WithYou in the Borders

23/09/2025

Today the National Records of Scotland published its annual report on alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.

During 2024, there were 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland, a decrease of 7% compared with 2023.

Behind every statistic is a person — a daughter, brother, partner, neighbour, or friend. Each with their own story and connections, each leaving a space in the lives of those who loved them. We hold in our thoughts all who experienced loss due to alcohol-related causes in 2024.

Louise Stewart, Director for Scotland, speaks on behalf of WithYou:

“While today’s report shows our treatment and harm reduction approaches are beginning to make a difference, the loss of 1,185 lives in 2024 makes it clear that much more must be done.

“To demonstrate a real commitment to reducing alcohol-specific deaths, we are calling for alcohol care and treatment standards that ensure that people who need support now have a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland.

“We urge the Scottish Government to implement a comprehensive alcohol strategy that properly invests in prevention and to take urgent, ambitious, and far-reaching action to prevent today’s children and young people from becoming figures in a report published 10, 20, or even 30 years from now.

“For me, that means taking a whole-population approach to addressing health inequalities and improving quality of life in our most deprived communities, where you are 4.5 times more likely to die from an alcohol related death. Only by tackling root causes and our attitudes towards alcohol can we really turn the tide to stop Scotland’s harmful relationship with alcohol.

“Today, my thoughts are with all those who we lost to an alcohol-related death, and with their families and friends.

“To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well as delivering services in communities, WithYou offers a free and confidential webchat. This is a great first point of contact for anyone who is worried about their alcohol use or that of a loved one. Visit wearewithyou.org.uk today.”

23/09/2025

22/09/2025

🥊 Recovery Muay Thai – Tomorrow, 4pm!

Build strength, confidence & connection in a friendly, supportive space. 💚
Newcomers always welcome — no experience needed.

Open to anyone in recovery, plus family, friends & carers. 💜

22/09/2025

If you’re in the Eyemouth area, head along to today’s recovery cafe from 11am to meet with our friends from Borders in Recovery

☕💚 Join us at the Eyemouth Recovery Café tomorrow!

Join us for a warm welcome, food and community.
📍 Open to anyone in recovery from substance use, plus family, friends & carers.

A safe, supportive space where you’re not alone. 💜

21/09/2025

21/09/2025

𝟔 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨!

👟 Ready to walk together?
Only 6 days left until we take steps for recovery at Recovery Walk Scotland!

Here’s your sneak peek at the walk route — a powerful journey of remembrance, celebration, and hope. 🌈💜

🔗Full event info here: https://ow.ly/374X50WYFo0

📍Every step matters. Every story counts.

🔗

20/09/2025

Another fantastic opportunity to seek support and make connections with Borders in Recovery ☕️🙏💜 from 10th October, make sure to head along to Jedburgh

🌟 New in Jedburgh! 🌟

💚 Recovery Café – launching Friday 10th October!
📍 Join us weekly on Fridays, 11am–1pm for brunch, connection & community.

Open to anyone in recovery from substance use, and to family, friends & carers. A safe, welcoming space where you’re not alone.

Come along, have a bite to eat, and be part of something supportive. 💜

17/09/2025

If you need help, please reach out. You can talk to a trained recovery worker via our webchat at wearewithyou.org.uk, it’s free and confidential.

We are with you.

16/09/2025

Research from King's College London, published today, has found that there were 39,232 opioid-related deaths between 2011 and 2022, more than 50% higher than previously known.

Simon Phillips, Chief Executive of WithYou, speaks on behalf of WithYou:

“Deaths following opioid use have nearly doubled in the last decade, and these figures show an alarming acceleration of this tragedy. The ONS’ statistics play an important role in influencing public health policy and funding decisions. This under-reporting will have led to treatment services not receiving the levels of funding they require, and people not getting the support they need. With deaths from other drugs also likely to be underestimated, the Government must prioritise this issue and commit to sustained, long-term funding for treatment and recovery services - people’s lives depend on it.”

15/09/2025

💜New time!
🥊💚 Recovery Muay Thai – 4pm Tomorrow!
Build strength, confidence, and connection through Muay Thai in a supportive recovery community. All levels welcome — it’s about movement, focus & fun, not experience. 🧘‍♂️💥