Carr Gomm is raising £25,000 this year to set up and run community projects which will bring people together and help stomp out loneliness and isolation in Scotland. In Carr Gomm's 25 years of supporting people and communities, we have seen how bringing people together and providing opportunities to make meaningful connections can be transformational. 

AK is a person supported by Carr Gomm.  Here's his story in his words (he's given permission for me/Carr Gomm to share) >>>>>

"I was introduced to cocaine at the age of 15- I was overweight, shy and it gave me some confidence and helped me lose weight, however, it led me down a path of pain and destruction as the years rolled on- turning me to petty crime to fuel my habit and losing many dear friends and loved ones, to addiction, along the way. This was over a 28 year period.

As a result I have an acquired brain injury due to falls and assaults, which sadly goes hand-in-hand with long term drug and alcohol use. I have a formal diagnosis of epilepsy and have to take epilepsy medication to help control seizures. I’m often misunderstood because my brain injuries are not visible but the impact on my mental health and cognitive functioning is significant.

After some time in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Milestone House, more recently, I was discharged into the community to a tenancy of my very own with support provided by Carr Gomm. For almost 2 years, I was drug and alcohol free and living the best time of my entire life (2020 – 2022).

Sadly, I relapsed last summer and returned to my old ways spiraling downwards. I’M STILL HERE, THOUGH, AND SO IS CARR GOMM- supporting me every day in my recovery and oh, HOW MUCH DO I WANT TO RECOVER and feel like I did for that period of my life in 2020/22. I’d never been happier than then!

I’ve come to understand some things about myself and my past. I’ve also gained some wisdom and want to continue healing and growing as a human being. I just want to be well and happy.

I’ve decided to do The Mighty Stride at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk as part of my recovery- walking 21 miles, on 17 September, with my Key Worker (Kirsteen). I’m being spurred on by her and other support staff at my local Carr Gomm service. I go out for walk ‘n’ talks with them, they chum me along to the gym to help me get fit and to focus on positive activities that are helping me to heal. For that I am truly thankful.

If you can, please do support me and my Key Worker, and Carr Gomm, for all that they do. It is much appreciated, thank you. x"