FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT
You may feel a mixture of emotions: relieved that they have sought help, angry that you have been left to cope without them, afraid of what will happen to them during and after their stay in treatment and probably a bit sad and lost without them. All of these emotions, and more, are normal in this difficult situation. At StreetScene and with the client’s consent, we will do our best to help you understand what is happening to your family member and yourself. You can help in the client’s treatment in various ways:
• Contacting the counselling staff whenever you have a question about the resident or the treatment he/she is receiving. It is often better to contact via email as the staff are generally busy working with the clients.
• Giving us information about your friend or relative that will help him or her to understand the consequences of their addiction.
• Accepting an invitation to a family meeting at which you, the client and the staff can discuss the effect the illness has had on the whole family.
• Keeping in contact with your friend or family member by letter or by telephone. During the first week at any unit the new client will not be allowed to make or receive telephone calls or have visit., however they can still receive post.
A client is allowed to contact their family on arrival in treatment if the family didn’t come with them. You are of course very welcome to contact the staff during this week to check that your relative or friend is well and we will let him/her know that you have rung. After the first week you can contact the resident on the residents’ telephone before 10.00 am and after 5.00 pm during the week or at weekends. Once a Client is in the secondary stage they will be allowed to have their mobile phones with them at certain times.
Your help is important! Life in treatment is very structured and the resident will be facing many new challenges.
Having a friend or family member enter treatment for an addictive illness is just the beginning of the painful but rewarding road towards recovery. Often you may not realise how deeply you have been hurt by your friend/relative until the pressure of coping with them has been removed. An overwhelming mixture of emotions - anger, pain, fear for the future may all be stirred up with many more feelings. We are here to help you work through these emotions and build a healthier relationship with your loved one. Contact our staff when you feel in need of their support. There are other bodies groups you can contact such as Al-Anon, https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk , or , Families Anonymous, https://famanon.org.uk . Both of these organisations work specifically for family members and have meetings nationwide.
You may find that your relative/friend telephones you in distress at some point during their treatment. They may say that they want to leave treatment and even ask for your help, encourage them to talk to the staff as soon as possible. Please then contact us and let the staff know about the problem so that we can help them overcome the problem. We can all work together to help them cope and continue the process of recovery.
On completion of the residential treatment programme there is ongoing support, we have an aftercare programme and we are always available at times of crisis. Do feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns before, during or after your relative/friend enters treatment.
You may feel a mixture of emotions: relieved that they have sought help, angry that you have been left to cope without them, afraid of what will happen to them during and after their stay in treatment and probably a bit sad and lost without them. All of these emotions, and more, are normal in this difficult situation. At StreetScene and with the client’s consent, we will do our best to help you understand what is happening to your family member and yourself. You can help in the client’s treatment in various ways:
• Contacting the counselling staff whenever you have a question about the resident or the treatment he/she is receiving. It is often better to contact via email as the staff are generally busy working with the clients.
• Giving us information about your friend or relative that will help him or her to understand the consequences of their addiction.
• Accepting an invitation to a family meeting at which you, the client and the staff can discuss the effect the illness has had on the whole family.
• Keeping in contact with your friend or family member by letter or by telephone. During the first week at any unit the new client will not be allowed to make or receive telephone calls or have visit., however they can still receive post.
A client is allowed to contact their family on arrival in treatment if the family didn’t come with them. You are of course very welcome to contact the staff during this week to check that your relative or friend is well and we will let him/her know that you have rung. After the first week you can contact the resident on the residents’ telephone before 10.00 am and after 5.00 pm during the week or at weekends. Once a Client is in the secondary stage they will be allowed to have their mobile phones with them at certain times.
Your help is important! Life in treatment is very structured and the resident will be facing many new challenges.
