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← Harbour (Ayrshire)

2025-07-31-accounts

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

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Chairman’s Foreword

Welcome to Harbour Ayrshire’s Trustee Annual Report for the year ending 31st July 2025.

Over the past three years, Harbour Ayrshire has grown into a vital part of the Ayrshire community, supporting individuals and families through the challenges of alcohol and drug addiction. I hope you enjoy reading about our progress, achievements, and the powerful personal stories that bring our work to life.

Vist From The First Minister

We were also honoured to welcome First Minister John Swinney in June 2025. The Scottish Government’s new national recovery toolkit—partly shaped by Harbour Ayrshire’s model—further recognises the impact our organisation has made.

A Year of Consolidation & Growth

Looking Ahead

This year focused on securing the rapid growth of our early years while continuing to expand our services. We successfully maintained our core support programmes and introduced three new peer support groups—the Zoom Room, the Crosshouse Hospital Group, and the Inspire Group—bringing our total to fifteen.

The year ahead will bring new challenges, but with the outstanding team we have in place, we remain confident in our ability to grow, adapt and continue changing lives for the better.

Harbour Ayrshire will always be here to support those determined to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

Bridge to Shore - A Standout Success

Thank You

One of this year’s major achievements is the continued success of the Bridge to Shore Project. Over the past year, it supported 63 individuals, helping 43 into employment and 20 into full “a —— b time education - a wy remarkable 30% increase on last year’s outcomes.

Our sincere gratitude goes to all our funders and donors. Your contributions make our work possible and directly support the life-changing outcomes we deliver.

A special thank you to the Ayrshire business community for its ongoing generosity, particularly through monthly donations inspired by the John Gilardi legacy – “My Heart’s with Harbour.”

I would also like to thank my fellow trustees for their commitment and our founder, Clive Kennedy, for his drive and vision. Our Project Manager, Eddie Gorman, continues to provide exceptional leadership across day-to-day operations.

Most importantly, the beating heart of Harbour Ayrshire is our eight dedicated staff and around sixty volunteers. Your passion, energy, and commitment are the reason Harbour continues to thrive.

David Hughes Chair of Trustees, Harbour Ayrshire

Contents

Chairman’s Foreword ............................................................................2 Why was Harbour established? .......................................................... 4 Who does Harbour help? ..................................................................... 4 Year Three: Building Hope, Strengthening Community ................. 5 Harbour Services & Pathways ............................................................ 6 Digital Inclusion......................................................................................8 Recognition .............................................................................................8 Access to Residential Rehabilitation ................................................. 9 Bridge to Shore Project ........................................................................ 10 From Chaos to Purpose: Building a Life in Recovery ..................... 11 Our Nation’s Heartbreak ....................................................................... 12 Better Days: The Harbour Story ......................................................... 13 Harbour Sleepout 2025 ........................................................................ 14 Harbour Hero Awards 2025 ................................................................. 16 First Minister Praises Harbour's Bridge to Shore Project ............. 17 Harbour Impact and Achievements ................................................... 18 The New Beginnings Workshop ........................................................ 19 The Next Twelve Months: Our Vision 2025–2026 .......................... 20 Financials ................................................................................................21 Funders & Partner Organisations ....................................................... 22 Our Trustees ...........................................................................................23 Our Vision, Mission and Values .......................................................... 24

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Bridge
to
ShorePROJECT
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Cover Image: Bridge to Shore

A trauma-informed programme that supports individuals after the initial stabilisation period, offering a structured route into volunteering, accredited training, education, and employment. The project helps people rebuild confidence, develop new skills, and reconnect with their community.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Why was Harbour established?

In response to the significant and ongoing impact of drug- and alcohol-related deaths within our communities, Harbour Ayrshire was established to deliver, in partnership with others, a range of evidence-based and solution-focused interventions.

Our work aims to create sustainable opportunities for some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, supporting them to live free from the stigma and harm associated with addiction. We believe everyone deserves the chance to live free from the pain and stigma of addiction.

Who does Harbour help?

Harbour Ayrshire supports individuals and families across Ayrshire who are affected by addiction, trauma, and related social challenges. We work with people at every stage of their recovery journey.

