An initiative to get north-east men and women back on track with their lives has been launched.
Addiction recovery charity Teen Challenge, has started to visit Banff every week to provide much-needed support and encouragement to people it describes as “hurting”.
Each Tuesday, the charity’s outreach truck parks outside the port’s Harvest Centre, Castle Street, between 1pm and 3pm.
The specially converted vehicle provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for addicts – or anybody affected by addiction – to visit and chat through their issues over a cup of coffee.
From the truck, which is manned by trained staff and volunteers, visitors can be referred to either Teen Challenge’s men’s residential facility, Sunnybrae, near Fyvie, or its women’s centre, Benaiah, near Mintlaw.
Residents at both centres complete a faith-based recovery programme made up of a blend of Bible-based studies, counselling sessions and a comprehensive work schedule.
After completing the programme, graduates continue to receive support from Teen Challenge in career and further education opportunities, establishing homes and managing their finances.
The charity’s area manager, Gordon Cruden, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to bring our outreach services to Banff.
“The truck provides a very relaxed, friendly environment, which is ideal for people who want to speak about their problems and receive help on how to beat their addictions.
“As well as showing them care and compassion on the bus – through offering support, counsel and, if required, referral to other services – we can give visitors the opportunity to enter one of our residential centres, where they can have their lives completely turned around.
“We’d encourage anyone who is looking for help to come along and visit us.”