THE stories of people recovering from alcohol and drug problems in North Ayrshire were showcased at a special event in Irvine last week.

The ‘Funky Films’ event, held in Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre on Thursday, September 15, was a collaboration between the North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Recovery at Work group.

The group have been working on a project to capture recovery stories. The project has offered the opportunity to people who have experienced drug and/or alcohol issues to tell their stories through short films, to demonstrate that recovery is possible.

Sergeant Tony Harkin, Local Authority Liaison Officer and chair of the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Communities and Preventions sub-group, commented: “Recovery from alcohol and other drug problems is a deeply personal journey which anyone is capable of embarking upon - we heard some really hard hitting stories which were made all the more powerful as they were told on film.

“The event was well attended and feedback has been really positive, with many commenting on how moved they were by the honesty and courage of the group. Hopefully this will help to reduce the stigma and fear around recovery.”

‘Funky Films’ have completed a short filmmaking course delivered by an up and coming young filmmaker and have engaged in sessions including setting up and working filming equipment, developing a storyline, shooting on location and an introduction to editing.

The films highlight the participants own personal journeys from experiencing addiction to celebrating their recovery and all that that has brought to their lives.

Sergeant Harkin added: “It has been great to see the confidence of group members grow over the duration of the project. For many, recovery is about ‘giving something back’ to your community, to your family and to yourself.

“We hope everyone involved continues to build on their experience from the project - meeting new people, working together as a team and learning new skills. We will continue to work with our partners to support recovery in North Ayrshire.”

For more information on the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership visit: www.naadp.com.