Many of those we help face additional barriers such as:

Through peer support, lived-experience mentoring and trauma-informed practice, Harbour offers safety, connection and compassion to anyone needing a place to turn.

• Poor mental health

Our services are delivered in community settings across Ayrshire, ensuring support is accessible for people in rural areas, those without transport and individuals who may feel isolated.

• Offending behaviour

• Family breakdown

We also support families and loved ones, recognising that addiction affects whole households. By working with relatives and carers, we help rebuild relationships, reduce harm and strengthen foundations for long-term recovery.

Our goal is simple: to help people stabilise, recover, rebuild their lives and reconnect with their communities—with dignity, purpose and hope.

“This work brings moments of great joy and moments of deep heartbreak. I have seen people rise from their lowest points with extraordinary courage, and it reminds me why Harbour exists

Over the past year, we have celebrated lives rebuilt and families restored, and we have also grieved for those we have lost. Each life matters, and every loss strengthens our resolve to keep going.

I am proud of our volunteers, fellow trustees, our team, and every person who has taken a step toward recovery. Thank you to all who stand with us — your belief, love, and support bring hope where it’s needed most.

Harbour is more than a service. It is a community, and together, we will continue to fight for every life and celebrate every victory’.

Clive Kennedy, Founder of Harbour Ayrshire

Year Three: Building Hope, Strengthening Community

Harbour Ayrshire closes its third year with a powerful sense of growth, resilience and purpose. Over the past 12 months, we have continued to provide a vital lifeline for vulnerable individuals across Ayrshire - supporting people as they stabilise, recover and rebuild their lives.

Extending Our Reach

Facing Challenges with Compassion

This year saw the launch of several new services, including:

This year brought emotional challenges, including losses felt deeply across the Harbour community. These moments reaffirm why trauma-informed care, compassion and safety must remain central to everything we do.

While funding pressures persist, innovation, resilience and the unwavering support of our community continue to move us forward.

These additions ensure help is accessible to those unable to attend in person, while our established peer, women’s, men’s and family groups continue to thrive.

Our Mission Continues

Our People are at the Heart of Harbour

We remain committed to being a trauma-informed, lived-experience-led organisation at the heart of Ayrshire’s recovery community.

Every member of our team brings lived experience, compassion, and authenticity. Our volunteers - many of whom began their own recovery journeys at Harbour - play vital roles in:

Harbour’s achievements have been made possible through the dedication of our trustees, staff, volunteers, supported people, funders, partners, and wider community. Together, we honour the legacy of John Gilardi, ensuring Harbour remains a place of hope, belonging and <i iy" transformation for the people of A Ayrshire.

We proudly celebrated recovery milestones across the team this year, ranging from 6 months to 3 years of sobriety.

Partnership and Community

Collaboration continues to strengthen our work. Local businesses, community organisations and funders have shown remarkable generosity, supporting campaigns, creating opportunities and reinforcing Harbour’s role within Ayrshire. Our work is increasingly recognised for easing pressure on statutory services while helping build stronger, recovery-focused communities.

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Eddie Gorman,
Project Manager
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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Harbour Services & Pathways

The last twelve months has seen Harbour expand its reach across Ayrshire, providing consistent support through peer groups, 1:1 work, outreach and our community vehicles.

We launched new women’s rural groups, opened our Zoom Room to reach people who cannot attend in person, opened a group in The John Crosshouse Hospital (New Horizons) and held major community events like the Sleepout and the launch of My Heart’s with Harbour: The John Gilardi Legacy, an awareness/fundraising initiative set up in the name of our late co-founder.

14 Weekly Peer Support Groups

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ZOOM Room
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ZOOM Room Webcam-based group for those \ who cannot attend in person due to location and/or economic situation.

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hh fh Ot 407 New Horizons Hospital Group Providing out-of-hours support and guidance for people in crisis or transition.

Helpline & Buddy Service Providing out-of-hours support and guidance for people in crisis or transition.

