Support for those who have current or past experience of drug and/or alcohol use
For people aged 18 and over with drug or alcohol use problems who want to work towards positive mental wellbeing. We understand that drug or alcohol use is closely connected with mental health and wellbeing. Our Recovery Peer Support service is here to support you.
In our services, we are here to listen and support you to make positive changes in your recovery and mental health. Peer support is where the person supporting you uses their own experiences to help you with your recovery and mental health. Peer support can be beneficial in reducing isolation, reducing stigma, supporting you to build coping strategies and self-management techniques, and building a plan for your recovery.
We will work with you in a person-centred and strengths-based way.
Our Recovery Peer Support is an informal approach to support including both drop-in services and one-to-one support.
Drop-in groups
Our Recovery meetings are held on a drop-in basis, so you do not need to book a space or get in touch before coming along.
However, if you do have any questions before joining a meeting, you can make an enquiry or call us on 0131 225 8508.
SMART Recovery meeting (Wednesdays at 11)
When trapped in addictive behaviour, it is possible to become isolated and you may be thinking that no one else understands what you are going through. At a SMART meeting, you will find people who understand and have experience and success in dealing with these difficulties.
The focus of these meetings is on the addictive behaviour, and not on the substance itself, concentrating on present and future goals and not on the past. You can find out more about SMART meetings and others available in your area here.
Time: 11am to 12:30pm
Date: every Wednesday
Location: The Pavillion and Garden, 14-15 Bogwood Court, Mayfield, EH22 5DG (room beside the café- please ask a member of staff for directions)
You are also welcome to join us at the drop in that takes place after this meeting; details below.
Recovery Drop-in (Wednesdays at 12:30)
Our weekly drop-in is a place to meet for a cup of tea or coffee and meet with others in recovery. Here, you can connect with people in various stages of drug or alcohol recovery and learn more about the support available in Midlothian. Our dedicated Recovery Team are on hand to offer support and guidance on your recovery, mental health and wellbeing.
Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Date: every Wednesday
Location: The Pavillion and Garden, 14-15 Bogwood Court, Mayfield, EH22 5DG (room beside the café- please ask a member of staff for directions)
Hostel Support (residents only)
Our Hostel Peer Support Worker has lived experience of drug use and recovery. If you are currently a resident in one of the hostels in Midlothian, please look out for our posters with the dates and times of our weekly drop-in support.
The Hostel Peer Support Worker is here to listen to your story without judging, help you to build coping strategies and connections to support your recovery, and support you to access the right support.
Our support is non-judgmental and person-centred.
You do not need to make an appointment, but if you have any questions you are welcome to contact us on 0131 225 8508. Your hostel workers will also be able to answer questions about the drop-ins available in your hostel.
1:1 support (by referral)
Our one-to-one peer support services offer focused meetings with a peer worker or volunteer. These services do need to be arranged in advance, so please submit an enquiry by using the form linked below, or calling 0131 225 8508.
One-to-one Recovery Peer Support
Our Recovery Peer Support Service offers support to people who have current experiences of drug or alcohol problems, or those who are having challenges in their recovery and mental health. Our Peer Support Workers have their own lived experience of these challenges and can support you in your journey.
In this service, we can offer up to 10 weeks of one-to-one support to support you in your recovery. Our support is person-centred and focused on you.
We also have some specialist 1:1 peer support services:
Women’s Recovery Support
We have a dedicated female Peer Support Worker who can offer 10 weeks of 1:1 recovery peer support.
Near Fatal Overdose Support
We have a dedicated Peer Support Worker who can offer support to people who have had a recent experience of a near fatal overdose.
We can offer drop-in support based at Number 11 Recovery Hub in Dalkeith, or up to 10 weeks of community based peer support to people who have experienced a near fatal overdose.
Recovery Peer Connecting
Peer support brings together people with shared experiences of drug or alcohol recovery to connect with others in the community. Peer support aims to help you to build your confidence and self-esteem, explore ways of managing your feelings and thoughts better, and feel more empowered and in control. It can support you to reconnect with the community, strengthen relationships and build new relationships. You will work with your Peer Volunteer to discover and reinforce your strengths and talents, find a sense of purpose and meaning in life, and feel more hopeful for the future.
Our support offers up to 6 months of support with a Peer Volunteer, who will meet with you in the community offering person-centred, non-judgmental and strengths focused support. Health in Mind’s Peer Volunteers draw on their own lived experience of drug or alcohol recovery and training provided in order to support you in your journey.
If you are interested in this support, please make an enquiry and will get in touch with you within 10 working days to discuss.
How you can access these services
If you’re interested in 1:1 support or peer connecting, you can self-refer or be referred by someone else. Once we hear from you, we will contact you to let you know more about the service and to make sure it’s the right service for you.
You can make an enquiry below. You’ll hear back within 10 working days. Alternatively, call 0131 225 8508.
Recovery Peer Support training
If you have been in recovery for a while (a minimum of 6 months abstinence) and would like to help others, we also provide training to those who are interested in supporting other people with experiences of drug and/or alcohol problems.
Addiction is a difficult road to walk alone. We know the power of peer support, the hope your recovery story could bring to others who need it most, is so valuable. If you would like to use your lived experience to make a difference, then our Recovery Peer Support Training is your next step.
This 7-week course guides you through how to do this in a way that is safe and supportive for both you and any person you support. Training is structured but informal and is a great space to ask questions and build confidence in utilising your existing skills.
We are looking for people who are compassionate and care about supporting others to find their own recovery journey.
This course is useful for people who are looking to build their skills in supporting a loved one in their recovery journey, and for those looking for training and experience with the aim of volunteering or working in the sector!
Our next course
Course start: 4 September 2026
When: Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm (for 7 weeks)
Where: Eskbank Dalkeith
How to get involved
If this training sounds like something you’d be interested in, please get in touch by emailing midlothianrecovery@health-in-mind.org.uk or by calling 0131 225 8508 and asking for Isla in the Midlothian Recovery Team.
We’ll arrange a short call or meeting to tell you more about the course if you get in touch and discuss suitability for the course. Spaces are limited, so do get in touch as soon as possible if you are interested!
If you are also interested in volunteering directly with the Midlothian Recovery Service, head over to our volunteer page to see available opportunities.