Recovery Volunteer Graduation 2026
6 March 2026
Last month under rainy skies something bright was happening in Glasgow, CrossReach’s annual Recovery Volunteer Graduation. The event celebrates people who have gone through our rehabilitation and recovery services, completed various training courses, and are returning as volunteers to support those in the early stages of recovery at our services. Volunteers gathered with friends, family, CrossReach staff, and other guests to celebrate their achievements.
The event began with remarks from Carol Brackenridge, Head of Service for Substance Use at CrossReach. After a brief introduction it was on to the main event—stories and testimonials from the volunteer graduates themselves. Here are some stories that were shared:
Lynn, a recovery worker, said “My journey started in 2014 when I was a resident [at Rainbow House]. I’d never had a job in my life. I was never employed and had no secondary education... People at the centre believed in me more than I believed in myself... I love my job because I love helping other people. I don’t forget what it was like for me, with no hope, no employment, and no aspirations for the future... It can be a challenging job at times, but I wouldn’t change it.”
Robert noted, “I can’t thank CrossReach enough. I went in with no confidence. Volunteer training is a way for me to give back.”
Fionnuala said, “Doing the volunteer training was wonderful, I loved every bit of it. Before getting into Rainbow my life was so messy, so tumultuous. It was like an ocean, just, destructive, I was wrecking everything in sight. It feels my sea has come to a calm now. I am 7 months sober now which is the longest I can remember. I’m so inspired by how much I can do now... Volunteering is a huge part of that, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Jonathan recounted his time in recovery: “I just wanted to say thank you to CrossReach, they saved my life. The first 4 weeks [of recovery] were just sleep and learn to brush my teeth again. Then I started waking up, and I was really encouraged to participate. CrossReach fellowship has been like a foundation for me... they pushed me to do things you don’t think of. I went to this acting class... Now I’m on the show, proper breaking it—it's Shakespeare, I can’t even do the preamble! That is proper powerful though... thank you for the opportunities so far.”
After the awards were presented, Marie Todd (Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport) congratulated the volunteers and spoke about the importance of accessible recovery services. She remarked,
“Thank you for everyone who has shared their celebration with us today. The words that you have spoken are really powerful and inspirational... I am so delighted to see recovery visible in our community. Recovery is also stigmatized, and it needs to be right out there and celebrated.”
“All of you have expressed profound thanks for the support that you got, and that’s your right. Everyone should be able to access that kind of help and support, and that’s what we’re working to deliver and change in Scotland... People who have lived experience are able to help me shape policy and legislation in a way that works... You are contributing to better recovery pathways right across Scotland.”
Vic Walker, Director of Adult Care, thanked the volunteers for sharing their stories and wished them congratulations. He highlighted the longstanding importance of safe recovery spaces and the role that volunteers play in their success:
“Rainbow house has been here for 40 years. 40 years ago, inspired by their faith, we knew it was important to open a safe place where people could come and recover from substance use... For each of us, we have opportunities to inspire somebody with us to hang in there, take the next step, or just say follow me... I would encourage you to keep doing that, keep building the numbers until this snowballs into something even bigger as we move forward.”
Finally, the event was closed with remarks and a blessing from the Church of Scotland Moderator, Rt Reverend Frew,
“We have been privileged to meet residents, staff, and volunteers. We have been privileged to hear stories like the ones we have heard today. I have been so humbled, and I have been so proud that this work is done in the name of the Church of Scotland through CrossReach. It has been an absolute privilege and inspiration—you are an absolute inspiration.”
Reverend Frew then closed the event with a prayer, “... we thank you for those who work with CrossReach, who volunteer with CrossReach, who have had their lives transformed by CrossReach. Be with all who are gathered here today. Continue to surround them with your love, your care, your strength and support. In the time we spend together, and as we move from this place, may your blessing be with us all now, and remain with us forevermore. Amen.”
It was an inspirational and meaningful event for everyone involved. Thank you to all those who attended and shared their stories, we wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter.