Having a friend or family member enter treatment for an addictive illness is just the beginning of the painful but rewarding road towards recovery. Often you may not realise how deeply you have been hurt by your friend/relative until the pressure of coping with them has been removed. An overwhelming mixture of emotions - anger, pain, fear for the future may all be stirred up with many more feelings. We are here to help you work through these emotions and build a healthier relationship with your loved one. Contact our staff when you feel in need of their support. There are other bodies groups you can contact such as Al-Anon, https://www.al-anonuk.org.uk , or , Families Anonymous, https://famanon.org.uk . Both of these organisations work specifically for family members and have meetings nationwide.
You may find that your relative/friend telephones you in distress at some point during their treatment. They may say that they want to leave treatment and even ask for your help, encourage them to talk to the staff as soon as possible. Please then contact us and let the staff know about the problem so that we can help them overcome the problem. We can all work together to help them cope and continue the process of recovery.
On completion of the residential treatment programme there is ongoing support, we have an aftercare programme and we are always available at times of crisis. Do feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns before, during or after your relative/friend enters treatment.
SEND US A MESSAGE
What people say?
“I have recently celebrated four years clean and sober; I came to Allington House broken and unable to function in society without using drink and drugs. I was involved in very risky Chemsex and lost in a scene that was slowly destroying me. Learning that Allington offers a programme for gay men who are involved in Chemsex helped me to feel hopeful and reassured my anxieties around my sexuality and being in treatment. I knew this was my best chance of finding some kind of recovery. I was shown how to value myself, my self-esteem slowly began to grow and I learnt how to integrate with other people from all walks of life. I felt valued and understood for the first time ever. I can’t express how much Allington holds such a special place in my heart. Every time I achieve something new like getting a new job I smile and think to myself “thank you Allington” I now work helping other people struggling with addiction, yet most of all I like the person I am today, something I never thought possible before. My life has truly changed beyond anything I could have imagined when I first checked in to this wonderful house four years ago. I am forever grateful to all at Streetscene”.
What people say?
“At Allington I found comfort in being surrounded by staff sensitive to LGBT issues, other LBGT clients and specifically those who had also experienced the torment and viciousness of Chemsex addiction. This established an environment where I felt safe to give trust, become vulnerable with my honesty, openness and most importantly to do the work necessary to allow myself to recover and maintain abstinence. Each week I had access to dedicated LGBT and Chemsex group therapy sessions to unpack and process my traumas while listening to others for identification, support and solutions. It was a challenging process and I tried to sabotage it on many occasions, but the supportive and nurturing environment held me and gifted me the change and growth I needed and had so long yearned for”. NB 2021
What people say?
“StreetScene really has got the addiction treatment scenario well covered. Having been in the business for 25 years is a reassuring factor of choice. My stay at Allington House was life-changing, from detox to connection with a Higher Power (something I was sure I’d never discover again).
The counsellors were remarkable, able to pick up on the slightest clues and delve deep into what is actually wrong with a particular client, at a particular time on a particular day – something that changes constantly for addicts.
The service staff and volunteers work relentlessly, behind the scenes for the main, to ensure all client needs are met and some, like mine, are quite complex.
I will be forever grateful for my time here.
StreetScene and everyone involved with it are truly amazing”.
Stuart Wylie
What people say?
“I can never thank streetscene enough. Almost everything that is good in my life today started with my journey through cornerways and streetscene. They have given me the tools which have literally helped to save my life and point me toward the right path. For that alone I will be eternally grateful. Even when I let them down, they did not let me down. I won't say it was easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is. It was so worth it. Thanks you guys ”.
John Mayall
What people say?
“What an incredible place!
The staff really treated me with respect, I felt listen to and they went above and beyond throughout my three month stay at Allington House. I was extremely impressed with the individualised treatment and care I received. This helped me to understand what my personal blocks to recovery where. I feel like they brought me back from the gates of Hell and I will be forever grateful to all the staff at Allington House. I now have the self belief that my life does not have to be dictated by addiction, I have been able to rebuild my relationships and I have remained sober since leaving treatment. Thank you”.
Ollie
What people say?
