Former nurse ploughs savings into new rehab unit

Mark Harrison (second left) said he wanted to offer local treatment so patients did not have to travel for help

An "inspirational" former nurse has ploughed his saving into opening a live-in rehab unit for people with alcohol and drug addictions.

The 11-bed facility in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, offers detox programmes with the aim of helping patients eventually live independent lives.

The facility, which is in a former care home, was commissioned by Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland councils and was set up by former nurse Mark Harrison.

Mr Harrison said he used some of his own savings for the venture as well as a six-figure loan from an ethical bank which backs social purpose projects.

Mr Harrison, who runs the community interest company Connected Community, said he established the unit in Eastbourne Road so people did not have to travel out of the area for help.

He also said there was a lack of live-in treatment programmes in the south Tees area.

The 11-bed unit offers residential care for those with alcohol ad drug addictions

"There’s still a lot of stigma around addiction, but people often turn to drugs or alcohol because they're trying to fill a hole in their life or because of past traumas, not because they're a bad person," Mr Harrison said.

"People from the area often need to travel to other parts of the country to attend rehabilitation programmes.

"I wanted to provide somewhere local, where those who've completed their detox programme can learn how to rebuild their lives."

The unit has been set up with the help of the Unity Trust Bank, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Michael Wicks, spokesman for the bank, said: "Mr Harrison's commitment to help people recover from addiction has been nothing short of inspiring."

Jonathan Bowden, head of inclusion for Public Health South Tees, said there was a need for "accommodation-based services" because of rising levels of alcohol and drug abuse.

Follow BBC Tees on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].