Connected and Caring: Recovery Walk Scotland 2022

Paisley town centre was alive to the sound of music, laughter and the general buzz from celebration last weekend*. As host to the Scottish Recovery Consortium’s annual Recovery Walk Scotland, it welcomed around 4,000 people from all over the country. This year’s theme was ‘Connected and Caring’ and CrossReach service users, staff and volunteers travelled from Inverness, Perth and Glasgow to be part of it. 

The day started with the Roses Ceremony: a poignant minute of almost deafening silence followed by the placing of beautiful red roses into the White Cart River – each rose representing a family member, friend or loved one lost to substance use. 

From there, the sombre time of remembrance moved into a time of enthusiastic thankfulness as we joined in the walk around the town, celebrating the lives of people who are now walking a path of recovery. The glorious sunshine was a welcome addition to the bright and colourful throng of participants with banners, drums and bagpipes. As said by keynote speaker MSP Angela Constance, the Recovery Walk is a visible demonstration that recovery is happening every day, in every part of Scotland. 

“Loved it, it was amazing feeling part of it and grateful to the people giving out the food.  – Linda”

“It made me appreciate my recovery and made me want to continue my journey. - John”

Back at the Recovery Village, CrossReach joined with other health and social care providers showcasing services, making connections and enjoying time together. Our Recovery Services chose a theme for the day: ‘Quackers for Recovery’ - Something daft to bring a smile and, most importantly, to show that recovery can be fun. Children (and many an adult) enjoyed fishing for prizes and posing at the photo booth or with our ‘larger than life’ duck mascot! 

For more information on our Services:
Substance use
Support for prison visitors 

*This year's Recovery Walk Scotland took place on Saturday 24th September 2022