Those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse will now be able to attend community cafes to help get more support.
Three community recovery cafes are now running in towns in north Perthshire with support from NHS Tayside.
The recovery cafes have a community focus, and are intended to be led by people in recovery or those with an interest in recovery.
They are all supported by staff and mentors from the Perth and Kinross Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Hillcrest Futures and the health board, as well as local community volunteers.
Community support worker Audra Webster has helped to develop the three support groups in Aberfeldy, Blairgowrie and Pitlochry.
She said: “From my role in the community I first became involved with the existing cafe in Aberfeldy which was looking for some support and we identified that there was a similar need for recovery cafes to be established in other areas of north Perthshire.
“We were delighted to be able to secure funding from the Perth and Kinross Alcohol and Drug Partnership to help develop the cafes, which allow people to access advice and support as close to their local community as possible, where previously they would have had to travel to Perth or other areas.
“The funding assists with advertising, activities and the ongoing development of the groups.
“The drop-in cafes provide a very relaxed and welcoming environment to support people to improve their wellbeing during recovery from substance use or mental health issues in rural areas of north Perthshire.”
The Breadalbane Recovery Cafe takes place every Wednesday from 2pm until 4pm at Aberfeldy Parish Church.
And the Strathmore Recovery Cafe has only recent been established, with its first session taking place last week.
It will now be held every Monday from 1pm until 3pm at SCYD, Wellmeadow House in Blairgowrie.
Finally the Pitlochry Recovery Cafe had its first drop-in on Thursday, December 12 from 1pm until 3pm in the Atholl Centre.
It will now run every Thursday in the centre.
