The singer who has been open about her own battles with alcoholism will speak at the inaugural Scottish Recovery Awards in Glasgow
Scots singing sensation Lulu is set to deliver a keynote speech at a new event celebrating Scotland’s drug and alcohol recovery community. The 77-year-old pop star from Lennoxtown, who achieved international fame over the course of her career, will speak at the inaugural Scottish Recovery Awards this autumn.
The role is of particular significance to the star who has fought her own battles with alcoholism over the years, which she has been very open about. Lulu previously described herself as a “highly functioning alcoholic” but after a successful stint in rehab, the singer is now 13 years sober.
In an emotional interview on BBC Breakfast last year, she admitted she had managed to keep her drinking habits a secret from friends and family for years due to her ability to get on with work after heavy nights of boozing. The Shout singer admitted alcohol was something of a “family disease” and was “obviously in my genes” after she grew up in a “chaotic household”.
In a full circle moment, Lulu will now speak at the Scottish Recovery Awards later this year which is being launched to honour the people who contribute to the nation’s efforts on addiction recovery.
The event is set to be held in Glasgow at Voco Grand Central on October 9 and will shine a spotlight on staff and organisations whose dedication, courage, and leadership are helping Scotland’s efforts to cut drug and alcohol-related deaths.
Organised by leading recovery clinic Abbeycare as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, it is hoped that the awards will become an annual event.
It will celebrate exceptional achievements across eight awards categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the Scottish recovery sector.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Lulu said she hoped that the event would help remind those who are struggling with addiction that “recovery is possible”.
She added: “I’m really honoured to be part of the Scottish Recovery Awards. Recovery is something that’s very close to my heart, and I know from my own experience that it takes courage, commitment and support.
“These awards are about recognising people who are changing their lives and helping others do the same.
“It’s important that we celebrate those achievements and remind people that recovery is possible.”
The star previously said that growing up as a child in Glasgow was one of the things that gave her the courage to address her alcohol problem.
“I have resilience, which I’m very grateful for. Because no matter how many times I’ve fallen down, I bounce up again.”
The singer has supported a wide range of charitable causes over her long career, and in 2021, was awarded a CBE for services to charity, music and entertainment.
Nominations for the awards are now open across all categories and can be made online at scottishrecoveryawards.com, with the window closing on August 14.
Businesses and other organisations across Scotland are also being invited to support the recovery community by sponsoring awards or purchasing tables.
Alcoholics Anonymous can be contacted on 0800 917 7650 or by emailing [email protected].
