Praise for church addiction project

A project spearheaded by a North Lanarkshire Church does “brilliant work” to help people overcome addiction.

That was the view of UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill who recently visited New Life Recovery Hub at South Wishaw Parish Church.

Run in partnership with a Christian charity called Street Connect, the project offers fresh hope to vulnerable men and woman from the town and surrounding area who are “struggling with life controlling issues”.

An excellent example of “vital” community work to tackle the scourge of drugs, the New Life Recovery Hub is based in converted rooms on the upper floor of the church building and offers people battling substance and alcohol abuse the opportunity of transformational change.

It was developed by Rev Terry Moran who has a vision for South Wishaw Parish Church to be a missional church with a holistic approach to supporting the whole community, particularly those on the margins of society.

Known as the Hub, it is open on Tuesday and Friday from 12pm3pm and led by the minister’s brother, Danny Moran, who was recruited because he has many decades of experience in the field of social work.

Speaking after her visit, Ms McNeill, Scottish Labour MP for Midlothian, said: “I very much enjoyed seeing first-hand the brilliant work of everyone involved at the New Life Recovery Hub.

“Community facilities like this are vital as we tackle issues with addiction.

“Giving help in a non-judgmental environment is so important and it was really heartening to hear from some of the people who have benefitted from this initiative.”