A New Year of Hope and Impact at Murray’s Initiative
As we welcome the New Year, Murray’s Initiative looks back with pride and gratitude on a period of exceptional growth, recognition and impact — and forward with renewed determination to support people and communities across Glasgow and beyond.
The past year marked a significant chapter in our story. We celebrated more than 60 years of service and embraced our new name, Murray’s Initiative, reflecting an organisation rooted in compassion, inclusivity and a deep commitment to empowering lives. Our evolution from the Glasgow Council on Alcohol was more than a rebrand — it was a declaration of our enduring mission to support people affected by alcohol, drugs and trauma, while honouring our legacy and expanding our reach.
Our work has been recognised at a national and city-wide level. We were proud to be named Employer of the Year for First Aid Excellence at the Scottish First Aid Awards 2025, hosted by St Andrew’s First Aid, in recognition of our commitment to first aid — with particular emphasis on mental health first aid. We were also honoured to receive the Glasgow 850 Legacy Award at the Inspiring City Awards 2025, celebrating the lasting, positive change our organisation — and everyone who has worked or volunteered with us — has contributed to Glasgow over decades of service. Adding to this recognition, Murray’s Initiative was shortlisted among the final 15 organisations for the GSK/Kings Fund Impact Awards, highlighting the scale and effectiveness of our work.
Throughout the year, we continued to invest in our people. Our Development Day, held in February at Adelaide Church, brought together staff and volunteers from across the organisation, with The People Group now supporting delivery of an action plan shaped by that event. Staff wellbeing also remained a priority, with a number of activities throughout the year including colleagues taking part in Joe Wicks’ Movement Hour, including a yoga session delivered by one of our own team members.
We strengthened relationships with partners and policymakers, welcoming visits from Martin Rhodes MP, Kaukab Stewart MSP and Minister for Equalities, and Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. These visits provided opportunities to showcase our services, share the realities faced by our clients, and highlight the vital role of prevention, treatment and harm reduction. Following the publication of new national statistics showing a reduction in alcohol-specific deaths — though with persistent inequalities — the Minister commended our contribution to harm reduction across Greater Glasgow and Clyde, while emphasising that there is still much work to be done.
Our services continued to grow in both reach and impact. We secured Big Lottery funding for three key projects — Counselling Group Work, the Men’s Service and U-Turn — ensuring sustained and targeted support for those who need it most. We also launched a new Drugs Counselling Service, responding to ongoing need amid Scotland’s drug-related deaths. The service provides a safe, non-judgemental space for individuals and families affected by cocaine or cannabis use, offering professional, compassionate support focused on harm reduction, understanding root causes and building healthier coping strategies.
Feedback from partners and participants continues to affirm the value of our work. A visit from Glasgow City’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership to review Corra-funded services, including Elevate PSP and The Women’s Service, highlighted overwhelmingly positive outcomes, with participants describing the services as ones that “save lives.”
September saw a particularly proud moment as we hosted the Elevate Employability Graduation Ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers. More than 100 graduates were recognised for completing training and education programmes supporting recovery, confidence-building and progression into employment and further learning. The ceremony celebrated partnership working and featured powerful testimonies from graduates, one of whom described their COSCA Counselling Skills course as “something I will never forget.”
We are also grateful for the continued generosity of our supporters and funders.
None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners and funders. Your commitment fuels every conversation, every step forward and every life changed. As we move into the year ahead, our purpose remains clear: to build healthier, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Here’s to a year of renewed hope, strengthened partnerships and an even greater collective impact — together.