Transforming Recovery, Together

We are proud to introduce a bold new chapter in community-led crisis and recovery support in East Ayrshire.

EACH Recovery Matters presents the One Stop Shop—a purpose-designed, trauma-informed hub located in the heart of Kilmarnock. Built on real-world need and shaped by evidence-based practice, this facility unites crisis response, recovery services, and community empowerment under one welcoming roof.

Why This Matters

In 2023, East Ayrshire faced:

• 31 drug-related and 28 alcohol-related deaths

• One of the highest suicide rates in Scotland

• A critical shortage of accessible, integrated support services

Despite operating from a small, overstretched facility, we have supported thousands. The demand is growing—and so must we. The time to act is now.

Our Vision

To create a central hub where every individual is valued and every recovery journey is respected.

The One Stop Shop offers:

• Crisis triage, suicide prevention, and harm reduction services

• Mental health and addiction support delivered in collaboration with NHS, Police Scotland, Housing, and others

• Accredited training, structured recovery programs, and peer-led support

• Access to food provision, volunteering opportunities, and social enterprise initiatives

• Calm, supportive decompression spaces for both staff and service users

This approach is grounded in the Stages of Change model, ensuring each person receives the right support at the right time in their journey.

The Power of Partnership

The One Stop Shop is more than a building—it’s a shared commitment to change.

Bringing together:

• NHS, Social Work, Criminal Justice, DWP, and more

• Recovery organisations, housing officers, employability teams, and frontline services

Together, we streamline delivery, build trust, and bridge the gap between crisis and sustainable recovery.

Sustainability Through Collaboration

Our model is designed for long-term impact through:

• Social enterprise revenue and accredited training delivery

• Room hire and event hosting for local partners

• Strong community involvement and volunteer leadership

• Strategic funding partnerships across public, private, and third sectors

How You Can Help

We invite our community, partners, and decision-makers to stand with us in this transformation.

• Invest in a vision that saves lives and restores hope

• Partner with us to deliver services and solutions

• Support sustainability through funding, policy alignment, and advocacy

• Share this vision and help us create a legacy of compassion and change

This is not just a project. It is a movement—one rooted in dignity, connection, and the unwavering belief that recovery is possible for everyone.

We’re proud to present Digital Lifelines, a powerful and reflective podcast exploring the vital role of digital access in supporting people on their recovery journey.

Produced in collaboration with Ayrshire Film Company, this episode looks back on our Digital Lifelines Project, funded by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). This initiative provided digital devices, internet connectivity, and tailored training to individuals facing significant transitions, including those leaving prison, residential treatment, or experiencing homelessness.

The Importance of Digital Access

For many people in recovery, access to the digital world is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. From reconnecting with family and friends to attending virtual support groups, applying for housing or employment, and accessing essential services, digital access is often the bridge to rebuilding a meaningful life.

Through this project, we’ve seen firsthand how technology, when paired with the right support, can empower individuals to take their next steps with confidence and dignity.

What to Expect in the Podcast

This episode brings together personal stories and professional insights, offering a raw and honest look at how digital inclusion can transform lives. You’ll hear from:

• Individuals who received devices and digital training through the project

• Peer workers and staff who helped deliver the initiative

• Reflections on the challenges, lessons learned, and lasting impact of Digital Lifelines

With heartfelt accounts and thoughtful discussion, this podcast serves as a testament to the strength and potential of people in recovery — and the importance of meeting them with the right tools at the right time.

Watch or Listen

Our Thanks

We extend our sincere thanks to SCVO for making this work possible, and to Ayrshire Film Company for capturing these stories with such care and integrity. Most of all, we thank the individuals who trusted us with their journeys and voices.

Digital Lifelines has not only opened doors — it has helped to rebuild futures.

Ready for a Week of Renewal and Positive Energy?

Excited to kickstart a new week with vibrant energy and opportunities for self-improvement? At EACH Recovery Matters, we’re buzzing with anticipation to unveil a lineup of enriching activities designed to accompany you on your recovery journey. Brace yourself for a week brimming with inspiration, empowerment, and heaps of positive vibes!

Here’s what’s in store:

• Transformative Workshops: Step into our enlightening workshops crafted to provide you with actionable insights and tools for your path to recovery. From the calmness offered by mindfulness practices to the expressive outlet of art therapy, these workshops are your gateway to self-discovery and care.
• Inspirational Group Sessions: Find solidarity and strength in our community group sessions. This is your space to exchange stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and secure support from peers who truly understand the ups and downs of recovery.
• Holistic Wellness Classes: Treat your mind, body, and spirit to our range of holistic wellness classes. Whether it’s the tranquility of reiki you seek or the invigorating energy of outdoor groups, you’re sure to leave feeling rejuvenated and more aligned with your recovery objectives.
• Supportive Peer Networks: Forge meaningful connections within our welcoming community through peer-supported networks. Rely on one another for encouragement, insight, and a collective sense of unity as we navigate the complexities of recovery together.

