A Fraserburgh church’s work to help women overcome drug addiction has been praised by community leaders.
The Assembly of God (AOG) will hold a night of singing to raise money for a recovery centre which offers women a year-long course to overcome their addictions.
Last night, the chairman of Fraserburgh’s community council said fundraising to help programmes offered by the Teen Challenge programme at Benaiah, near Mintlaw, was “very important”.
Ronnie McNab said: “Drug addiction affects whole families, not just the person on drugs. The vandalism and crimes that go with drugs is fearsome, and it really does affect everyone.
“So any programme that alleviates drug use is great – it’s very important.”
Charles Buchan, a councillor for the town, added that the event deserved strong support.
He said: “The instances of drug use and addiction in Fraserburgh is falling into the normal range for Aberdeenshire and I’m sure that these initiatives are helping.
“I just hope they get a big attendance on Saturday.”
The women who use the centre, some of whom have children, also pick up practical skills during work duties which include cooking, gardening, DIY, horse livery and business entrepreneurship.
Sharon Sim, a member of the congregation at AOG, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this fundraiser over the weekend of Palm Sunday.
She added that she had friends who had become involved with drugs and knew the pain they could cause.
She added: “The devastation that drug addiction has on an individual and their family is close to my heart, so I am extremely pleased that the church is able to support Teen Challenge, which does tremendous work encouraging people who are hurting to live clean, free lives.”
Upon completing the Teen Challenge programme, the charity continues to support the women by helping them establish homes and careers within the community.
The fundraising event will take place at AOG Central on Queens Road, starting at 7:30pm. Admission is free with donations welcome.