Ayr MSP Hails Harbour Ayrshire’s “Inspiring” Work Supporting People in Recovery

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has praised the work of Harbour Ayrshire, a local recovery charity that supports people overcoming drug and alcohol addiction.

Pic L to R: Eddie Gordon, Andrew Downie, Siobhian Brown MSP and Clive Kennedy

The SNP MSP described the charity as “inspiring” and said its peer-led model of support is making a real difference to people’s lives across Ayrshire.

Harbour Ayrshire runs a wide range of programmes, including support groups, one-to-one interventions and crisis assistance. The charity also operates a community support vehicle and minibus, helping those who may otherwise struggle to access vital services.

Over the past year, the charity’s vehicles have supported more than 250 one-to-one interventions, transported over 300 people to group sessions, and helped 100 individuals secure permanent housing.

Siobhian Brown MSP said:

“The work Harbour Ayrshire do is inspiring. Their volunteers are exceptional, many with their own story to tell and their model of peer support works. The impact they have on people’s lives is clear to see. If we could replicate this approach across the country, we could help so many more people find hope, independence and a place back in the community.

“I met members of the team several years ago before they established the charity with the late John Gilardi. Their passion and drive to make a positive impact on the community was evident from day one. With the sudden, sad loss of John last year, we have seen the local community and Ayrshire businesses come together to support Harbour to ensure his legacy will not be forgotten. I will continue to support their efforts and highlight the difference they are making as an example for Scotland. We’ve made tackling the harms caused by drugs a national mission, and organisations like Harbour Ayrshire show how community-led recovery can be part of the solution, giving people real hope and a chance to rebuild their lives.”

Project Manager Eddie Gordon said the recognition means a great deal to the charity. He added:

“We are so thankful to Siobhian Brown MSP for taking the time to meet with us and for recognising the work of Harbour. The support we receive from her and the wider community means so much to us, our volunteers, and the people we support.

“Recovery is not something anyone can do alone — it takes compassion, encouragement, and people believing in you. Together, we can keep building hope and opportunities for individuals and families across Ayrshire.”

Harbour Ayrshire continues to focus not just on immediate crisis response, but on long-term stability, peer leadership and reintegration, helping people build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their communities.