28 projects share £1 million
People affected by drug use across Scotland will continue to
receive vital support thanks to funding for 28 projects
delivering frontline services.
This is the final funding from the Scottish Government's
five-year National Drug Mission Funds, administered by the Corra
Foundation. It aims to provide grassroots organisations with
financial certainty and continuing support for those dealing with
substance use, ahead of the introduction of a new Alcohol and
Drugs Strategic Plan.
Speaking on a visit to Street Fit Scotland, one of the
recipients, which works with people who use substances to help
them build resilience and connect to supportive social networks
through physical and social activities, Drugs and Alcohol Policy
Minister said:
"This funding, administered by the Corra Foundation, is a
lifeline for the people these projects support, and the
statistics speak for themselves. More than 51,000 interactions
with support services in 2024-25, an increase of over 17,000 on
the previous year, demonstrates the extraordinary reach and
impact of these grassroots organisations.
"As the National Mission ends next month, we will shortly
announce our new Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan and new support
for the third sector. This funding provides a vital bridge to
that - where we will again focus on sustained, need-based
investment.”
Funded projects include recovery hubs in Kilmarnock and Forth
Valley, residential rehab pathways in Ayrshire, treatment and
health support in Edinburgh and West Dunbartonshire, family
liaison in the Highlands, psychological therapy in Fife, and
outreach services for homeless and vulnerable people in Aberdeen.
Projects in Glasgow and Dundee include recovery workshops,
jewellery making, and a therapeutic programme for women in
recovery with family support.
The continuation funding also supports the PanLanarkshire Drug
Problem Solving Court, a peer harm reduction support worker
project in Forth Valley, and organisations helping people manage
health conditions and live independently at home.
Street Fit Scotland founder and CEO Michelle Reilly said:
“We would like to express our sincere thanks for the funding and
continued support provided over the years. We are truly grateful
for this investment in our work. This support has enabled Street
Fit Scotland to continue delivering a high-quality service, reach
and engage more people, and strengthen what we describe as a
growing ‘social wave of wellness' across Edinburgh.
“Through this funding, we have supported community members to
regain structure, purpose, and stability in their daily lives.
Many individuals who come to us are rebuilding after significant
challenges, and having consistent access to safe, supportive
activity has been vital in helping them move forward.”
Background
The Corra Foundation, which administers the National Drugs
Mission funds, assessed all applications. Each was reviewed by a
panel including people with lived and living experience of drug
use, family members, and professionals from across relevant
sectors.
Corra grants
Continuation funding rounds were from the Local Support,
Improvement Fund and Children & Families Fund.
