SHARP Bournemouth and Poole

Whatever stage you are at in your recovery process, or even if you are just contemplating recovery SHARP Bournemouth will be able to support you.

We are based in a modern, clean and comfortable environment in an area of social regeneration in Boscombe. We also have additional projects at West Howe and Poole.


If you are suffering from a drug or alcohol problem SHARP Bournemouth offers you a safe and comfortable place where you can accept and begin to overcome your addiction. You may be interested in attending a pre-treatment support group or attending our structured day treatment programme.

If you are already on your journey to recovery you can learn extra life and work skills on our aftercare programmes like Working Recovery.

All our programmes are provided by a qualified team, including counsellors, support workers and trainers with expertise in addictions counselling and treatment.

Progress support groups

If you are still using drugs or alcohol or you are on methadone but you are hoping to change your behaviour either by stabilising or stopping use completely the pre-treatment group will offer you the support you need.

The group will provide you with regular social interaction as well as some structure to your life. You can attend workshops relevant to you and meet people in a similar situation. If you have just relapsed this group may also provide you with a structured safety net while you decide what to do next.

The group meets three times a week.

Structured day treatment programme

If you feel ready to begin your journey into recovery our treatment programme will be able to support you on this.

There are many different elements to our structured day treatment programme (which is abstinent based within a 12-step philosophy) which all contribute to helping you understand your addiction and supporting you as you begin your journey of recovery.

One to one work

This is when you work with one counsellor or support worker in a confidential setting to talk through the issues that may have made you vulnerable to addiction or that cause problems in managing your every day life.

Group work

This is an opportunity to share your experiences and work together with other people in a similar situation.

Relapse prevention

You will be guided on positive ways to prevent relapse.

Workshops and life skills groups

You will be able to attend these training sessions which can be anything from our basic life skills coaching to direct pathways with other agencies like the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Social activities

There are social activities for participants of all the programmes which allow you to strengthen your relationships with each other.

We encourage your family to get involved in the recovery process.

Our team

The programme is provided by our small multi-disciplined team of qualified counsellors, support workers and trainers with expertise in addictions.

Your own support network

You can benefit from sharing recovery skills with a close group of peers with whom you spend each day whilst in treatment. This peer group can form the basis of a network of drug and alcohol free support once you leave the programme.

SHARP encourages the use of self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to support ongoing, long term recovery. We also offer advice and onward referral to those needing continuing professional help.

The programmes vary in length and can range from 4, 8 or 12 weeks through to a continuum of programmes that may last for over 6 months.

Referrals and eligibility

Detoxification is not provided. Clients must be 18 years or over.

Clients are given an assessment.

Referrals are accepted from all sources including self-referrals. Family programmes and aftercare are also offered.

If you would like further information, please call 01202 399723 between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri or email SHARP Bournemouth on SHARPBmth@actiononaddiction.org.uk