Candlelight vigil to remember all those who have died from drugs

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs joined with Teen Challenge to organise the poignant tribute in Clyde Square.

They stood together in a show of support for families and to raise awareness of the devastation left behind.

Over the last three years in Inverclyde drugs have claimed the lives of 71 people, and has impacted on hundreds of family, friends, neighbours and loved ones.

Candlelight vigil organisers (Image: Teen Challenge)

Some of them spoke about their own tragedies and their own journeys to give hope to others.

Families were joined by people in the recovery community as well as leading politicians, including council leader Stephen McCabe and social work and social care convenor Francesca Brennan.

Candlight vigil (Image: Teen Challenge) Candlelight vigil (Image: Teen Challenge)

She said: " It was moving, as always, to be in attendance at the candle lit vigil in Clyde Square on Sunday evening as part of Recovery Month.

"People who shared their stories gave hope for the future as well as respect for all those we have sadly lost."

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs family support development Officer Rachel Taylor said: "It is so important that we remember all those who have lost their lives.

"It affects so many people. This is our way of showing unity and coming together.

"It was an incredibly powerful and impactful night, we feel privileged to be part of such a strong community standing in solidarity with one another to remember the lives lost in Inverclyde, as well as the family and friends who carry the weight of this grief every single day.

"We would like to thank Teen Challenge Strathclyde for asking us to partner on this vigil."

Candlelight vigil (Image: Teen Challenge)

The charity, set up more than 20 years ago, has had made a massive impact in Inverclyde setting up groups and offering vital support to families.

A Teen Challenge Strathclyde spokesperson said: "We would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along to join us in remembering our friends and family members lost to addiction.

(Image: Teen Challenge)

"We would like to thank the worship team for the music, the speakers for sharing and Struthers Memorial Church for their continued support.

"We want to say a special thank you to Rachel Taylor and the guys at Scottish families affected by alcohol and drugs for partnering with us on this special event."