The Forth Valley Recovers App is the first project of its kind in Scotland and will offer important information to individuals, direct them to local and national support and encourage engagement with services.
Developed by award-winning company, Faff Digital, in conjunction with the local recovery community, the software will assist people in their recovery via a range of interactive features and help users understand the impact of drugs and/or alcohol on their health and its effect on others.
Although the app is aimed at people in recovery, it can also be used by families, workers and the wider community to increase knowledge and promote services.
One of a range of measures
Cllr Chris Kane, Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, which supports the work of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP), said: “The development of this app is one of a range of measures the ADP is carrying out to help people with substance use in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area.
“By providing individuals, families and communities with easily accessible high quality information and tailored support, this innovative app can help people in their recovery.”
According to the Office of National Statistics, 94 per cent of households in Scotland are estimated to own a mobile phone, with usage increasing, while 85 per cent have access to a personal computer and the internet.
A digital presence can therefore reduce stigma and discrimination for those who may find it difficult to approach services in person.
Available on Apple, Android and Amazon devices, the software will also be accessible online via a dedicated website so anyone with access to the internet can access support.
Break down barriers
Cllr Maureen Bennison, Vice Convener of the Committee said: “I am delighted to see the development of this pioneering digital platform which will help break down barriers on this important national issue and enable greater engagement with residents.
“Not only will it inform and empower people with a substance use issue by encouraging self-management, it also has the potential to provide a variety of wider health and well-being benefits to individuals and the communities.”
The Clackmannanshire and Stirling ADP is linked to the *Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership, a joint partnership between NHS Forth Valley, Clackmannanshire Council and Stirling Council.
Funding for the project came via the Clackmannanshire and Stirling ADP Challenge Fund. The app was launched at last week’s (Aug 30) **Recovery Cafe meeting at the Mayfield Centre in Stirling.
Deserve all the support they can get
Cllr Les Sharp, Vice Chair of Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership Board said: “People committed to making recovery happen deserve all the support they can get and this app has information on where to find services, what help is available and can help people to create their your own recovery plan.”
A key priority
Dr Graham Foster, Director of Public Health, NHS Forth Valley, said: "NHS Forth Valley works closely with key partners to offer support to families and communities affected by substance use. It is a key priority in our local health improvement strategy.
“The Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership team estimate that for every person who has problems with substance use there are likely to be two or three other people who are directly affected. These include spouses, partners, children and siblings, as well as co-workers and friends.
“Families have a critical role to play in helping people on the road to recovery by engaging more fully in their recovery plan and this pioneering app is an important step forward in providing vital support and advice."
Visit the website here: www.forthvalleyrecovers.com
Picture details and background info
Main picture is from the launch of the app at the weekly Recovery Café at the Mayfield Centre, Stirling. Pictured (from left) are Cllr Maureen Bennison, Cllr Les Sharp, Michael Dickerson, Assistant Recovery Development Worker; Cllr Chris Kane; Tom Bennett, Recovery Development Team Leader; John-Paul Thain, App Developer from Faff Digital.
* Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership is a joint partnership between NHS Forth Valley, Clackmannanshire Council and Stirling Council. It oversees the planning and delivery of a wide range of local health and social services and ensures these are provided in a joined up way to make it easier and quicker for local people across Clackmannanshire and Stirling to access the services and support they require.
** The Forth Valley Recovery Community is an inclusive and non-judgemental community committed to empowering people in recovery. They offer a range of safe, alcohol and drug free activities, including Recovery Cafes – a safe environment where people in recovery and the wider community come together to socialise, give/receive support, participate in activities whilst displaying that recovery can and does happen - and other initiatives designed to enhance a person's mental and physical wellbeing as well as support his or her recovery. Recovery Cafes are available seven days per week including a dedicated Women's Cafe held in Stirling on a Tuesday.
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