“I have seen and experienced some amazing recovery journeys through my time volunteering and working at Allington House with Streetscene, Magic really does happen there ! The staff are a wonderful team to work with”.
Jude Wateridge
What people say?
“I entered StreetScene Allington House in April 2016. I arrived completely ruined, mentally & physically from 2 decades of using.
I was welcomed with open arms & so much love. This place has something really special about it!
All the staff & Volunteers are professionals both empathetic and understanding. They are willing to adapt to cater for the individuals needs. (Within reason!)
Group Therapy & One -2 One sessions are outstanding. They make you believe you a worthwhile & support you to do esteem-able things for yourself. They are very welcoming for the LGBTQ+ Community and have great knowledge about Chemsex substances.
This is a 12 step treatment center. They encourage you to understand the fellowships and to work a program. (This is good support for when you leave treatment)
I have just celebrated 3 years clean. Streetscene has had a huge positive impact on my life today. They've helped me on my road to recovery.
I couldn't of done it without them. I have so much gratitude for this. Thank You”.
Stuart Gunnell
What people say?
“In 2015 I went into Streetscene Cornerways for my addiction issues. The staff team were very loving and caring and I was treated with respect. They helped me to take responsibility for myself and my recovery and for that I am truly grateful. The night support staff were amazing and very supportive of me and I felt listened to. They assisted me to make contact with my children with whom today I have an amazing relationship with and I am able to be a mother to them. I am over 3 years clean and I owe a debt of gratitude to all the staff who are amazing and supportive.”.
Susan Byrne
What people say?
“Streetscene are amazing, they helped me so much with understanding myself and my illness. my first contact with them was over the phone, I was broken, they reassured me and my family that everything was going to be ok and got me strait in to treatment. I spent 3 months in Allington where I learnt so much about myself and my illness, all the staff were great, managers - councillors - day staff - night staff - volunteers, they all played a real big part in my treatment. I am grateful for everything they done for me.. thank you streetscene xx”.
Aaron Moralee
What people say?
“I thought I'd wait until 8 months after I left Allington House (StreetScene) before writing this Review, just to make sure I was still alive. Now my gratitude actually increases ever day and I still haven't even Relapsed! StreetScene literally saved my life and gave me another chance SOBER! I had never seen 28 Days (Sandra Bullock film) before, but real life rehab is seriously even better than the film! All of the staff and volunteers are so wonderful, funny, warm and caring. Coming from a place of spiralling dark despair and isolation into this safe place, they felt like a supportive loving family. Rehab isn't a walk in the park or a piece of cake (although the carrot cake was the best!), it requires honesty, open-ness, willingness and hard work. I sweated, swam, cleaned, watched squirrels, laughed, cried and sung Wuthering Heights in Karaoke. StreetScene has provided me with tools to get me through today without drinking/using or going insane - and this is the beginning. Choose life!”.
Neil
What people say?
“Fantastic place run by the most amazing team. Streetscene creates an environment where you feel cared for and held as you come to terms with your life in addiction and provide you with hope and tools for the future. Streetscene made me feel part of an amazing family. I will be always grateful for the experience I had. Big love X”.
Gemma Fairfield
What people say?
“I entered the doors of StreetScene in August 2007 after losing everything due to alcoholism and addiction, which included my children. I did not want to live anymore. Whilst there, the staff taught me about my disease and I gained an understanding as to why I did what I had been doing for so many years of my life. They taught me how to love and believe in myself again. I am still sober today and have maintained abstinence since that date. I now have a fulfilling life in which I have re-educated myself and become a productive member of society. I owe this to those people there that showed me love, kindness and respect when I had none for myself. I thank you StreetScene from the bottom of my heart for showing me there is a life after addiction”.
Gail Cecil
What people say?
“Streetscene have been so important for me and my recovery. They've continued to help me when I was struggling and I now have managed to turn my life around, I'm fortunate to be able to work for them. For the first time in my life I have a job I love and work with an amazing team who all go above and beyond to help others.
A really special place and organisation”.
Saint AB
What people say?
