Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tribute to loved ones lost to overdose
International Overdose Awareness Day was marked with a special day of remembrance service and procession in Coatbridge.
The North Lanarkshire Recovery Community support group organised the poignant occasion in memory of people who have lost their lives due to drug or alcohol overdose.
A “Ceremony of Remembrance and Hope” kicked off proceedings at The Basin, on West Canal Street, where dozens of people and guests including North Lanarkshire Depute Provost Tom Castles turned out to pay their respects.
From there, everyone took part in a procession to the nearby canal to drop roses into the water to represent a lost loved one before heading back to the North Lanarkshire Recovery Community’s Airdrie base’s recovery cafe for refreshments and a chance to reflect on the day.
Becky Wood, North Lanarkshire Recovery development team leader, told the Advertiser: “The remembrance service was a very poignant and important occasion.
“The Deputy Provost and members of the public were joined by Father Vincent in remembering our loved ones who have been affected by addiction and died of drug or alcohol overdose.
“Starting at The Basin, Father Vincent led a moving service honouring the memory of our brothers and sisters, and their families, friends and those who still suffer, before we then proceeded to the canal for a rose ceremony, dropping a rose into the water to represent each person we were remembering.
“People were then invited to a reception at our headquarters in Hallcraig Street and had the opportunity to sign a book of remembrance.
“Later in the day, local landmarks were lit up in purple – the colour of recovery – showing welcome solidarity across the area during this poignant and sad time.
“North Lanarkshire Recovery Community would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones.”
Visit North Lanarkshire Recovery Community’s Facebook and Twitter pages to find out more about the group and the services and support that it has to offer.