A CAFE set up to help those recovering from addiction has now opened in Irvine.

The ‘Cafe Solace’ project, organised by Recovery at Work (RaW), has already had success in Ardrossan, with meetings held in the Church of Nazarene every Wednesday.

Since launching last year, the project has attracted more than 3,000 customers and offers a place to purchase a nutritious home cooked meal while providing the opportunity to build social networks in a safe and welcoming place.

Now, the project has come to Irvine, with the launch event held on Tuesday at Fullarton ConneXions.

RaW, which is made up of people in recovery and supporters, has been functioning for around three years. The group’s vision is for the long-term support of people in recovery who would like to play a vital role in helping others overcome addiction problems.

Mark Gallagher, Lead Officer for North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, spoke positively about the difference being made by the cafe.

He said: “The cafe has been a real success in Ardrossan. We want to challenge the stigma around addiction and support those in recovery. We wanted to take the model to elsewhere and there has been a good year in preparation of opening.

“There wasn’t anything in place for people before and the cafe has really helped a lot of people.

“We’ve encouraged people to start talking about recovery and to try and raise awareness. There are those who have come along and spoken candidly about how much of a factor that things such as alcohol has had on their career.

“And there are also people who have come along as customers and ended up as volunteers.”

The cafe has set out to help individuals, including those from isolated or marginalised groups, to better engage with others and with public services.

As well as providing good meals and a safe space for those in recovery, the project also helps with creating skills and assisting with training and seeking employment.

Mark added: “This has absolutely helped a lot of people. We also have regular evaluations of the project to ensure how we are doing.

“But it’s a really calm atmosphere for people to come to. It’s like going to a restaurant with really good quality food on offer, but there is also help provided too.”

One of those who attended, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the impact the recovery cafe has had on them.

They said: “The cafe has started to bridge a gap in bringing our community closer together, providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for all who come along with the emphasis being on everyone being welcome.

“Behind the scenes, the cafe has its own wee community of volunteers and staff who have been given the opportunity to build their confidence, skills and most definitely friendship with a great bunch of people.

“The cafe is right at the core of my community and it is just beginning.”
Cafe Solace Irvine will take place every Tuesday from 5pm till 7.30pm.