Recovery Programme
THE 12 STEP PROGRAMME
The foundation of our recovery programme is based on the established 12 step recovery model. Through our recovery and therapeutic programmes we provide support; from the point that someone first decides to break away from their addiction, right through to re-engaging with employment or training, and taking on their own home.
Each house will house up to 6 residents who are required to attend all parts of the programme as part of their tenancy with us. This includes morning group sessions five mornings per week, drug and alcohol testing clinic which is run 7 days per week, daily duties and weekly key-work meetings.
“We take a holistic approach to recovery in that we recognise that the life of addiction is more than about the substance that’s used itself. This is explored via the 12 steps and other parts of the programme.”
In the women’s house we run additional afternoon groups. We ask that, where possible, other professionals working with our residents offer appointments outside of the required times to allow full participation in the recovery programme. Residents in the male phase 2 house have just two groups per week and fortnightly key-working. On the other weekdays they must be either in training or part time voluntary work as they prepare for living in the community. We do allow people to be using prescribed medication like methadone and subutex on entry. However, it may be that people require detoxification before entering our service, especially if they are addicted to alcohol. We do expect applicants to be able to test clear of alcohol, illegal drugs and non-prescribed medication upon entry.
The average time it takes to complete the whole programme is 12-18 months, depending on the individual and their previous experience of recovery. For more information on referring for our service, please see the ‘how to refer’ section of the FAQs. We take a holistic approach to recovery in that we recognise that the life of addiction is more than about the substance that’s used itself; this is explored via the 12 steps and other parts of the programme.
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMME
Our therapeutic programme is designed to build confidence and self-esteem, and equip residents with the skills for independent living and further personal development.
The therapeutic programme is split into three broad ‘streams’:
• Nutrition and Cooking skills
• Budgeting and Basic PC skills
• ‘Active Lifestyles’
Within each stream small groups of residents take part in a progressive series of activities taking place over four to six weeks.
For example, in 2010 we introduced a new group looking at particularly relevant issues of culture and values. The group uses film as a lens through which to look at issues such as ‘money and celebrity’, ‘sex’, ‘community’ and ‘violence’. This provides a way into discussing issues that can be difficult to tackle.
The aim of this group is to raise awareness of the different messages put across by films and society, and how these can influence us. From here the activities look at helping residents to value their own experiences and story and make choices with an awareness of the reality of these important issues.