barriers.
‘Family members affected by someone else’s misuse of substances badly need support and we are glad to have raised money that will help Scottish Families to reach more people. But, for me, it was also a memorable and positive experience – evidence that, despite the pain and despair we can recover. I recommend it!’
Join #TeamSFAD for the Kiltwalk this year! We offer free places to everyone who walks with us. Click below and enter your email address and we’ll be touch.
