A RECOVERY hub in Port Glasgow has now opened its doors to help save more lives in memory of much loved support worker and ‘hero’ Wullie Carter.
Charity The Haven is now operating a safe space for people suffering from addictions to find a place that restores hope and rebuilds their lives as well as offering heat and hot food.
Led by outreach worker Martin Begley, the volunteers are going out in to the streets in the town, to spread the word about the hub in the Salvation Army base.
They are following in the footsteps of former frontline volunteer Wullie, who tragically died earlier this year at the age of 43.
New recovery hub opened by charity Haven in memory of Wullie Carter (Image: George Munro)
He set up a recovery hub in the former New Dawn Bookshop in Greenock, offering a lifeline to so many affected by addiction.
Now Martin is determined to continue this legacy as he sets about opening up hubs first in Belville Street and now in Port Glasgow.
He said: “Wullie ran the hub in Greenock and he did incredible work. We all miss Wullie terribly.
“But the hub he set is continuing to offer hope and we want to reach out to more people, there is a lot of need out there.
“We want to expand the hubs and go to where people need us the most.
“There are so many people out there who feel isolated, their mental health is suffering and we want to open the door and give them somewhere safe to go.
“I struggled with addictions until I found The Haven 13 years ago and I have rebuilt my life. I want to help other people to do the same.”
New recovery hub opened by charity Haven in memory of Wullie Carter (Image: George Munro)
Haven worker and volunteer Wullie Carter ran the hub in Greenock and won an Inspirational Inverclyde award for changing lives in January this year.
Tragically he died suddenly in July this year leaving his family led by his wife Anne, devastated and tributes poured in for the hero.
At the Haven hub people will get a chance to talk, to find out more about the recovery path that suits them best.
Martin, 41, from Greenock, added: “That could be residential rehab, but that isn’t for everyone. We find people the path that is right for them.
“We just want to give people some where to go to find the help they need.”
The Haven Recovery Outreach meets in the Salvation Army, King Street, Port Glasgow, every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm.
To find out more contact the Haven, which provides a range of recovery services, on 01505 872099.