Remember, you’re not embarking on this journey solo. Our dedicated team of professionals is always here, ready to provide advice, support, or simply lend a listening ear.

Let’s band together to embrace a future marked by hope, grit, and boundless possibilities! With our combined efforts, there’s no obstacle too great on the path to sustained recovery.

Here we reflect on the achievements, challenges, and profound impact of our work over the past year. This report captures how our programmes have touched the lives of thousands in East Ayrshire, addressing critical issues like drug and alcohol-related deaths, homelessness, mental health struggles, and social isolation.

Our mission aligns closely with Scotland’s National Mission to reduce drug-related harm and deaths, but our work extends beyond addiction. By tackling interconnected challenges, we create a holistic pathway to recovery, fostering lasting change for individuals and communities.

Key Highlights:
This year, our efforts have resulted in:

• 4,383 hot meals served and 2,383 food packs distributed to those in need.
• 297 individuals supported in their recovery, with over 2,108 one-to-one sessions delivered.
• 220 Friendly Fresh Start packs provided, enabling individuals and families to transition from homelessness to stable housing.
• A 400% increase in women supported through our EACH Woman Matters programme, reflecting the growing need for gender-responsive support.
• Innovative collaborations, such as the New Heights programme with Above Adventure, empowering individuals through physical and mental challenges.

Each of these numbers tells a story of resilience, hope, and transformation—stories we are proud to share in this report.

Our Challenges:
As demand for our services grows, so do the challenges we face. Sustainable funding remains a significant hurdle, and securing long-term support from our key partners, including the local authority, is critical to maintaining and expanding our programmes. Without a collective commitment to this mission, the vital lifeline we provide to East Ayrshire’s most vulnerable populations is at risk.

A Call to Action:
We invite you to explore the full report to gain deeper insight into the lives we’ve impacted and the work still to be done. Together, we can shine a light on the importance of community-driven solutions and advocate for the resources needed to ensure no one is left behind.

Download the Report:
Click here to download the Social Impact Report 2024

Join the Conversation:
Help us spread the word about the importance of tackling these pressing issues. Share this report, reach out to your local representatives, and consider supporting our mission through donations, partnerships, or volunteering.

Together, we can build a brighter future for East Ayrshire.

EACH Woman Matters: Meaningful, compassionate support for women by women

Empowering Voices, Healing as a Community

Understanding women’s unique challenges in discussing mental health and recovery, EACH Recovery Matters proudly introduces EACH Woman Matters every Friday. This day stands as a sanctuary of support, empathy, and unconditional acceptance, fostering a judgment-free environment.

A Confidential Space to Connect and Grow

Our weekly peer support meetings offer women a secure place to discuss their struggles, triumphs, and life stories. In this space, every woman is encouraged to speak openly, secure in the knowledge that her experiences are important and shared by empathetic peers who understand her journey.

Breaking Barriers, Building Strength

We are dedicated to turning vulnerability into a source of empowerment, challenging the stigmas many women face. Engaging in our women’s group places you at the heart of a collective effort to build resilience and promote mental health awareness within our community and beyond.

United in the Pursuit of Well-being

Your mental health is a critical aspect of your overall well-being, and navigating its complexities requires a circle of support. EACH Recovery Matters is your partner in this exploration and healing process. Here, fellowship, support, and mutual understanding are the foundation of your recovery journey.

Speak Up. Share Your Story. Heal Together. EACH Woman Matters.

We invite you to join us every Friday from 9am till 4pm to be part of a community that celebrates your mental wellness and supports your path to recovery every step of the way.

Empowering You to Tackle Rising Energy Costs – Home Energy Scotland Visits

We understand the concerns surrounding the rising energy prices and the impact they have on our daily lives. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Home Energy Scotland will be visiting our hub, to provide you with valuable information and support.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and times:

• Wednesday 22 May, 2-3pm
• Wednesday 3 July, 2-3pm
• Wednesday 21 August, 2-3pm

Home Energy Scotland experts will be available to offer free, impartial advice on a range of topics including:

1. Saving Energy: Learn practical tips and techniques to reduce your energy consumption at home. Discover simple changes you can make that will have a significant impact on your energy bills.
2. Keeping Warm at Home: Discover effective ways to keep your home warm during colder months without breaking the bank. From insulation solutions to heating controls, find out how to create a cosy and energy-efficient living space.
3. Renewable Energy: Explore the possibilities of renewable energy sources for your home. Discover how solar panels, heat pumps, and other green technologies can help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
4. Water Waste Reduction: Uncover strategies to cut down on water waste in your household. Learn about water-saving devices, behaviour changes, and other measures that promote efficient water usage.

