Rebuilding lives beyond recovery - Robert’s story
22 June 2026
When Robert Smith reached rock bottom, he had to focus on rebuilding his own life. But through that journey came a powerful drive to support others facing the same struggles. Drawing on his experiences, he has gone on to help many people rediscover hope and a sense of purpose.
61-year old Robert Smith founded the charity Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise (GRACE) in 2012. After recovering from years of addiction, poor mental health, and homelessness.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family he experienced instability, poverty, and trauma from a young age.
Reaching rock bottom
Despite setbacks in life Robert managed to build a successful career in the building trade. But everything came tumbling down when he was made redundant. He then lost money to drinking and gambling, which eventually led him to become homeless.
Just when I thought I had reached rock bottom, something else would happen and I would sink even further. I tried to block everything out in any way I could, hoping it would make me feel better, but it only made things worse.
Robert - charity founder
At his lowest point, Robert was ready to take his life, but he was saved by a phone call. He said: “I was stood at the edge of the canal, ready to step over, and my phone rang. It was a pastor who my friend had put me in touch with.”
The pastor told Robert to go to his local addiction services and this time thankfully Robert listened.
Recovery and creating a community
As he began to recover, Robert started organising meetings. He found that once people finished formal recovery programmes, there was little community support to help them rebuild their lives or develop new skills.
So he founded GRACE. This charity supports people in East Dunbartonshire who are dealing with:
trauma
addiction
mental health challenges
loneliness
involvement in the justice system
The group aims to create a positive environment focused on learning, connection and self-worth.
How National Lottery funding has supported GRACE
With support from National Lottery funding, GRACE has grown to offer activities such as:
art
digital classes
yoga
health walks
peer support
I feel blessed every day. I am in the fortunate position that I see people’s lives being changed right in front of me. People come in and they are on their knees, emotionally broken, and then suddenly they are facilitating classes and sharing their positive experiences with new people coming in.
Robert - charity founder
Robert's inspiring commitment to his community has been recognised with a British Empire Medal. But his greatest achievement, he says, is witnessing people discover a healthier, more hopeful path.
If you have an idea for a project that helps people lead healthier lives take a look at our funding programmes.