On Friday 27th June, ACR’s Friday Brunch group travelled to Ellon to visit the Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) Creative Wellbeing Day. Eight members filled the cars and hit the road to go and enjoy the celebration.
This wee- long event was a celebration recognising families and loved ones affected by some else’s alcohol or drug use.
SFAD are a national charity which offer support and information, helping family members with confidence, communication and general wellbeing. They also link families into local support services. SFAD help people recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves.
On arrival, the venue was bright and inviting, and clearly well attended. The room was full, with busy, bustling tables set up with a variety of creative activities. We all got busy and quickly lost ourselves in getting creative. We enjoyed stone painting, decorating stones for the ACR garden, whilst others were getting busy making necklaces and bracelets. Decorative jars with jewels and lights were a firm favourite for many. Others getting lost in a book.
“Blind date with a book” was a great initiative. Many of us picked a wrapped book with only a clue on the cover of what the book was about. We were also able make a bookmark ready to find that peace and quiet to get lost in our chosen books. For some of us, reading was something we use to enjoy but have not read a book for some time, so choosing a new book was exciting and a good reason to read again.
There were also therapists there to offer hand or foot massage or even an Indian head massage to really offer that relaxing escape. This was also welcomed by all.
Lots of conversations and experiences shared at the tables during a lovely lunch (enjoyed by all) The support in the room was clear, strangers coming together – we all connected.
Hearing the updated from the SFAD CEO and staff about the successes and future plans for SFAD confirmed that their much needed and valued support continues to thrive and grow and can be a lifeline for the sometimes-forgotten families.
Quotes from attendees who attended the event,
“I had a great day spending time with like-minded people; I felt safe with no judgement”
“I enjoyed making jewellery and meeting new people”
“it was nice to meet and chat with new people of all ages, and feel that connection”
“I thoroughly enjoy my trip out. I met a great crowd of people and quickly felt comfortable and connected. Meeting new people from all walks of life was also refreshing. The spread for lunch that was put on was fantastic too. The activities brough us all together, chatting about our crafts, and generating chat with new people in a relaxed way – some had travelled really far to attend too”
“Highlight for me was seeing old faces that I have not seen for many years and reconnecting, the catering was also brilliant and catered for all with all dietary requirements being met. I ran out of time so missed my hand massage, but I really enjoyed the jewellery making and being able to make something I could take home”
All-in-all the verdict was that this was a special day that we all enjoyed. Scottish Families do an amazing job supporting loved ones.