International music star Lulu will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Scottish Recovery Awards, with nominations now open ahead of the event in Glasgow.
The awards will take place on 9th October and aim to recognise people and organisations helping those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction across Scotland.
The event is being organised by Abbeycare as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. Abbeycare operates a residential addiction recovery clinic at Erskine Mains House in Erskine.
Lulu, who has spoken publicly about her own recovery from alcoholism, will address guests at the awards. She stopped drinking alcohol in 2013 after attending rehab and has since spoken about her experiences.
The awards will recognise achievements across eight categories, reflecting different parts of Scotland’s recovery community. Organisers hope the event will become an annual fixture.
Nominations are open until 14th August. Businesses and organisations are also being invited to sponsor awards or purchase tables for the event.
Lulu said: “I’m really honoured to be part of the Scottish Recovery Awards. Recovery is something that’s very close to my heart, and I know from my own experience that it takes courage, commitment and support.
“These awards are about recognising people who are changing their lives and helping others do the same.
“It’s important that we celebrate those achievements and remind people that recovery is possible.”
Paul Bowley, chief executive of Abbeycare, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Lulu has agreed to be our keynote speaker for the first ever Scottish Recovery Awards, which we hope will become an annual event.
“Having such a cherished Scottish icon share her own perspective on recovery will help to make this an incredibly powerful and memorable evening.
“While Scotland continues to face worryingly high levels of drug and alcohol-related harm, it is vital that we take time to recognise the people working tirelessly to save lives.
“Abbeycare is proud to establish this event to mark our 20th anniversary, but we hope in future that the awards will be seen as belonging to the wider recovery community.”
More information about the awards, including how to submit nominations, is available at www.scottishrecoveryawards.co.uk.