Active Recovery Moray marks milestone 250th session

Since launching weekly football meet-ups in June 2022, Active Recovery Moray has expanded to include weekly mountain biking, providing participants with more ways to stay active and connected.

Combined attendance for both activities has grown to 169 participants.

The project is the result of a multi-organisation partnership involving Moray Council, Moray Community Sport Hubs, Police Scotland, Arrows Drug and Alcohol Support, Moray Wellbeing Hub, Boundless Trails and Elgin Sports Community Trust.

Courtney Ritchie originally joined Active Recovery Moray as a participant, and has since gone on to become its coach.

She said: “It’s changed my life. I used to play football when I was younger, but had to take time out as I suffered a serious injury.

“Before I started Active Recovery Moray, I was dealing with a chronic condition and I was also very depressed. I went along to a session with no real expectation, and things progressed from there.

“I’ve gone from being a participant to paid employment, actually coaching the sessions. I absolutely love it, and my own experiences mean I can relate to many other participants.

“We have people from all walks of life here, and we’re a community. You don’t have to be sporty or have experience of sport, and everyone is welcome regardless of ability level.”

Kyle Macdonald joined Active Recovery Moray after moving to the region from Glasgow.

He said it had made him feel welcome: “I found out about Active Recovery Moray by chance, and I’m very glad that I did. I didn’t really know anyone in Moray, and I feel like I’ve found my community.

“I live with autism, and Active Recovery Moray has really helped with that. I find having a routine very helpful, and this has given me exactly that.

“I’ve also lost a lot of weight, which has really improved my confidence.”

Robbie Hope, Director of Operations at Elgin Sports Community Trust added: “Sport and physical activity are powerful tools when it comes to improving mental health and recovery, and their impact goes further, creating pathways to social inclusion, access to important services and the development of key skills.

“I’m very proud of being able to provide all of that at Active Recovery Moray, and of the difference we’ve been able to make in many lives.”

Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “I’d like to congratulate Active Recovery Moray on reaching such a milestone. It shows what can be achieved when people come together to support one another, and the positive impact it has on individuals and the wider community is a reminder of the difference determined, thoughtful action can make.”