Newcastle Recovery House helping beat the cycle of addiction

Recovery House, a facility operated in partnership between Tyne Housing Association and Phoenix Futures, provides open-ended rehabilitation to support people in Newcastle at risk of homelessness and working to overcome addiction to substances.

Since opening at the start 2022, 100 per cent of residents have reported stable or reduced levels of substance use, and 67 per cent reported a positive change in their readiness for work and independent living.

As part of the project, residents are supported through an abstinence-based programme which includes one-to-one counselling, group therapy and workshops. They’re also supported with life skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting, as well as given access to training and work to help them play an active and positive role in their communities.

One such resident who has benefitted from Recovery House is Jon*, who has lived at the property for eight months and has since been able to reduce his methadone prescription, complete a course specialising in railways and apply for housing to enable him to live independently.

Jon said: “I am in the best place I ever have been and the support has helped me to make the right choices, avoid negative influences and give me a purpose.”

Steve McKinlay, chief executive at Tyne Housing, said: “Recovery House has been the catalyst for change for its residents, helping them to understand triggers, develop new skills and reconnect with society.

“We recognise the vital role a stable home can play in supporting vulnerable people during their recovery journey and, with our partners, we have wrapped support around them too, to ensure Recovery House provides real positive impact that can be sustained.”

Tyne Housing provides support and homes to some of the North East’s most vulnerable people and has worked in partnership with Phoenix Futures, a specialist recovery charity helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems for more than 50 years, to deliver the project.

Residents at Recovery House are directed to the service via Newcastle City Council’s Supported Housing Gateway – an online portal where professionals can refer people who are at risk of homelessness.

Karen Biggs, chief executive at Phoenix Futures, said: “We’re proud to have worked with Tyne Housing to deliver this vital support. The Recovery House shows that anyone can thrive with the right support.”