The issue
In 2022 in Scotland, 1,051 people passed away from drug-related deaths. This is the equivalent to almost three people dying every day, and is by far the highest rate of any country in Europe, including the rest of Great Britain.
In fact, Scotland’s drug death rate is still more than three times higher than the next worst-affected European country.
The human toll is profound. Behind each statistic lies individual and familial suffering with communities losing loved ones. Deprivation exacerbates the crisis, with those in the poorest areas 16 times more likely to die from drug misuse.
The lack of dedicated residential recovery facilities in Dundee is a major gap. People needing recovery treatment must leave their community, often worsening isolation and disconnection. Removed from support networks, the road to recovery becomes even more difficult. Residential rehabilitation is a vital piece of addressing Dundee’s substance crisis. Enabling access to high-quality local treatment, integrated with community-based care, can save and transform lives.
Our solution: The Bill Sword Social Bite Recovery Village, Dundee
The Bill Sword Social Bite Recovery Village will bring a dedicated, state-of-the art, Residential Recovery facility for vulnerable people struggling with addiction in Dundee. Because we know that deprivation exacerbates the addiction crisis, with those in the poorest areas 16 times more likely to die from drug misuse, the project will be focused on supporting vulnerable people who could not afford to pay for private residential rehabilitation services.
The project is planned to open in early 2025 and we are hoping to announce the location within Dundee in the coming months.
15 modern, sustainable modular homes will surround a vibrant, communal hub – more than just housing, this will be a compassionate community. The hub will encourage socialisation, and empower personal growth through skills training, recovery services and personalised support. Tranquil outdoor spaces will enrich relaxation and well-being and outdoor exercise facilities will be
available for all residents.
Most importantly, this will be a sanctuary where vulnerable individuals on the journey of recovery can rebuild and transform their lives while living in a supportive community with others on a similar journey. Social Bite will be partnering with a local addiction recovery support provider to provide structured drug and alcohol addiction recovery programmes on site with holistic support and community. With dedicated expert support, the village will empower residents to gain independence and sustain recovery.
Help us build the recovery village
Donations of all sizes will help bring the Village to life. You can be part of creating a pioneering community that transforms lives in Dundee and beyond.
The support model
The Bill Sword Social Bite Recovery Village provides a pioneering, dignity-focused solution. Working in partnership Social Bite plans to develop a tailored support model for the Dundee project.
We will partner with local NHS services to ensure that each resident undertakes a detox prior to arriving at the Recovery Village. The residents will then engage in a therapeutic support journey whilst residing at the Village that will be delivered in three-month blocks, with the ultimate length of stay being customised based on each individual’s need. The residents will participate in one-on-one key work sessions and structured group programming focused on understanding addiction and developing recovery skills. Holistic recovery groups provide social support, skills building and community reintegration. These are facilitated by peers, partners and volunteers.
Onsite staff and volunteers deliver 24/7 support and services. A keyworker provides guidance throughout the journey, enabling residents to gradually gain independence. Aftercare continues for 12 months after move-on.
Housing design
The 15 single-occupancy homes will exemplify Social Bite’s and Dundee City’s
dedication to dignified high-quality design. Developed and manufactured by
EcoSystems Technologies, these modular Nest Houses will provide residents with a peaceful, private living space. We believe that providing a beautiful and extremely high-quality home for residents to live in while they are at the village can have a profoundly positive psychological impact.
Constructed from locally sourced timber, the sustainable units feature stylish interiors and home comforts. Large windows draw in natural light, while green walkways connect residents to the community hub and tranquil outdoor spaces.
Community Hub
The vibrant community hub will be the welcoming heart of the Village.
This central space will bring residents together to foster human
connection and empower personal growth.
Complete with a communal kitchen, recreational spaces, counselling rooms, outdoor decking and exercise facilities, the hub will host activities focused on personal development, training and recovery services. By gathering to share meals, socialise and access support under one roof, a culture of community and belonging will flourish. Residents will be surrounded by those who understand their journey, providing a unifying foundation.
Honouring Bill Sword
Social Bite have received a funding pledge towards the majority of this expected outlay – with a funding commitment of £1.5 Million from the WM Sword Trust towards the construction of the project. As such, the Dundee Social Bite Village will be named ‘The Bill Sword Social Bite Recovery Village’ in honour of the late William ‘Bill’ Sword – an inspirational Dundee businessman and philanthropist.
Beyond business, he contributed greatly to Dundee through roles such as Justice of the Peace and becoming Dundee’s first lay Sheriff. In 1999 he set up the WM Sword Charitable Trust with the purpose of helping disadvantaged people in and around Dundee. Since then the trust has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to local charities. It was always Bill’s dream, however, that in addition to supporting these smaller organisations, that he would be able to bring about change on a larger scale in Dundee. Following Bill’s death, the trustees made it their mission to realise his dream. Having long been inspired by the work of Social Bite and in particular their village in Edinburgh, the trustees recognised the impact such a project could have in Dundee and in particular, if focused towards a programme of addiction recovery. They unanimously agreed to pledge £1.5m to build a Residential Recovery Village in Dundee. The WM Sword trustees say that Bill would be very proud to see his legacy being used in this way, to help vulnerable people in the city with this acute need. In addition to WM Sword Charitable Trust’s funding pledge, Dundee-based Insights Learning and Development have also committed £100,000 and Tay Charitable Trust has committed £50,000 to the project and we are currently seeking further donations and pro-bono support to bring the project to life.
How you can help
The budgeted cost of construction is £1.96m including pro-bono support from build partners.
Thanks to the incredible £1.5 million contribution from the WM Sword Charitable Trust and an additional £100,000 from Insights Learning and Development and £50,000 from the Tay Charitable Trust, the Bill Sword Social Bite Recovery Village is well on its way to becoming a reality. However, we still need to raise £310k to cover remaining capital costs and we are also seeking pro bono professional support from companies in the construction industry.
Donations of all sizes will help bridge this gap and bring the Village to life. You can be part of creating a pioneering community that transforms lives in Dundee and beyond. If you would like to donate please click the donate button below.
If you are an organisation that would like to donate their services towards the construction of the project please contact partnerships@social-bite.co.uk.
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