The Discovery College, our free drop-in service for people suffering from mental ill-health, substance abuse and addiction issues is partnering with the award-winning Family Recovery College to deliver a free, informal course.
This new course is designed to support people affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use.
About The Course
The course, Understanding Substance Use and Holding on to Hope, will take place in Inverness city centre and is open to anyone living in the Highland region.
Delivered over 12 fortnightly, in-person sessions, the programme begins on Saturday 2 May 2026 and runs through to 3 October 2026.
This informal and supportive course is designed to help participants build knowledge, skills, and confidence while connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Sessions will be held here at the Discovery College, located within the Eastgate Shopping Centre, every second Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The Eastgate is easily accessible by public transport, located next to both Inverness Bus and Train Stations.
To apply for a place please:
- Book a free ticket
- Complete an expression of interest form.
Places are limited and must be applied for in advance. Applications will be reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified. Travel expenses may be available for those who need them.
For further information or assistance with the application process, please contact discoverycollege@centred.scot. If you’d prefer to talk to us please call one of our team, Sarah on 07745 530 966 or Debbi on 07826 906 802.
The Course Outcome
Participants on the course will:
- Strengthen positive connections with others
- Develop effective communication strategies
- Improve self-care and emotional wellbeing
- Gain a deeper understanding of substance use
- Feel empowered to influence positive change in their own lives and the lives of their loved ones
“Here at The Discovery College, we regularly meet people who are dealing with the impact of someone else’s drug or alcohol use, and we know first-hand how much it can affect their lives. Many are doing their best to support a loved one, often without enough support for themselves. That’s why this partnership with the Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs (SFAD) to bring the Family Recovery College to Highland is so important to us. This free course will be delivered by our incredible peer support workers who have completed the course themselves and received training to deliver it. It will provide a safe, non-judgemental space where people can connect with others going through similar situations, learn about addiction and feel less alone. We’re proud to bring this to the Highlands and are looking forward to being able to build confidence in those supporting both themselves and the person they care about.“ Sue Lyons, Discovery College Manager
Course Credentials
The programme was originally developed in 2019 by Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol (SFAD) in collaboration with individuals who have lived experience of supporting someone with problematic drug or alcohol use. It has since been refined to ensure it remains practical, relevant, and responsive to participants’ needs.
Facilitators at Discovery College have received specialist training in partnership with Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.
The programme is certified by Scottish Families as the Scottish Government’s Nationally Commissioned Organisation (NCO) for families affected by alcohol or drug use.
Inclusive and Accessible to All
The course is open to anyone impacted by another person’s substance use. This includes family members, friends, partners, colleagues, carers, and neighbours across all backgrounds and communities. The organisers are committed to making the programme as inclusive and accessible as possible. The Discovery College is wheelchair accessible via the lifts in the shopping centre.
Why the Family Recovery College is Important
Families and loved ones often play a crucial yet unrecognised role in supporting individuals experiencing substance use challenges. The emotional toll, combined with stigma and isolation, can have lasting impacts on their wellbeing.
Due to the secrecy, shame and stigma of supporting a loved one with problematic drug and alcohol use often there is little acknowledgement or support for those doing the supporting. Many people find themselves experiencing long-term mental health and physical health conditions, often related to the challenges and stress of their caring role. We hope that the Family Recovery College will enable students to feel empowered to support both themselves and their loved one.
This course aims to change that, providing a safe, supportive space where participants can gain understanding, share experiences, and develop tools to support both themselves and others.