The Bideford Lighthouse Project CIC

We have a strict rule about the need for abstinence and won't tolerate violence but otherwise encourage a culture of self responsibility. We provide support and housing management with skilled and experienced staff. Our residents attend meetings of mutual aid fellowships and are responsible for working their own recovery within a mutual aid community in the house. The length of stay is initially for 6 months but can be extended where appropriate. We will do all we can to help residents to find move on accommodation at the appropriate time. We conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments at the project liaising with professional referrers as appropriate. The assessment will enable the first Support Plan to be created. All Support Plans are "owned" by the resident. On admission we will explain how the project works and the rules, introduce the new arrival to their Key Worker and to the established residents who will act as their "buddy". We will ensure registration with a local GP Practice. Residents will be helped by staff to apply for Housing Benefit and any other relevant benefits. Substance misuse screening is by saliva samples and breath tests. It will be done on arrival and at random times throughout a person's stay. We believe that environment can play an important part in addressing these problems and so we believe an affirming environment is conducive to the recovery process. We have worked hard to create a home which is a safe, welcoming, comfortable, visually stimulating and calming, valuing, affirming and most definitely not institutional. There are 8 individual lockable bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (all with showers and one with a bath), a lounge with a large TV, a newly fitted kitchen/diner and an outside patio. Smoking is allowed outside in the patio area but nowhere else in the building. Access to the house is controlled by video entry system with all residents having their own electronic fob. The house meets all HMO standards.