Groups show addiction the red card

Eight football teams representing recovery groups from across Ayrshire came together to show addiction the red card and celebrate recovery in the community.

The event took place in Kilmarnock at the William McIlvanney Campus on Sunday, April 28, the football tournament was a triumph in boosting wellbeing and cheering on the network of organisations supporting recovery.

This year’s event was organised by peer outreach worker, Jye McCormick and The Killie Community Trust, with support from East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and Lived Experience Panel, East Ayrshire Leisure and the East Ayrshire Recovery Network. It is part of an Ayrshire-wide initiative to bring people together to improve mental health while showcasing the local support that is available to individuals and families.

The teams competing represented a wide range of groups and organisations: Minds of Recovery, Street Soccer Scotland, The Beacons, Veterans

First Point, The Killie Community and an all stars team, with Harbour Ayrshire and EACH Recovery Matters lifting the tournament trophies.

Craig McArthur, Director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, presented the awards. He said: “This year’s tournament has been another resounding success and a fitting tribute to our recovery community and everyone involved.

“We were delighted to have the baton passed to us by South Ayrshire and our thanks goes to all the groups across Ayrshire who have come out to show their commitment to supporting those affected by alcohol and drugs to recover.”

Councillor Clare Maitland, the Council’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care added: “Events like these are important.

“Not only are they having a positive impact on mental health, they also help tackle the stigma of addiction and raise awareness that recovery is possible.

“Congratulations to all participants who joined together, demonstrating the strength of the support network who are championing recovery every day across Ayrshire.”