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New Beginnings ‘ne
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Family Groups
Three groups supporting aof ; B
family members and friends of
individuals affected by addiction.
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FAMILY
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A STRONG LINK
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WOMEN’S
GROUPS
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Harbour Vehicles i C \ Our minibus has enabled rural access to support and the Community Support Vehicle has helped transport people experiencing homelessness or fleeing violence.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

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Digital Inclusion

Digital inclusion is a core part of Harbour Ayrshire’s recovery support. Many people accessing our service have experienced long-term addiction, resulting in poverty, isolation, and exclusion from an increasingly digital world.

Individuals often face multiple barriers including

Recognition

poor mental health, rural isolation, financial hardship, limited mobility, lack of transport, childcare responsibilities, and in some cases electronic tagging. On referral, many do not have access to basic essentials such as stable housing, heating, or even a mobile phone.

Harbour Ayrshire was invited to present at a Digital Inclusion event held at the Scottish Parliament.

Harbour’s trauma-informed, person-centred approach provides devices, one-to-one digital support, crisis assistance, and tailored guidance aligned to each individual’s recovery journey, helping to remove barriers and rebuild independence.

The presentation showcased Harbour’s innovative, person-centred approach to tackling digital exclusion and was very well received, with positive feedback from attendees and stakeholders.

Through targeted funding and partnership working, Harbour has reduced digital exclusion, strengthened external relationships, and expanded access to devices and digital skills.

It highlighted Harbour Ayrshire as an example of best practice in combining trauma-informed support with digital innovation.

It was a significant milestone for the organisation as it recognised the innovative, compassionate, and effective work being delivered on the ground and highlighted the importance of digital inclusion in modern recovery and support services.

Access to Residential Rehabilitation

Harbour plays a critical role in supporting access to residential rehabilitation. For many people, this rehabilitation offers a moment of safety, space and hope.

It is a chance to step away from the chaos, pressure and triggers of everyday life and into a place where healing can begin. For people who have lived in crisis for a long time, getting away can be life-changing, allowing them to think clearly, rest properly, and begin to believe that a different future is possible.

Harbour remains committed to partnership working that puts people first, removes barriers to treatment, and ensures recovery is supported with compassion, dignity, and hope - every step of the way.

Case Study: Stephen’s Recovery Journey (2025)

In January 2025, Stephen selfreferred to Harbour Ayrshire while experiencing extreme anxiety and isolation that prevented him from leaving his home.

Through immediate digital inclusion support, including a device, connectivity, and guided assistance, he was able to access online recovery meetings and begin rebuilding trust and connection.

We work closely with trusted residential rehabilitation partners, namely Abbeycare, Steps to Hope, Calderglen, and River Garden, to ensure people receive the right support at the right time. Alongside this, we work in partnership with We Are With You, NADARS, START, and RADAR, who secure the funding that makes rehab possible.

Working collaboratively with RADAR, Stephen was stabilised on a methadone prescription and supported through a structured pathway toward residential rehabilitation. Over six months, he reduced his prescription, transitioned to in-person recovery groups, and received practical support such as travel assistance to strengthen community engagement.

Together, we provide integrated, joined-up support before, during and after rehab, so no one is left navigating recovery alone. This includes preparing people for admission, staying connected while they are in treatment and ensuring ongoing support when they return home.

Stephen later entered Calderglen Rehab, where he achieved full abstinence. With continued support and a structured aftercare plan from Harbour Ayrshire, he successfully reintegrated into the community.

Through our Bridge to Shore pathway, rehab becomes part of a wider recovery journey rather than a stand-alone event. People are supported to rebuild their lives in the community, strengthen relationships, access housing, develop healthy routines, and move towards volunteering, education and employment. This continuity of care is key to sustaining long-term recovery and reducing the risk of relapse.

Today, Stephen volunteers with Harbour’s Bridge to Shore project, using his lived experience to support others at the start of their recovery journey.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Bridge to Shore Project: Empowering Recovery, Building Independence and creating opportunity.

Bridge to Shore is a transformative 18-month volunteer programme that supports people rebuilding their lives after drug or alcohol addiction. Through tailored training, therapeutic support and real work experience, participants gain confidence, purpose and the skills needed to reintegrate into their communities.

