Recovery groups from Cumnock and beyond ventured to Perth at the weekend to take part in the 2021 Recovery Walk which aims to celebrate those who have come through mental health or substance abuse issues.
On September 25, thousands of people made their way to the city to mark the importance of recovery from a wide range of problems – and to support those who are still going through hard times.
Representing East Ayrshire, the Cumnock contingent set off to “make recovery visible”, including some who have been touched by addiction and are now hoping to reduce the stigma.
Natalie Carmichael, who assisted walkers on the day, explained: “It was organised by Scottish Recovery Consortium and around two and a half thousand people were there from all over Scotland.
“A bus load went from Cumnock Hospital on Saturday morning, that was from various groups across the local community including Moving Up, Moving On (MUMO) which is overseen by NHS Peer Addiction Worker, Stephen Wilson, and Colour Splash which is a mental health group, as well as those from the personal and spiritual development group I run.
“Some members have been deeply affected by suicide in their own family so it’s an important event for them to aid recovery.
“Everyone was given a rose free of charge and poetry was read out by some survivors of addiction. Everyone put their roses into the River Tay at the end so there were 2,500 roses floating in the river while a piper played. It was so beautiful and personal.”
She continued: “We then went a walk round Perth city centre – all the roads were closed and people were clapping us as we walked by.
“A lot of people were worried about the finance of the event so it was great that everything was funded. It’s about getting rid of the stigma and all the attitudes and opinions that we’ve come across regarding addiction.
“Community backing is vital in recovery and I’m glad we could stand together to support each other.”
One man who attended said: “It was just a great experience being in the same place with others who have been on that journey.
“Seeing older folk in their gardens clapping their hands made my day.”
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