New service to help people live independently launches in Midsomer Norton
DHI and other staff at the Midsomer Norton recovery hub
A new service to help people at risk of losing their homes is officially launched today (Friday August 12) in Midsomer Norton. The Reach Support Service provides practical and emotional support to people who have difficulties with their accommodation, or who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service helps people to live independently and develop useful life skills.
The new service is a partnership of the charity Developing Health and Independence, Shape Housing and Stonham, and helps people to understand their housing rights and responsibilities, look for suitable housing, and solve problems with landlords and neighbours. Reach is also based in Bath and has housing drop-ins throughout Bath and North East Somerset.
The new service is based at the Rural Recovery Hub off the High Street in Midsomer Norton, which is partly funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council. As well as Reach, the Hub offers a range of other services:
- DHI and the Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services organisation offer services for people with alcohol or drug problems, including counselling, group sessions, psychological therapies, advice and information, prescribing services and support for families and carers.
- The Clean Slate Training & Employment organisation finds temporary and permanent jobs for long-term unemployed people who may have a history of homelessness, mental ill-health, offending, or drug or alcohol misuse.
- Project 28 helps young people in B&NES who have drug issues.
- DHI's advice and information and money management services help people budget and deal with debt issues.
The Rural Recovery Hub is open from 9am-5pm from Monday and Friday (to 7pm on Tuesdays). People looking for help can drop in at the Hub or make contact by ringing 01761 419086. The service is free and confidential and open to people who live in Bath and North East Somerset.
One DHI client who has been helped by the Midsomer Norton service is Robert (not his real name), who now lives in a rented private sector flat near the town.
When he first came to DHI his marriage had broken down and he had lost touch with his children because of his drug addiction. He was living in a shared house in Radstock, which he found difficult because of the lack of privacy.
DHI helped him to find his flat and loaned him the money for a deposit and the advance rent.
"DHI have helped me a great deal," Robert said. "They helped me get a better place to live and also gave me counselling for my addiction problems."
He has now stopped taking drugs after more than 20 years' use and is doing voluntary work in a shop.
"DHI did a care plan for me with goals I had to aim for," he said, "With their help I was able to achieve this.
"To tell the truth, the staff have been absolutely brilliant - I often go in to the centre in Midsomer Norton to see them.
"My life is the best it's been for quite a few years now - I'm the happiest I've been for a long time."
He has taken part in DHI activities, such as its fishing club, which help clients to overcome social isolation.
"I lost my marriage and my ties with my family because of my drug taking but now I'm getting them back," said Robert, who has children and grandchildren.
