A Baillieston man is celebrating as he turns his life around after suffering alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD).

Robert McCutcheon has his “confidence back” after getting help in 2022 for his condition.

The 52-year-old from Baillieston, contacted the Fullarton service in Glasgow and now enjoys a “clean and happy life”.

It comes after he worked with staff in Tollcross by accessing the life changing care operation, which is run as part of the Wheatley Group, to tackle his illness.

ARBD causes symptoms similar to dementia but it is possible to make a full recovery, according to the NHS.

Glasgow Times: Robert got help from the Fullarton service in GlasgowRobert got help from the Fullarton service in Glasgow (Image: Sourced)

Now Robert is on track for employment and is waiting for a house to become available so he can “start living his life again”.

He said: “What a difference this service has made to me. My confidence has come back. Before I would shut myself away and stay in, now I try to get involved with as much as I can at the service.

“I’m clean and have a happy life. I really like the staff – they are all brilliant. Everybody joins in and we’ve got a good wee group of people in here, so that’s nice and makes a difference.”

Robert added: “I’ve got my name down on a couple of housing waiting lists. I’m waiting until I can move into my own place and then just start living my life again.

“I’ve also been doing some training with the Wheatley Foundation and looking forward to starting to do some volunteer work. I’m keen to help at this service and give something back as they’ve helped me a lot.”

Staff at the service deliver a wide range of programmes, activities and therapeutic interventions to keep individuals active and allow them to live as independently as possible.

Opening in 2013, the service was one of the first integrated health and social care registered care homes in Glasgow, providing specialist residential care and rehabilitation to those with ARBD.

The service marked the 10th anniversary with a party in Tollcross to celebrate the achievement.

Kate Wallace, 50, from the Southside of Glasgow, who is studying beauty therapy, said: “I really enjoyed the birthday celebrations.

“Everybody that’s here has been in the same situation as me, which makes it easier for me to share my experiences and build friendships with people.

“The staff are great and are always there if I need any help. I’m feeling a lot healthier and just looking towards the future.”

Grant Brand, Team Leader at the Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) team, said: “We have worked with the staff and residents at Fullarton since the project opened in 2013 to support the delivery of care specifically for people affected by ARBD, and we look forward to a continuing and productive partnership, providing high quality care and support to people whose needs are quite unique.”