Organisers of the inaugural Recovery Week in Perth and Kinross are calling for it to become an annual event
The programme,which ran from September 28 until October 4, was intended to tackle stigma in talking about the issue.
The mager at mental health charity Lighthouse for Perth, Sharon Thomas said it had been an in inspiring experience.
“Feedback during the week was that this needs to be an annual event to highlight and celebrate recovery in Perth and Kinross,” she said.
“Many people came together to share their stories and take strength and comfort from others sharing their stories.”
Organisers said they reached an audience of around 20,000 people during the week through social media.
A socially distanced open day at the Neuk crisis centre at St Paul’s Square in Perth city centre also proved popular.
The Perth and Kinross Alcohol and Drug Partnership was among the groups that took part.
Ms Thomas added: “We had many people sharing their stories of their recovery journey and lots of people took part in Wednesday’s recovery walk – some virtually, some socially distancing – and stopping to have their photos taken with the Wings at Perth Rugby Club.
The week ended with Ms Thomas and Stacey Millar of Anchor House planting a rowan, the tree of life in Celtic mythology.
SNP councillor for the Perth City Centre Ward, Eric Drysdale said individuals and families had the right to lives free from the harms of drugs and alcohol.
“They deserve to be treated with dignity and response and supported within their communities to find their own type of recovery,” he said.
“Recovery Week is about looking to the future and saying people can and do recover.”
Anyone who needs additional support can contact the Neuk by emailing theneuk@anchorhouseperth.org or by calling 01738 718070.
