Government unveils new residential initiative to support those struggling with substance abuse
In a significant move to address housing instability among people recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, a new Specialist Housing Support Service has been introduced in Bristol. This initiative, spearheaded by the Bristol charity ARA, Recovery for All, is part of a £53m cash boost announced by the government in February 2023 to improve housing support for recovery across England.
The service, funded until September 2024, is a collaboration between charities, hospitals, prisons, and the council. Its primary goal is to help people with alcohol and/or drug abuse sustain a property tenancy, offering support beyond just housing. The service is not limited to housing; it also focuses on recovery, mental health, and various other aspects, recognising the interconnected nature of these issues.
Vicki Burn, a housing rights worker at Shelter, has praised the new service, particularly given Bristol's housing emergency. She emphasised the importance of stable housing in the recovery process, likening it to driving a car without a steering wheel. Robbie Thornhill, Director of Recovery and Resettlement at ARA, compared the struggle of recovering without stable housing to driving a car without a steering wheel.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential difficulties in finding properties due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The scarcity of affordable housing could impact the availability of properties for people in recovery within the new service.
To further tackle homelessness and related issues in Bristol, the Salvation Army has launched a new monthly support session called Under One Roof. This session aims to help people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness. The organisation behind this initiative is Help Bristol’s Homeless.
The Salvation Army's Under One Roof support session is an additional initiative to complement the new Specialist Housing Support Service. Nationally, one in six people who are in drug and alcohol recovery have an issue with housing, underscoring the need for such services.
ARA, a charity formed in 1987, has helped over 40,000 people with alcohol, drug, gambling, and mental health issues. The new service is designed to address the issue of housing instability among people in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, with the ultimate aim of saving around £50m in costs to the community.
The new Specialist Housing Support Service is a promising development in the fight against homelessness and substance abuse, offering hope and support to those in need. As the service is implemented, it is hoped that it will make a significant positive impact on the lives of many vulnerable individuals in Bristol.
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