Grub’s Up – and addicted to good food in Lochgilphead
THERE are at least two ways of looking at an innovative new Mid Argyll initiative.
It could be described as offering peer support and providing opportunities to improve the lives of people suffering from mental health and/or addiction issues.
All very true and its aims are, of course, very worthwhile.
But some would argue it is just a place where they serve great grub and you can get a good blether.
The Grub’s Up recovery café was set up as a social enterprise earlier this year based on a model espoused by many agencies around the UK and comedian Russell Brand.
A recovery café offers support and expertise from members promoting early intervention, prevention and maintenance of wellbeing as key strategies in recovery.
The group is committed to destigmatising addiction by talking openly about addiction and addiction recovery, and offering a space for people of all backgrounds to enjoy an alcohol-free environment.
Practical help is also available, and Grub’s Up can provide guidance on where to go for help with matters such as debt, bereavement, legal issues, health, housing and loneliness.
Top comic Russell Brand opened up his own recovery café in London two years ago, and views the abstinence-based approach as an important way of tackling addiction.
Grub’s Up has no permanent premises of its own, but meets up to provide a professionally-cooked warm meal most Fridays around lunchtime at Lochgilphead Church Hall.
The Grub’s Up cafe is open to anyone. Look out for the signs outside the hall.