Structured Programme & Training

Volunteer Roles

All volunteers complete a full induction and personalised placement within one of Harbour’s services. Training is delivered online and in person across key areas, including:

Gain hands-on experience in roles such as:

• Community Support Vehicle Worker

volunteers receive certification and can

Participants receive access to a wide range of support:

progress into roles such as Harbour Mentor Through dedication, compassion or Team Leader. Bridge to Shore prepares and a holistic support approach, participants to become confident, contributing the Bridge to Shore Project members of society—equipped with the skills continues to change lives, to build a brighter future. offering hope, purpose and a pathway to sustainable recovery and independence.

From Chaos to Purpose - Building a Life in Recovery

CASE STUDY

‘wd Takinmarked the turning part in Harbour Ag point in myrshire’s y recoverBridyg and rebuildine to Shore Prog mgramme y life. I grew up around addiction. After my parents se childhood. She entered parated, I lived with mrecovery mothery when I was 14 and has remained abstinent ever since — , who used substances in my the same age my own drug use began. Byelater threatened to leavepisodes 17, I was usin, hospital stagy cocaine dails and , I knew I needed chanpolice involvement. When my. My addiction escalated ge for myy partner became familfasty, brin and mgingyselprepsgfy.nant and chotic Hproarbour gramme. Earlprovided 1:1 suy recoverppyort and was hardguided me to , but steadyC suocaine Anonpport helpyed build beliemous and the 1f and 2-stepprogress. AKilmarnock. The fter 30 days substance-group gave me structurefree, I joined the , communitMen Only and y Time purp(Mose — somethinOT) Group in g I’d lost after leaving school and jobs due to addiction. With Harbour’s support, I completed ASSIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainin and trauma-informed training, and volunteered on the g) Community Support Vehicle, helping women move safely into new homes after abuse. This restored my confidence and self-worth. I later returned to learning via the Scottish Drugs Forum Trainee Addiction Worker Programme, working towards an SVQ Level 2 — rebuilding goals once out of reach.

Toda I lead the MOT Killie Group, speak hope into schooy, ls, and attend family support groups with m mum. Harbour also backed key steps, funding my y . drivin lessons and trauma therapy g heaNowlth, m and I’m y daughter is nearpresent in lyf oneamily, m and community relationshipy is . With the right suy, pport, lasting recovery is possible, and lives can change.

Liam Anderson

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Our Nation’s Heartbreak

AYRSHIRE SPECIFIC DATA 83 suspected drug-related deaths (decrease from 93 in 2022.)

Across Scotland, addiction continues to devastate individuals, families, and communities. With 1,017 drug-misuse deaths recorded in 2024, our nation remains in the grip of a public-health crisis - each number representing a life lost and a family forever changed.

NORTH AYRSHIRE 36

drug-related deaths in 2023, equating to 32.8 deaths per 100,000 people, making it the fourth highest rate in Scotland

This heartbreak is felt deeply within Harbour Ayrshire. This year, we have mourned the loss of people who were known to us, valued by us, and loved by their families. These losses are painful reminders that recovery is seldom straightforward and that our work has never been more urgent.

GENDER DISTRIBUTION

Yet these tragedies strengthen our resolve. They drive us to reach people earlier, respond faster, and ensure no one faces their darkest moments alone. Behind every statistic is a mother, father, son, daughter, or friend - each deserving compassion, dignity, and hope.

Male Deaths 699 Female Deaths 318

Males were twice as likely to die from drug misuse as females.

At Harbour, we stand together in grief and in purpose. We will continue to challenge stigma, deliver traumainformed support, and fight for a Scotland where every person has the chance to live, recover, and belong.

In honour of those we have lost, we remain committed to saving lives, reducing harm, and replacing heartbreak with healing and hope.

ABERDEENSHIRE and EAST RENFREWSHIRE had the LOWEST rates of drug misuse deaths Seen GLASGOW CITY and DUNDEE CITY had the HIGHEST rates of drug misuse deaths

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AVERAGE
AGE
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SUBSTANCES 45 Opiates YEARS OLD and opioids, including heroin, morphine and Around 63% of all methadone, were drug-misuse deaths implicated in 80% are among people of all drug misuse aged 35 to 54. deaths.

