Scottish Families Affected by Drugs led by Inverclyde women

Greenock woman Eleanor Robertson, who has devoted her life to good causes and helping carers, was one of the founding members of Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.

Set up 20 years ago it was the first of its kind to recognise the need to support the loved ones of those with addictions, rolling out their own Naloxone programme most recently.

With Inverclyde having one of the highest rates of drug deaths in the country - more than 80 people have lost their lives in the last four years - Scottish Families are now recognised as having a role to play in reducing loss of life.

Now after celebrating 20 years with a special event in the Beacon, Gourock health professional Andrina Watson is taking on the role as chairperson as they look to the future.

Founder Eleanor, who served for many years as chairperson, said: "We were very much a lone voice for a long time for families. We recognised that to help the person with addictions, loved ones needed help.

"I think there is so much to do, the treatment for addictions is still not near good enough. But I think we have made an impact."

Speaking at the event in the Beacon, attended by minister for drugs and alcohol policy Elena Whitham and Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan, Eleanor recalled the early years when they realised more had to be done.

She said: "I have been involved in a number of groups at a local level over the years, including Moving On Inverclyde, It is so important families have a voice, because they are living with it and are in the best position to help.

"I know Andrina well over the years from different groups and I am over the moon she is now chairperson. The charity is in safe hands."

Scottish Families, which recently featured in a documentary by Busted singer Matt Willis, about his own addictions, has its root in Inverclyde.

Health professional Andrina Watson, from Gourock, recently took over as chairperson having joined the board in 2022.

She currently works for a Health and Social Care Partnership and has more than 30 years in the sector and has managed alcohol and drug services.

Andrina said: "I suppose this is my way of giving back after all these year working health care. I feel I have skills I can bring. The charity is incredible and they did so much work particularly over covid.

"I think my job now is to consolidate all the good work, we have been growing at such a rate in the last few years"

Co-ordinator Suzie Gallagher, from Greenock, has led the naloxone programme and played a massive role during covid.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAAD), set up a click and deliver service for the overdose reversal medicine Naloxone from her own house in May last year.

Chief Executive Justine Murray praised the work of both Eleanor and Andrina as they mark 20 years.

She said: "We are so proud of all that has been achieved. We want to thank Eleanor for all her work and we are delighted to have Andrina in place going forward. She has so much to offer."