Alcohol Help

Inishfree, Stroud
Safe accommodation, training and support for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

About us:

Inishfree has established a small community project in Gloucestershire that provides supported living for individuals addressing their addiction problems after they have completed a detoxification programme elsewhere. An individual can sign up to the Inishfree housing programme for as long as 2 years, receiving different levels of support and training to prevent relapse and returning to the cycle of addiction.

Inishfree is a unique service in this country because it provides opportunities to develop skills and expertise in vocational trades after completing a significant amount of time to stabilise. It individualises the programme to meet specific needs and supports an individual to fulfil their potential whilst in the safety of a drug and alcohol free environment ensured by 24 hour staffing cover.

The client group are referred to as Trainees and are attracted to the Inishfree programme because it provides an innovative approach to address emotional problems while building up confidence and self esteem. This provides the emotional stability and foundation to go on to develop their aspirations for the future. In the main the programme is focused around cooking and catering, using the kitchen garden as a means of education into diet, health and ultimately a sense of wellbeing that was missing in their lives before.

Inishfree hopes to satisfy the individual needs of each human being on three different levels:

1. Physical level – Work
2. Emotional level – Therapies
3. Social level – Community life

1. Physical level – Work:

Physical exercise such as gardening, building and decorating can provide when achievable, a positive distraction from cravings, a clear purpose and goal in daily life, and a self motivated contribution to the community, a feeling that one is needed, which was not present before.

2. Emotional Level – Therapies:

Counselling and biography group work will also be central to the recovery process, but in a way that enables people to digest the process rather than be overwhelmed by it. Looking back over one’s life would of course be part of the counsellor’s input, but only after a time of stability, and when the trainee is ‘ready’ to take hold of it more fully.

3. Social Level - Community Life:

Living together in a supported environment, where others know exactly where you are coming from is fundamental. For some who have lived in virtual isolation from the world, community life can help to address those feelings of isolation.

The programme has been developed in such a way that it covers 5 phases over a period of 2 years. Each phase is designed to accommodate the changing body, mind and emotional needs in the early and later stages. Physical illness, panic, anxiety, shame and cravings, are very strong in the beginning, from the obvious distress experienced in the withdrawal of poisonous substances. As time goes on this becomes less prolonged and less intense. Slowly through the activities the emergence of a renewed sense of self outweighs the earlier symptoms.

Contact Details:

Inishfree
Roseclive
Rooksmoor
Woodchester
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL5 5NE

Telephone: 0845 458 9904