Individuals in the MOST DEPRIVED AREAS were MORE THAN 15 TIMES AS LIKELY TO DIE from drug misuse compared to those in the least deprived areas.

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A powerful journey of recovery… A powerful journey of recovery
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The Harbour Ayrshire story 9th and 10th April 2025 @ 7pm | Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine

is a Scottish Charitable Harbour (Ayrshire)

Incorporated Organisation

Better Days: The Harbour Story A dramatisation of our story was played to a sell-out crowd at the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Performed by our incredible Harbour volunteers, the play told real-life stories of addiction, recovery, and transformation.

Written and produced by Kelly and Ross from production company IRIS, the performance was brought to life with sensitivity, professionalism, and heart. For many of our cast, it was their first time on stage — and they delivered with powerful honesty and courage.

It was an unforgettable night of storytelling, strength, and second chances.

National Records of Scotland

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' : 4 HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT ’ T : : 4 ; : * , Ma \ : ,] 1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025 : . ‘ ‘ 4 , ; 4 ~ "\ ~~— 7~~ r ~~Ms i! sy~~ ‘\ - i i ~~ha~~ 4 , 4 ¥ 1 ‘ Mi Ly - ~~4~~ 7 4 : (ars) : 4 L | i : . 4 : ‘ ‘ 4 THARBCUR) ‘ sa ath ) ‘ ' i ' == AC ‘ , 4 A Balloon Release THE JOHN GILARDISS LEei Sg_ Harbour Sleepout 2025 ; ; . m4 e ’ e e : ‘ ; * : 7 eyea ' 4 SPHARRA ‘@:— ai. BALAth — (Ghruanee aoh, ; : Problems with drugs or alcohol can be part of a oo SS to Remember 4 Mg an " a I 4 pice Ly ' / “a| " PLRIL WENT bd== Fr., FILM FOLFIL@EMT = person’s spiral into homelessness and the levels ‘ ih ee ei , ih te naireant ; me ' ; We came together for a deeply of addiction are relatively high amongst the ; : 4 : : 5 a i . , Pm ; ; 5 i : Fr — A =F, ‘ 4 ; ; emotional balloon release, honouring P homeless population. rT " the lives of those we have lost and F “49 os a LS 4 : r | f >» oi i Wh Loy? The John Gilardi Legacy Sleepout Challenge was aimed ‘ ® Ae * . . * ; a WN i | q - a si ly = re = carrying their memories forward with & 2025 r. at raising awareness of the issue and to help raise funds to + aes sap a . 4 =' sith . iy i at‘ he, FY - =_ 71 nei 4sh ve1 : oS. == ut ‘ hope and love. . i ie support the work that we do in our local community...and it was ‘ another roaring success! ; bAty ' : us ni F f ee a * i, ? The evening gave us time to pause, reflect, - i . one ce a ‘ fi a3 E m Se Te Bite ’ . ‘ “ : 7 ; . , a and remember those no longer with us, ; 4" ‘ The sun was blazing, the atmosphere was electric, 4 a ‘ “ . ‘ ' ~ i i ‘ including our dear friend and co-founder, : and we were blown away by the turnout from ‘ , aA t i é John Gilardi. Big John G is sadly missed by businesses, volunteers, and our local community. e ‘i 7 , il Fsie: “i all. His vision, compassion, and unwavering aLa i . . ; f 4 r E : This was more than just an event - it was a night of i is » ee t | 4 : dedication continue to inspire everything unity, compassion and hope. Together, we raised ‘ Harbour stands for today. awareness, challenged stigma and secured a massive amount of funds to continue Harbour’s vital work. This year’s event also incorporated the annual Harbour Better Days: ~ Hero Awards, recognising the incredible dedication of f our Volunteers within the Harbour community. ° the Harbour Play —_ , = g co 5 4 4 One of the most moving moments of the evening was the performance of —m— oo FES a ee ee iT ye ee ie } si i ‘oo ‘ Better Days. Sie— us ~ : Bat! ra lane) in ea a ae : Bee f=5 = - i ens | “ny | ore " ee ee te ae ree ‘ a or ar 7 | - — oe There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as our volunteers and supported people brought their stories to life on stage – a true celebration of ‘yw fee ee ms Se: Bee er 3 is + t ar v4 —— — jo ae A courage and recovery. > i a é i - ; 7 — eal %, onl: — ee op: a Fos ky) i te wate ~| rt ‘i ur « r ‘ J . ae : A special thank you goes to Ross and Kelly The Harbour Olympics from IRIS (pictured above), who directed and Se aN eS tte ET | oe . ee ee produced the play. Your creativity, dedication, 7 | : Participants enjoyed a variety of and guidance helped make Better Days a . ee: Nie ee —, “A A w _ a4 ta f* 4 ¢ ¥ engaging activities, including the powerful and unforgettable performance. Harbour Olympics, with events fi i ‘ like baseball, pickleball, tug-of-war THE OHM GoLAhed WEACY nore a As 3 ) and traditional running races. Thank You Volunteers SLEEP Thank You Supporters = : A massive thank you goes to OUT Our heartfelt thanks go to the local P= ae, ht : I. = f= As well as being good for the body and mind, these activities brought people all our volunteers - the unsung heroes and heroines of Harbour. (hallerg“2025 P and made the event possible.businesses who stood by our side 4ay together and highlighted the spirit a +1 ;= air,> 2 aras i, ; of teamwork and community. It also brought out a healthy Every one of you goes above and And to all the businesses who took :: ‘ i re ZE = beyond, giving your time, energy, and part in the Sleepout Challenge – your I dose of competitive spirit!

