November 1 2023

Dundee has been chosen to host a purpose-built recovery village for addicts by the Homeless charity Social Bite.

The village-style facility will offer accommodation and support for people battling addiction, with on-site staff providing tailored support in partnership with specialist charity We Are With You.

Supported by the WM Sword Charitable Trust and Insights Group the £1.95m project comprises 15 prefabricated pods comprising a bedroom, kitchen, lounge area and storage, all served by a communal hub.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, said: “We all know the problem with drug deaths in Scotland and Dundee over the years. The human toll is profound. Behind each statistic lies individual and familial suffering with communities losing loved ones. Deprivation exacerbates the crisis, with those in the poorest areas 16 times more likely to die from drug misuse. The Recovery Village will help people on their journey towards recovery by providing a safe and rehabilitative living environment and expert support."

Drug related deaths across Scotland hit 1,051 in 2022, three times higher than the next worst European nation, with Dundee suffering the highest rate of deaths overall at 44.4 per 100,000.

Discussions are ongoing with Dundee City Council to find a suitable site for the village, with a planning application expected before the year is out.

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