New addiction rehabilitation centre opens

The new recovery amenity aims to help people affected by addiction

A new hub offering support to anyone affected by addiction has opened in Blackpool.

The Recovery Hub, on Church Street, is designed to "promote wellbeing, build resilience and support reintegration into the community", the council said.

The team aims to provide practical support and guidance through counselling and sessions including IT and creative activities.

A former addict and support worker said the hub would be "like a lighthouse, offering people hope".

The man, from Blackpool, who did not want to be named, said he had used drugs since the age of 14, adding: "Addiction is a place of isolation, hopelessness and despair.

"This hub is a very visible place showing people that recovery is possible and offering real hope."

The 56-year-old who works in housing support for Jobs, Friends and Houses at Blackpool Coastal Housing describes himself as having been on a "journey of recovery through treatment" for more than 20 years.

The hub is "relaxed and safe" for addicts, a support worker says

He said: "When people are in recovery, they can still face hurdles, even when it seems they are doing well.

"The wonderful thing about this new hub is that it is a relaxed, safe place they can just drop into, there aren't any appointments needed and it is friendly, supportive and really informal."

Sessions will include:

• SMART therapy – Self Management and Recovery Training

• Skill building, such as ICT course

• Music, art and other creative activities

• Evening and weekend activities

• Rambling group

• Tea and toast drop-in

The support worker told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I've spoken to people that have been isolated in their flats, and they've come here.

"I have asked them what is this place to you and they say 'everything' because they have sat in four walls for months at a time.

"So how do you measure that and that the ability to provide a connection for somebody?"

Councillor Jo Farrell said the centre "represents our unwavering commitment to support those who are rebuilding their lives".