Fresh Start Vision

We are exploring the possibility of developing a residential centre to enable further support for people looking to move beyond a life dominated by addiction. The Fresh Start Centre will be a residential centre where a small number of people with life debilitating problems, and referred to us, could live for six to twelve months receiving the support they need (in partnership with the health service and other agencies). The aim is to help them to move on to stable living and employment or training. The Centre programme will include being active throughout each day, engaging with the running of the centre, and helping to grow fruit and vegetables, that will be used to help bring in an income. The Fresh Start Gardening Group has demonstrated the benefits for wellbeing of working together in gardening activities. Each day will also include a time for reflection and the opportunity to engage with the spiritual resources of the Christian faith.

With financial support from the ‘God for All’ New Places for New People initiative of the Methodist Church we are exploring the possibility of establishing this facility in Shetland.  As we search for the right location for the Fresh Start Centre, away from Lerwick, we are looking to find appropriate ways to encourage those individuals affected by addiction who are open to exploring spiritual life with resources from the 12-step programme and a Methodist Way of Life.