Words and photos by Jim Duncan
“Before I came to DACA I hadn’t been out the house in over two years.”
Stephen is one of DACA’s Fishing Group regulars who I met up with to hear how Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol helps people learn how to support themselves without the need for alcohol to live a healthier, happier life.
Along with Annemarie and Stuart, he gave me an insight into the important work that DACA achieves and how it is beneficial to themselves and also to family, friends, and the wider community.
The charity, established in 1976, has been supporting people for nearly 50 years.
The organisation grew out of the ‘Quality of Life’ experiment run in the old Dumbarton District Council area in 1975, which is where the name comes from.
Mags Mackenzie, CEO of DACA, explained: “It was founded by a small group of local volunteers, and although we’ve grown into a specialist and professional agency, we’ve still retained our local culture and our commitment to volunteerism.
“In 1996 we extended our service to include the Clydebank areas, and we now work right across West Dunbartonshire.”
The fishing group has about 12 members who meet on a Monday, weather permitting, at DACA’s Dumbarton office in Westbridgend.
Once the vehicles are packed, they drive to Rhu Narrows to fish for mackerel, pollack and sometimes brown trout.
The group fish for a couple of hours then have lunch, preparing food on a fire on the beach, either enjoying the morning’s catch or if the fish aren’t biting then a few baked potatoes they bring along.
DACA supply all the fishing gear and they often get some fishing accessories donated, with people handing in rods and reels, their beach barbecue was also donated.
Stuart explained how the Fishing Group and DACA has helped him. “DACA doesn’t judge us as you can come here and join in with nobody asking you anything, there are no awkward questions.
“Going out with the DACA group helps us all to make our own stories again. There’s fishing and walks that also improve our mental health and well-being.
“We often we see lots of wildlife while fishing – we’ve even seen dolphins and porpoises.
“If the area at Rhu Narrows is busy, we’ll head over to the opposite side of Faslane at Mambeg where you can park in a small layby and fish for cod off the rocks there. It’s great.”
DACA offers a range of groups and well-being activities for people attending their 1-1 counselling service including music, creativity, gardening and walking.
For both Stephen and Annemarie getting out of the house was a big first step in their recovery.
“I was in the house all the time, only venturing out for my carry out,” explained Annemarie.
“When I first came to counselling after a few months it was suggested I join one of the groups, this was the Crafty Club where I learned to make things, which I quite enjoyed.
“Then the group asked if I wanted to try fishing.
“At first, I thought this is not for me as this is just for the boys, but once I tried casting my line, I really enjoyed it!
“I now look forward to a Monday as it gets me out the house, as I’d just be climbing the walls!”
With DACA Annemarie has also tried kayaking at Drumkinnon Bay in Balloch.
“A few years ago, you would never have seen me kayaking or holding a fishing rod…now I’m just one of the boys!
“l even went out and bought myself a sketch pad and pencils which I now draw folk – last time I did any drawing was in school.
“Since I have joined DACA it’s given me back my confidence. The support from the counsellors has been fantastic.”
And Stephen echoed the positive impact DACA is having on his life.
“The group gave me the courage to go away for three days myself to Oban! This is not something I would have done without coming here.
It’s great to go out with like-minded people.
“We often collect litter left by other people fishing, usually gathering a few bin bags of rubbish and leaving the area cleaner than when we arrived!
“Our motto is “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints!”
To find out more about the support available at DACA contact 01389 731456 or 0141 9520881.
Help keep Clydesider free for all: Join Clydesider Community Magazine’s Ko-fi Membership