WILTSHIRE’s High Sheriff learnt about the help and support given to men who are recovering from drink and drug addiction by a local rehabilitation centre she visited on Friday 8 June.

Nicky Alberry called in to meet and chat to residents and staff and tour the facilities at Gloucester House which is on the high street in Highworth near Swindon.

During her visit, residents spoke openly to Mrs Alberry about the issues that had led to them starting to drink and take drugs, including difficulties some had experienced during their childhoods.

They also explained to the High Sheriff how Gloucester House had helped them come to terms with their personal problems and given them a sense of hope for the future.

“I was delighted to be asked to visit Gloucester House to hear about the work done there to support men with complex drug and alcohol issues “said the High Sheriff.

“I was deeply touched by the commitment the staff and the volunteers have to the residents – professional, caring and supportive, helping them deal with their issues, working with them to move on to live independently and substance free in the community.

“I very much enjoyed talking to the residents who shared openly and honestly their life stories and their plans to deal with their addictions- all acknowledged the tremendous care and support they were being given at Gloucester House.”

The Salvation Army has been running Gloucester House since 1961 and the centre can house up to 12 people at a time.

Gloucester House provides rehabilitation services for clients from across the UK who are sent there by their local authorities or are paying privately for their therapy.

Manager Susan Tollington said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the High Sheriff to Gloucester House today and to discuss the pioneering work that we have been doing here for almost 60 years to support individuals whose lives have been damaged by substance abuse.

“Gloucester House is a place of healing and of change where The Salvation Army supports and empowers our residents to understand the behaviours that have held them in the grip of addiction. We give our residents a second chance so that they can transform their lives by living free from dependency, regain their confidence and discover their true potential and purpose in life.”

For more information about Gloucester House, please visit www.gloucesterhouse.org.uk or call 01793 762 365.

Gloucester House residents’ stories – (Names changed to protect identities):

Bob:

“I’ve been battling mental health problems since 2003 brought on by drug misuse. This has affected my personal relations and my family life. It’s taken me to my knees and to the edge of suicide. Since I’ve been here at Gloucester House they’ve loved me back to life and I feel cared for and in a better place. My social life is getting better and I feel I can address my character issues. If I hadn’t come here, I would probably be dead and being here at Gloucester House has given me precious memories. I now want to build strong relationships with my family and go back into work full-time.”

Dave:

“Gloucester House is a loving and caring environment and it gives you space to identify your issues and deal with the ones that lead to drug addiction. It helps you to let go of past problems and failures in a supportive environment. I feel grateful that I have been given the opportunity to change my life around at Gloucester House in a holistic way through identifying the root cause of my addiction. When I leave, I want to get a flat, get into full-time employment and settle down with my girlfriend.”

Jeff:

“I’m going through an opiate detox and I’m half way through it and I have a strong feeling of gratitude to Gloucester House. Addiction has you chained and I want to break that chain now and have a good life. I don’t want a Rolls Royce or a home in the Caribbean. I want freedom from addiction and the ability to live life on life’s terms. I want to contribute to society and have a good life.”