“9 months clean and having an amazing new freedom. Coming from the busy London scene I was very nervous about moving somewhere else, but being through StreetScene helped me settle and really find myself. The staff are down to earth with their own relatable life experiences, and they understand how to accomadate for all diversity”.
Sean Mcneshie
What people say?
“Streetscene and Allington House is a magical place. I walked out of that house a different person that I walked in. The staff will always go the extra mile and are caring and understanding. I cannot recommend this place enough. A massive thankyou to everyone at streetscene”.
Tim Dixon
What people say?
“I felt loved and cared for from the initial over the phone assessment and throughout my stay at Allington House. Streetscene's Allington House helped me to look my historic issues that have clouded my past for so many years, helped me rebuild and gain control of my life and enabled me to be excited for the future as well as ensuring I was equipped with the tools needed to continue with my personal recovery journey. My specific needs relating to Chemsex and LGBTQ ++ matters were not only met but massively surpassed and I would highly recommend anyone from the LGBTQ ++ community who is considering residential rehabilitation touch base with Streetscene - as it may just save your life as it did mine!!”.
Ben Kaye
What people say?
“In 2006 I arrived at Francis House for treatment for my alcohol addiction. 13 years later I am still sober and proud to say that I am now the Manager of Streetscene Resettlement. I would like to thank Streetscene for the support , care and love that was shown to me through my journey of recovery to present day! You are all amazing!!”.
Helen Adams
What people say?
“Streetscene have been so important for me and my recovery. They've continued to help me when I was struggling and I now have managed to turn my life around, I'm fortunate to be able to work for them. For the first time in my life I have a job I love and work with an amazing team who all go above and beyond to help others.
A really special place and organisation”.
Saint AB
What people say?
“Amazing organisation, each member of staff primary purpose is to help the residents. That being said I'd like to thank everyone for helping me finding a new way of living. Thanks to you I have morals today and a successful career, I never thought that was possible. Big love and keep doing what you're doing”.
Carlos Costa
What people say?
“I began my counselling placement in Allington House last year and I love the positive recovery atmosphere there. I’ve witnessed fabulous stories of people turning their lives around and have been inspired by so many clients, as well as the amazing staff who really do go that extra mile”.
Sarah Durley-White
What people say?
“The Chemsex group specialised for gay men, who have problems with sober sex and addiction. The Chemsex group is a safe, non-judgmental platform where everyone can share their experience openly and honestly. There are no taboos. The program helped me to work on my guilt and shame around my substance use. I learned new ways to interact and bond with others from my LGBTQ+ community. During the program we discussed and explored topics every week, like internalised homophobia and sober relationships. The group therapies are safe, non-judgmental platforms, where everyone can share their experience openly, honestly. There are no taboos. The program helped me to work on my guilt and shame around my sexual practice and substance use. I learned new ways to interact and bond with others from the LGBTQ+ community. “GF 2021
What people say?
“At Allington I found comfort in being surrounded by staff sensitive to LGBT issues, other LBGT clients and specifically those who had also experienced the torment and viciousness of Chemsex addiction. This established an environment where I felt safe to give trust, become vulnerable with my honesty, openness and most importantly to do the work necessary to allow myself to recover and maintain abstinence. Each week I had access to dedicated LGBT and Chemsex group therapy sessions to unpack and process my traumas while listening to others for identification, support and solutions. It was a challenging process and I tried to sabotage it on many occasions, but the supportive and nurturing environment held me and gifted me the change and growth I needed and had so long yearned for”. NB 2021
What people say?
“After experiencing treatment in other institutions, StreetScene gave me the first opportunity to explore chem sex addiction, through therapy, identification with peers and relapse prevention. For the first time in my life, I was successfully able to be develop and implement relapse prevention boundaries such as restriction to social media applications. I also had the opportunity to explore my relationship between sex and substances, in conjunction with self-esteem, self-worth and negative thought processes. I am truly grateful and highly recommend Streetscene for chem sex recovery.” RB 2022