River Garden sets out vision for on-site Wellbeing Centre
A recovery community based near Auchincruive has published initial plans to establish a dedicated Wellbeing Centre on its South Ayrshire site. River Garden, which supports people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, held a public consultation earlier this month to gather ideas from residents, staff and a range of therapists.
The charity says it wants to develop two complementary elements: an indoor, all-weather space suitable for activities such as yoga and local art, and enhanced outdoor areas that build on the existing gardens to offer organic, sensory experiences.
- Indoor sanctuary for classes, therapies and community gatherings
- Improved sensory gardens for therapeutic outdoor activity
- Ongoing involvement of residents, staff and Ayrshire practitioners
"We are looking at two exciting possibilities: a physical, all-weather sanctuary for everything from yoga to local art, and organic, sensory outdoor spaces shaped by our beautiful gardens."
The consultation event attracted a range of wellbeing practitioners from across Ayrshire, in addition to charity staff and those using the service. River Garden has framed the meeting as an early step in a longer process that will require planning permission and the securing of external funding before any building or major landscaping work can take place.
For residents of South Ayrshire the proposals could expand local recovery support beyond core addiction services by providing space for complementary therapies and community activities. The charity’s emphasis on co-design — involving users and local therapists — follows best practice in recovery provision, which seeks to broaden opportunities for social connection, meaningful occupation and wellbeing.
| Project element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-weather indoor sanctuary | Group classes, therapy sessions, art and community events |
| Sensory outdoor spaces | Therapeutic gardens and nature-based activities |
| Stakeholder input | Residents, staff and local wellbeing practitioners |
The charity has made clear the road ahead contains several practical hurdles. It will need to refine designs, consult further on detailed proposals and pursue funding sources. No timetable or cost estimate has been published at this stage.
River Garden has invited anyone interested in helping shape the project to make contact by email. For people in South Ayrshire seeking to contribute practical skills, therapeutic input or fundraising support, the charity provides a direct point of contact to register interest.
Local councillors and health commissioning bodies have not yet issued formal responses to the plans. If the project progresses, it is likely to require engagement with South Ayrshire Council planning officers and integration with local health and social care services to ensure the centre complements existing provision.
The proposal highlights a community-led approach to recovery that aims to extend therapeutic options for people overcoming substance misuse in South Ayrshire. River Garden’s next steps will be to translate the ideas collected at the consultation into concrete plans and to identify the resources needed to deliver them.