Every one of you goes above and beyond, giving your time, energy, and heart to make a real difference in the lives of others. You are the foundation of this charity, and we couldn’t do it without you.

And to all the businesses who took part in the Sleepout Challenge – your support not only raised vital funds, but also sent a powerful message of solidarity to challenge stigma and support recovery.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

First Minister John Swinney Praises Harbour's Bridge to Shore Project

This year’s Harbour Hero Awards were a shining example of the incredible dedication of our Volunteers within the Harbour community:

Harbour Ayrshire was honoured to welcome First Minister John Swinney as part of the national launch of the Scottish Government’s new Employability Toolkit - a practical resource aimed at guiding and supporting employers to recruit people with lived experience into roles within health and social care.

The visit recognised the outstanding success of Harbour’s Bridge to Shore programme, which has helped many individuals rebuild their lives and move into employment, education, and volunteering.

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Male Volunteer of the Year Female Volunteer of the Year
Liam Stefanie
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During his visit, the First Minister met with staff, volunteers, and supported individuals, listening to powerful stories of recovery and transformation. He shared his admiration for the courage and honesty shown, stating, “I will never forget some of the stories I heard at Harbour Ayrshire today.”

Mr Swinney praised the organisation’s trauma-informed, community-led approach, highlighting Harbour as a model for how lived-experience can drive positive change and create real opportunities for those in recovery.

Family Commitment Award Meggan

Outstanding Commitment Award Alyson & Bryce

Volunteers' Volunteer of the Year Harbour Rising Stars Award Donald John & Cheryl

Thank you

A massive thank you goes to the unsung heroes and heroines of Harbour - our volunteers. Every one of you goes above and beyond, giving your time, your energy, and your heart to make a real difference in the lives of others. You are the foundation of this charity, you are the reason families feel hope again, and we simply could not do any of this without you.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Harbour Impact and Achievements

Harbour continues to support individuals in overcoming barriers to employment and education, offering tailored support and guidance every step of the way. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for our supported people and here are a few of our success stories from the past twelve months.

• 250+ CSV interventions = > al

Eilidh progresses Fantastic Promotion into full-time for Alyson! Education Alyson facilitates our New Eilidh volunteers within Beginnings North Family our New Beginnings Group in Irvine, providing South Family Group, consistent support and where she has shown guidance to families strong commitment and within the community. enthusiasm for supporting Alongside this role, she families. Through her was working full time as volunteering experience, a Recovery Worker with Eilidh has progressed into NADARS. In recognition of full-time education and is her skills, dedication, and currently undertaking a professionalism, Alyson Level 5 Health and Social was promoted to the role of Social Work Assistant. Care course. Her journey highlights the role of Her progression reflects volunteering in building both her commitment to confidence, skills, and supporting others and the clear pathways into further strength of partnership learning and the working across services. care sector.

