Work Starts on New CrossReach Addiction Facility

Tuesday April 9 2024

Work has started on the expansion of a CrossReach facility for residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation in the Highlands and Islands.

The new sister service in the grounds of Beechwood House, Inverness, will increase its capacity by 46%, offering 22 more places. It is expected to benefit patients from throughout the Highlands and Western and Northern Islands, as well as benefiting the neighbouring area of Moray.

£2.4 million was secured from the Scottish Government's Rapid Residential Rehabilitation Capacity Programme for the project last year. A design has been agreed and planning permission approved, with the assistance of CRGP Architects, and earlier this year local contractor IBI was appointed to lead the build.

Carol Brackenridge, Head of Substance Use for CrossReach, said: "This has been a great project to be part of and the support from local commissioners, the Scottish Government and our design partners show the commitment to addressing Substance Use Harms and supporting people to find the lives and recovery they are seeking.

"We will be working to ensure the Centre offers a robust evidence-based program that meets the need of those it serves as well as recruiting a strong team. We would be very welcoming of the support of those with Lived and Living Experience within the team and are currently working with a LLE refence group, who have all graduated through the CrossReach volunteer program, to ensure the LLE voice has a strong input into the development and recruitment needed."

Vic Walker, Adult Care Director at CrossReach added: "Our new facility will help to reduce the time people are waiting to get the support they need. When people come forward for help it is vital that we respond quickly. Residential rehabilitation can make a huge difference for a person struggling with alcohol or drug use, for their families and for communities. Swifter access to services saves lives, and people who complete residential rehabilitation often go on to be a positive influence in their communities."

The Scottish Government's Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister, Christina McKelvie, said: " I’m very pleased to see the progress being made by Crossreach in expanding capacity at its Beechwood House centre.

"As part of our £250 million National Mission on drugs we’re taking a wide range of measures, including continuing to expand residential rehabilitation capacity."

CrossReach, the Church of Scotland's social care operator, is Scotland's largest non-statutory care organisation. It also runs recovery services in Glasgow and Dundee.

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