Scotland's unsung heroes, like Eddie, Natalie, Linda and Jordan, risk everything to help others – Karyn McCluskey

I wonder how many know about the people in Scotland who risk everything to make life better for others.

Those who feel so motivated to do something, to fill a gap, that they give up all semblance of security: a job, a salary, sickness pay and so much more.

These extraordinary humans have conversations with their partners and families that must go something like: “Gave up my job, I am now about to embark on something incredibly risky that might put our house and our way of life in real jeopardy – but hey people need me to do something.”

They walk among us; the bundle of energy that is Fiona McKenzie who had a stable job and re-mortgaged her home to open the brilliant CentreStage in Kilmarnock, which caters for young and old. Don’t go – she’ll make you sing or dance or suchlike, you’ll find yourself agreeing to things you never thought would enter your mind.

Or how about Natalie Logan or Linda Bendle – pretty fabulous women who have had different experience of trauma and heartache connected to addiction and felt motivated to risk everything to improve the lives of others.

Natalie set up Sisco Recovery and seems able to clone herself, to be everywhere and everything to those who come out of prison and into recovery. Her outcomes and drive are there to be admired.

Linda joined social enterprise Heavy Sound with Jordan Butler, purchased and fitted out a bus that goes around Edinburgh and Midlothian offering help, advice and music-related activities to disadvantaged communities.

And there’s Eddie, who inspired this week’s column and who celebrated ten years in recovery last weekend. He worked as a navigator at University Hospital Crosshouse Kilmarnock, helping patients affected by violence access other services to change their lives.

He ran Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings wherever he could get enough people to come to hospitals, churches and wherever he could get some tea and coffee.

He has now given up his job, his security and started up his own small recovery organisation. He is the fisherman of men and women who need his help, by offering something different that’s needed.

I met him in Ayr at the tiny space he is using and asked if he had funding. He shook his head. I think he is embracing a field of dreams “build it and they will come” plan. If I was in trouble, I have always said that I would seek out his help.

Everyone needs an Eddie, a Natalie, Linda or Jordan – and the wee organisations like the working community Galgael in Glasgow, Owls, the support service for women in Perth and Kinross, or the other marvellous people across Scotland who I have had the privilege to meet.

Many work away without annual leave entitlement, a safety net or a workmate to pick up their work. What drives them is the desire to make this country better and to help the most marginalised feel seen and supported.

They work on a shoestring and are so good at how to budget and make money go far.

I hope they get a break and some sun on their faces and return refreshed to continue their worthwhile endeavours.

Karyn McCluskey is chief executive of Community Justice Scotland