Praise for 'vital' life-changing addiction recovery project

A project spearheaded by a North Lanarkshire Church has been hailed for the "brilliant work" it does to help people overcome addiction.

That was the view of UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill who recently visited New Life Recovery Hub at South Wishaw Parish Church.

Run in partnership with a Christian charity called Street Connect, the project offers fresh hope to vulnerable men and woman from the town and surrounding area who are "struggling with life controlling issues".

An excellent example of "vital" community work to tackle the scourge of drugs, the New Life Recovery Hub is based in converted rooms on the upper floor of the church building and offers people battling substance and alcohol abuse the opportunity of transformational change.

It was developed by Rev Terry Moran who has a vision for South Wishaw Parish Church to be a missional church with a holistic approach to supporting the whole community, particularly those on the margins of society.

Known as the Hub, it is open on Tuesday and Friday from 12pm-3pm and led by the minister's brother, Danny Moran, who was recruited because he has many decades experience in the field of social work.

Vital work

Speaking after her visit, Ms McNeill, Scottish Labour MP for Midlothian, said: "I very much enjoyed seeing first-hand the brilliant work of everyone involved at the New Life Recovery Hub.

"Community facilities like this are vital as we tackle issues with addiction.

"Giving help in a non-judgmental environment is so important and it was really heartening to hear from some of the people who have benefitted from this initiative."

Figures published by National Records of Scotland yesterday found that 1,172 people died due to drug misuse in 2023, an increase of 121 deaths (12%) compared with 2022.

The Hub is a passion for South Wishaw Parish Church minister, Rev Terry Moran, who has spent decades trying to help people out of circumstances that they have found themselves in, often through no fault of their own.

He firmly believes people can turn their lives around by allowing the light of Christ into their lives.

In addition to addiction recovery support, volunteers provide general advocacy for issues like housing problems, benefits and fuel poverty.

God is present

Rev Terry Moran said: "Kirsty, as she insisted on being called, was very warm and friendly, putting everyone at ease as well as being obviously interested in hearing what was said.

"The people who come to our Hub were very happy to meet with her and, in a way, have become used to such visitors having also hosted the 2022-23 Moderator of the General Assembly, Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton.

"In the years that the project has been running, the work has developed greatly, where it feels like we are providing a pre-rehab service to many, as well as being able to help people back into work without the need for rehab.

"This is through the support they receive from ourselves and our Street Connect partners and other organisations and agencies who have been attracted to the work that we do and give amazing support.

"They regularly attend our free drop-in cafe, which has become in some respects an extension of the work we do upstairs in the Hub.

"The challenge continues to be great and I am honoured to be leading the church here at South Wishaw.

"Our members have been a great support and encouragement in the development of these ministries and give of their time and resources to make it all happen.

"God is being glorified day and daily in very practical ways with people whose hearts have opened to the obvious need of others in their community and I am proud of every one of them."

Launched in September 2021, the Hub has assisted thousands of people make positive changes in their lives.

A special event to mark the third anniversary of the project is being held at the church on 1 September at 6pm and all are welcome.

People who have overcome addiction and turned their lives around will share their stories and there will be food served and worship.

For more information and to find out how you can support this life changing mission outreach project, email Rev Terry Moran at TMoran@churchofscotland.org.uk