Active Recovery Moray is a partnership initiative bringing together organisations including Police Scotland, Arrows Drug and Alcohol Support, Elgin Sports Community Trust, Moray Community Sport Hub, Boundless Trails CIC and Moray Leisure Centre. Our goal is to support individuals affected by mental health challenges or substance use issues in Moray through accessible sport, physical activity and opportunities for social connection. By promoting inclusion, confidence and wellbeing, we aim to help people build positive connections within their communities.
All sessions are FREE and run by volunteers.
Mountain biking(18+) – Every Monday
Join our friendly, relaxed mountain biking group, delivered by Boundless Trails CIC in partnership with Active Recovery Moray. Meeting point: Moray Leisure Centre, Elgin 10:00–10:30am: Optional coffee and catch-up in the café 10:30am: Mountain bike ride begins Our rides explore local woods, trails and cycle paths around Elgin. No previous mountain biking experience is necessary, and sessions are adapted to the abilities of the group. The emphasis is on enjoying the outdoors, building confidence, meeting people and supporting wellbeing rather than speed or fitness. Sessions are free and led by qualified mountain bike leaders.
Football (16+) every Tuesday 1pm-3pm at the Gleaner Stadium, Bishopbriggs, Elgin.
In taking part in these activities, no experience is required and all abilities are welcome!
Our Success Stories
ARM was launched in 2023 with weekly football sessions which now welcome an average of 15-20 individuals at each session.
In the Spring of 2024, we celebrated our 100th ARM football session!
50+ individuals have already graced our sessions.
Participants reported a 37% average increase in mental wellbeing in just six weeks.
Success spotlight: One of our participants with ADHD is now spearheading ARM football sessions as a coach with Elgin Sports Community Trust.
At the beginning of 2024, Active Recovery Moray expanded its activities to include weekly mountain biking, helping participants build friendships, explore Moray’s natural environment and experience the benefits of outdoor physical activity. The Monday rides are delivered by Boundless Trails CIC, with qualified mountain bike leaders providing a welcoming, supportive environment where participants can develop confidence and enjoy riding together.
In October 2026, Moray Leisure Centre became the group’s new meeting base, providing a welcoming space for participants to meet, socialise and connect before and after their rides. The partnership also creates opportunities to explore complementary physical activity and wellbeing initiatives in the future.
Our Participants
Who Are They? Adults battling mental health or addiction challenges, or cared experienced children and young people.
What Do They Seek? A space to regain confidence, discover local opportunities, socialize, and rebuild.
How Do They Join Us? While many are clients of Arrows, others come via referrals from institutions like Midas, Criminal Justice Services, Youth Justice, or even self-referrals.
Our Strengths & Offerings
Strengths: Despite battling personal challenges, our participants are eager to meet new individuals, indulge in sports, and feel an integral part of their communities.
Activities: Beyond football and mountain biking, we host mental health awareness workshops and offer sporting activities that polish life skills.
Support Offered: We understand challenges like low income or unemployment. So, whether it’s providing a sports kit, transportation, or even assistance with CV-building, we’re here.
Outcomes & Impact
Individuals:
Short-term: Enhanced physical fitness.
Medium-term: Blossoming confidence.
Long-term: Improved mental health, wellbeing, and elevated life prospects.
Community: Moray Local Outcomes Improvement Plan is geared towards empowering and knitting communities closer.
Society: Our project mirrors the National Outcomes Health mission of fostering a healthy and active society. The CHIME model underlines our approach:
Hope: Nurturing a brighter outlook.
Identity: Celebrating individual strengths.
Connectedness: Bridging community ties.
Our Foundation
Relying on feedback from our partners, participants, and session coaches, we’ve shaped our program. From conducting pre and post surveys to interviews and monitoring participation numbers, our commitment is evidence-based. Heartfelt testimonials and cherished photographs are the testament to our impact.
Join Us
Join us in eliminating mental health stigma in sport! If our mission resonates with you, be it as a participant or a supporter, we welcome you to Active Recovery Moray. Together, let’s score goals beyond the football field.
Contact
For more information on the above ARM mountain bike rides, please contact info@boundlesstrails.com
