Renovations Almost Complete at Brighton Rehabilitation House

St Thomas Fund is a residential rehabilitation service based in Brighton and Hove that offers a safe place for adults wanting to become free of drugs and alcohol, and make positive steps towards recovery. It is a free service for adults over the age of 18 with a local connection to Brighton and Hove; places are offered following referral and assessment.

Most residents have a history of rough sleeping, drug and alcohol-related offending and/or other difficulties linked to their drug and alcohol use. They also work with people who have experience of complex mental and physical health needs alongside their substance misuse issues.

The need

The service operates over three houses and can support up to 21 residents over the three sites. The first ‘stage’ is based at Cromwell Road. This has places for seven residents and is staffed at all times. Cromwell Road offers detoxification support to residents who need it, in partnership
with drug and alcohol support services in Brighton and Hove.

Some residents do not require detoxification but remain at Cromwell Road in order to stabilise and become accustomed to the structure of residential treatment. Residents stay at Cromwell Road for around three months, although this is dependent on their need and progress against their support plans.

St Thomas Fund approached CRASH for help to transform the large loft space at Cromwell Road.

The solution

St Thomas Fund wanted to relocate their office/staff area and have a lapse bedroom/key work room. Moving the existing office from ground floor meant that they would have the facility to have disabled clients as residents, which is much needed in the city. They also wanted the downstairs bathroom/shower to be modernised for those with mobility issues.

We reached out to our patrons to support the charity’s visions for their Cromwell Road space.

How patrons helped

We got in touch with local firm LA Architects who created the designs free of charge. CRASH awarded a cash grant of £15,000 and Patrons British Gypsum and Dulux Trade both generously donated much needed materials.

The social impact

The project is on track for completion in November 2015 In the meantime Alfie the dog is keeping residents of the St Thomas Fund company. It is one of the very few places that offer places to homeless people with dogs.