Action on Addiction Expands Women’s Treatment Service to Meet Growing Demand
03 October 2008
Action on Addiction is pleased to announce the expansion and relocation of its women only service at Hope House in Maida Vale due to an increased demand for this service. Hope House, which currently accommodates 8 women in second stage residential treatment for addiction, will be moving to a much larger house in Clapham Common where it will be based from 2nd February 2009."There is a great shortage of women-only treatment services in the UK and as Hope House celebrates its 20th year in providing specialist support for women with addiction problems we are glad to be expanding our services to meet demand," says Susanne Hakimi, Head of Service at Hope House.
The new Hope House will provide a temporary home for 22 women and continue to provide high quality addiction treatment, giving women the time and space to work on issues that may underpin their vulnerability to relapse, such as physical and sexual abuse, food disorders and/or dual diagnosis.
The programme takes a holistic approach to treatment focusing on the psychological, emotional, physical and educational needs of clients and is underpinned by the 12-Step abstinence-based model. Art therapy and reflexology is also included to support and complement the treatment programme which lasts between 12 and 24 weeks depending on individual need.
This announcement follows a comprehensive review of our second stage treatment services resulting in a decision to close Thurston House.
While there remains a great need for men to receive treatment there is insufficient demand currently for services catering exclusively for men.
Hope House treatment service will be relocated to the site of the existing Thurston House following its refurbishment. The existing Hope House will remain open throughout this process and will move to Clapham Common on 2nd February 2009. Thurston House will close at the end of 2008.
We are exploring the option of turning the existing Hope House building into a project to help women finishing treatment to reintegrate into society by assisting them to find accommodation. In the longer term we will be looking to open a mixed gender unit with flexible programmes to meet a variety of needs.
Background Information
Action on Addiction continues to offer a variety of treatment services which are available for men and women across the UK including:
Clouds House - a first stage residential treatment centre for men and women.
SHARP London, SHARP Liverpool and SHARP Bournemouth and Poole which all provide structured day treatment for men and women.
Working Recovery in Bournemouth and Poole which provides skills training to men and women.
We are also taking action to disarm addiction through research, family support, education and training.
For more information contact:
Action on Addiction Press Office
Ed Clark on 0207 793 1011 or ed.clark@actiononaddiction.org.uk