We have launched a new website and this page has been archived.Find out more

[Skip to Content]

06 March 2012

Local Church in Scotland opens doors to those suffering from addictions

by Asha Kurien

(photo credit: Hawick News)

Hawick Baptist Church has opened a drop-in centre for those suffering from addictions. This service is provided in partnership with Newcastleton-based Christian charityGrafted.

Located at The Well in Bourtree Terrace, this initiative is the second of three drop-in centres now in the Scottish Borders Area. It is open every Thursday from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm and guests are provided with facilities to play indoor games like snooker and table tennis, have lunch, and engage in group discussions or one-to-one talks.

Albeit in its nascent stage, the centre already has 10 regular guests and the support of local churches, the social work department at the Scottish Borders Council and the Borders Drug and Alcohol Team.

The centre held an open day on 16 February to which they invited representatives from addiction agencies, councilors and the police. The event was a great success as most organisations that were invited attended and expressed genuine interest and support.

When questioned about the impact the drop-in centre has had on the local community, Mike McLeister, the community pastor at Hawick Baptist Church said: "I sense from people (that) there is encouragement because we are seeking to help real issues whilst endeavouring to work with local related agencies. We can see that we are providing friendship and support to a few people that are clearly not receiving that elsewhere."

While problematic drug misuse has been recorded all over Scotland, it has been found to be particularly prevalent in the Scottish Borders Area. The drop-in centre at Hawick Baptist Church is determined to play a vital role in helping locals who hope to turn their lives around with the support they need.