Financial Support Programs: Home Energy Scotland also provides detailed information on various financial support programs designed to assist individuals facing financial challenges due to the cost of living crisis. These programs include debt assistance schemes, emergency funding options, fuel vouchers, and more. Take advantage of this resourceful list of services that can provide much-needed relief during difficult times.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and access valuable support from Home Energy Scotland! Join us at our hub on the specified dates mentioned above or reach out directly for more information.

Let’s tackle the cost of living crisis together!

Welcome to the Community Gardening Group at the Howard Park

Join us every Tuesday at 10 am for a morning of gardening, learning, and community spirit at the Cholera Gardens, located in the heart of Kilmarnock’s Howard Park. This initiative, supported by East Ayrshire Council, invites green thumbs and gardening novices alike to come together to cultivate beauty and sustainability in our local park.

About the Community Gardening Group

Our Community Gardening Group offers a chance to engage with nature and contribute to the beautification of the Cholera Gardens. Whether you’re experienced in gardening or just looking to get your hands dirty for the first time, this group is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn about plant care, and meet fellow community members who share your passion for gardening.

What We Offer

• Gardening Activities: Plant, prune, and maintain the vibrant flora of Cholera Gardens. Our activities range from basic gardening tasks to more specialized projects, depending on the season and needs of the garden.
• Educational Opportunities: Learn from experienced gardeners and occasional guest experts who share tips on everything from botany to sustainable gardening practices.
• Community Building: Connect with people from all walks of life who come together for a common purpose. Gardening is a wonderful way to build community ties and promote environmental stewardship.

Why Join Our Gardening Group?

Gardening is not only a peaceful, therapeutic activity but also a powerful way to positively impact the environment. Participants in our group will benefit from:

• Enhanced Well-being: Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity like gardening has been shown to improve mental and physical health.
• Learning and Growth: Gain practical gardening skills and knowledge about various plant species, garden design, and ecological sustainability.
• Community Contribution: Play a role in enhancing one of Kilmarnock’s cherished public spaces, making it a more beautiful and welcoming place for everyone.

How to Join

Interested in joining our Community Gardening Group? Simply show up at EACH Recovery Matters on a Tuesday at 10am. We welcome everyone, from seasoned gardeners to those who are new to the hobby.

Welcome to Write to Recovery

Embark on a journey of self-expression and healing with Write to Recovery, a creative writing group designed to support those on the path to recovery. Hosted every Thursday at 2 pm at EACH Recovery Matters, this group nurtures the writer in you, offering a safe and encouraging space to explore and articulate your experiences through words.

About Write to Recovery

Write to Recovery is guided by a professional tutor with extensive experience in creative writing and personal development. Whether you are new to writing or looking to polish your skills, this group is your gateway to discovering the therapeutic power of writing. Our sessions are structured to inspire creativity, foster personal growth, and enhance your communication skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

What We Offer

• Professional Guidance: Each session is led by our expert tutor who provides personalized feedback and tips to help you refine your writing style and voice.
• Supportive Community: Connect with fellow group members who share the journey of recovery. Here, you can exchange ideas, receive encouragement, and build lasting relationships in a community that understands.
• Publication Opportunities: For those interested in sharing their stories beyond the group, we offer support in submitting your work to recognised publications like AA’s Roundabout and CA’s NewsGram. This can be a rewarding opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to the wider conversation on recovery.

Why Join Write to Recovery?

Writing can be an incredibly effective tool in the recovery process, providing a unique way to process and express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. In Write to Recovery, you’ll gain:

• A Therapeutic Outlet: Use the power of writing to navigate the complexities of your emotions and experiences.
• Skill Development: Improve your writing with expert guidance and peer feedback.
• A Sense of Achievement: Experience the pride that comes with creating something meaningful and, potentially, seeing your work published.

How to Join

Interested in joining Write to Recovery? You’re welcome to drop by any Thursday at 2pm to join a session. No prior registration is required—just bring your passion for writing and a willingness to explore your inner world through prose or poetry.