Margaret-Anne moves into full-time Employment Margaret-Anne began her journey with Harbour Ayrshire as part of our Out of Hours Helpline team. Through her dedication, commitment, and passion for supporting others, she successfully progressed into fulltime employment with NADARS as a Recovery Worker. Margaret-Anne’s progression reflects both her personal determination and Harbour Ayrshire’s commitment to creating pathways into meaningful employment within the recovery sector.

The New Beginnings Workshop

Harbour Ayrshire has developed an 8-week family programme, created to support family members and friends of individuals affected by addiction. The programme takes a proactive, educational, and empowering approach, helping families understand addiction while developing healthier ways to support both their loved ones and themselves.

Since the start of 2025, the workshop has supported nearly 100 family members, already showing a significant positive impact. Participants report increased understanding, reduced isolation, and newfound clarity about their own wellbeing and boundaries.

The workshop covers eight key themes:

“I learned so much… I looked forward to it every week. It helped me hugely and will help so many others.”

Overall, New Beginnings is helping families heal, gain confidence, and develop healthier, more informed approaches to supporting loved ones while safeguarding their own wellbeing.

“A game-changer. The understanding and connection I’ve gained have been life-changing.”

The sessions run weekly online and have also been delivered across Harbour’s three family support groups. To date, 13 volunteers, all with lived experience of loving someone with addiction, have been trained to deliver the programme.

“I related to every topic - there were solutions, not just information.”

“Harbour has given me my life back through this workshop and continued support.”

Their empathy and insight are central to creating a safe, relatable environment.

“I never knew I needed this. 1000% recommend it.”

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

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The Next Twelve Months: Our Vision 2025–2026

Developing our Staff and Volunteers

The Year Ahead,

Harbour is moving forward with a clear sense of direction and purpose.

Our staff are the backbone of Harbour, bringing compassion, professionalism, and lived experience into every space we work in.

Over the past year, we’ve worked alongside Tracey McFall and Derek Watt at the Scottish Recovery consortium, to co-produce a new three-year strategy, shaped by lived experience, our values and the voices of the communities we serve. This gives us a shared plan for the future and helps us make sure our growth stays focused, sustainable, and grounded in what really matters.

Over the year ahead, we will continue to invest in their wellbeing and development through regular team-building and reflective practice days, creating time to connect, learn, and support one another while strengthening our trauma-informed culture. We will also expand training and development opportunities, supporting staff to grow in confidence, skills, and leadership as Harbour continues to evolve.

Our volunteers hold a truly special place at Harbour and quite simply, we could not do this work without them. We are deeply grateful for their time, commitment, and passion, which make a real difference to people and communities every day.

Through our Bridge to Shore pathway, we will continue creating opportunities for volunteers to fulfil their potential, supporting them into education, training, and employment.

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Team-Building Workshop
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We will keep recognising and celebrating our volunteers through supported outings, peer connection, shared experiences, and genuine appreciation for the vital role they play in reaching people who might otherwise feel alone and unheard.

Over the coming year, we’ll be putting this plan into action by strengthening our traumainformed, relationship-based approach across everything we do. We’ll continue to grow peerled, abstinence-based support, make it easier and quicker for people to access help, and keep developing safe, welcoming community spaces across Ayrshire where people can connect, heal, and feel supported.

The Board will continue to provide strong oversight to make sure Harbour remains well-run, financially stable, and able to grow responsibly. This includes strengthening partnerships, diversifying income, and exploring new and innovative ways to respond to emerging needs.

By staying focused on quality, transparency, and learning, Harbour will be well placed to support people and communities not just in the year ahead, but throughout the life of our new strategy.

