Brave Greenock woman says recovery cafe saved her life

Keiley Archibald was devastated when the 'love of her life' Billy Burns died suddenly in 2020, four years after he fought off stomach cancer.

She was left homeless and ended up living in a hotel in Greenock during the pandemic. Her mental health deteriorated, and she feared she would struggle to cope with her addictions.

But after hitting an all time low, Keiley found the Your Voice Recovery Cafe, and a whole community that has helped to turn her life around.

Keiley Archibald (Image: George Munro)

Now Keiley is using art to rebuild her life, and at a recent Hope in the Square event in the town, she was asking others to write messages on her 'tree of life'.

The 36-year-old, who now volunteers at the cafe, has spoken out in the hope of reaching out to other people who may be feeling desperate.

Her message comes after another 26 people lost their lives to drugs last year in Inverclyde, and as the Telegraph launches a special spotlight on recovery this month.

Keiley was among those who recently gathered with hundreds of others at a candlelit vigil in Clyde Square to remember all those who have died from addiction.

Keiley and Billy  (Image: contributed)

Keiley, who also suffers from epilepsy, said: "If it wasn't for the Recovery Cafe I wouldn't be alive. It is as simple as that. They saved my life.

"I was devastated when my Billy died in March 2020. He was really unwell. He couldn't take a breath. We were on our way to the hospital, then he was gone just like that.

"I was in a really bad place. Billy had been my rock. He had saved me and looked after me. 

"We had been together for eight years. He was a taxi driver and so well known.

"I was told to leave the house we stayed in and I was homeless. I couldn't go to the Inverclyde Centre because it wasn't a suitable place for me to be with my mental health.

"I was put in a hotel. It was a bad time."

But after many recovery attempts over the last two decades, Keiley finally found a way ahead at the Your Voice Recovery Cafe, and has had support from the Salvation Army as well.

She said: "I don't feel alone. I feel like I have people I can rely on. I have support and friends for the first time since I lost Billy, although I still miss him.

"I am a volunteer and I am also looking at setting up my own recovery cafe on a Friday night, which is particularly tough for people. I have even managed to bid for the funding myself.

"I am still on methadone, but I am working on that. I did try residential rehab, but it didn't work for me because of my epilepsy."

Originally from Elgin, Keiley has been in Greenock for the last 18 years after spending time in Gateside prison.

She said: "I couldn't go back to Elgin for safety reasons so I ended up here."

As Keiley battled her heroin addictions, she first found hope when she met Billy.

Now in recovery, Keiley is one of the hundreds of people benefitting from the support provided by the local recovery community.

In addition to its recovery cafe, where Keiley volunteers, Your Voice also provides ongoing outreach work.

At Hope in the Square, Keiley had her own stall with her 'tree of life' which she was filling with affirmations as well creating lanterns.

She said: "I have always loved art and it has been a great way to help with my recovery. 

"I really love my tree of life art. I first started creating them at an arts and craft class."