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Volunteer Training Session
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FINANCIALS
ANALYSIS OF INCOME, YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2025
Restricted Funds
£420,247
Unrestricted Funds
£160,656
Total
£580,903
~~ee~~
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE, YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2025
Charitable Activities Restricted
£319,040
Charitable Activities Unrestricted
£49,738
Total
£368,778
FUNDS HELD AT 31st JULY 2025 FUNDS HELD AT 31st JULY 2025
Restricted £246,354
Unrestricted £152,322

NOTE: A significant amount of restricted funds held in bank are to pay fixed salaries in Year 4.

The above accounts are at 31 July 2025 and since then, we have appointed a new Trustee, Brendan McNulty, who has also approved our independently inspected year end accounts.

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HARBOUR AYRSHIRE ANNUAL REPORT

1st AUGUST 2024 - 31st JULY 2025

Funders & Partner Organisations

Harbour (Ayrshire) works hard to build relationships with local and national organisations, developing partnerships and securing funding to aid in the delivery of our vital services, supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals and families.

We are grateful to the many organisations who have supported our activities in the last twelve months, allowing us to grow an unparalleled rehabilitation programme.

Our Trustees

Harbour Ayrshire is governed by a committed, forward-thinking and strategically minded board of trustees, dedicated to steering the Charity through a safe and successful voyage. The Board provides a wide range of skills and expertise from medical, legal, financial and business backgrounds.

David Hughes (Chair)

Retired Managing Director (Scotland and Northern Ireland) for Abrdn Financial Planning and Advice, and previously Managing Director for The Munro Partnership Ltd. David is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of The Personal Finance Society. Originally from Glasgow, David has lived in Ayrshire for the past 20 years.

John Fulton (Vice Chair)

John is the founder of Carters, a boutique legal firm specialising in real estate development, real estate finance and commercial matters. John was a former Partner in Gilson Gray LLP, one of Scotland’s leading law firms, where he developed a strong commercial and business acumen, allowing him to understand and differentiate between the key technical, legal and commercial realities which Harbour faces, on a daily basis, as it strives to achieve its goals in an ever-growing financially demanding environment.

Claire Gilroy MBChB MBA (Secretary)*

ADP North Ayrshire

Aria Fund Asda Foundation

Barrack Charitable Trust Community Mental Health Wellbeing Fund, East

Community Mental Health Wellbeing Fund, North

Community Mental Health Wellbeing Fund, South

South Ayrshire Council Coastal Communities

Diana and Allan Morgenthau Charitable Trust

Elizabeth Drummond Charitable Trust

Carrick Futures

Himat Tanna Charitable Trust Hufstetler Foundation

Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust The Goodman Foundation North Ayrshire Ventures Trust

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership

South Ayrshire Council Charitable Trust

South Ayrshire Council Financial Inclusion Fund

Scottish Children’s Lottery

Scottish Council Voluntary Organisation

Stafford Trust

Sydney Black Charitable Trust

Tesco Groundworks Westfield Health Wood Foundation

Claire has over 8 years experience as a Specialty Doctor in Emergency Medicine. She is the Clinical Lead for Service Development and Improvement in NHS Ayrshire and Arran and a graduate of the Scottish Quality and Safety Fellowship. Claire has vast experience in developing and implementing robust governance processes within NHS Scotland.

Jennifer Gray

Jennifer is a Director at Carters, where she heads the Private Client Department. Her compassionate approach ensures client’s needs are managed with the utmost care, and with the precision required often during the most difficult of times. Having practised as a solicitor for 18 years, Jennifer’s legal skills and experience will assist the Board in ensuring Harbour’s compliance with regulation and its commitment to a strategic direction.

Stephen Usher*

Stephen is a Chartered Accountant with over 24 years of commercial experience advising and supporting SMEs across the UK. He has a track record of helping businesses navigate challenges, improve financial sustainability, and plan for long-term growth. A firm believer in financial transparency and good governance, Stephen has a no-nonsense approach to finance. He is committed to ensuring the charity’s resources are well-managed.

Clive Kennedy

Clive is an energetic and passionate individual with a desire to create change. He owns successful businesses across Scotland and has extensive experience in the areas of sales and the building industry. He is married with a young family. Clive has lived-experience of addiction and this is what motivates him to invest his time into Harbour (Ayrshire), helping to generate opportunities for people seeking pathways into recovery.

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