The end is where we’ll begin
We’re excited to launch our new organisation Charter Recovery Housing. This is the beginning of our new story. We’re going to start at the end and work backwards, so you can understand why we do what we do. The end of the story is our brand vision – what will the world look like after our intervention?
Our vision is a country where no one is homeless, the housing crisis doesn’t exist and people are given the help and support they need to overcome addiction, releasing themselves from trauma and negative behaviour patterns which can cause harm to themselves and their wider circles.
“The British people are compassionate. We will always support those who are genuinely homeless. But we cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a lifestyle choice.”
Suella Braverman. 4 Nov 2023. X.
We want to restore compassion in humanity and replace stigma with understanding. We hope to live in a country where everyone who needs it can get a second, third or even fourth chance. Yes, it’s a BIG VISION, a massive task, but we are on a mission to achieve this happy ending, we will start with the North East and see where that takes us.
How do we get there?
We have our own charter, route map and navigational tools, all of which have been tried and tested over decades. They’re different to many other organisations’ methods as we genuinely place the person at the heart of all our decisions and treatment options. We recognise the individual personalities of each of our residents, we encourage them to charter their own boat, we support them to plan their own route, they choose their own destination and we help them to form their own code of conduct (charter).
Our recovery houses are currently based in the North East of England, close to Newcastle, in Gateshead and Blyth. Each of the houses has a charter which is a code of conduct for residents to live by, to ensure safety for themselves and those around them. The charter helps to make sure they get the best experience from our houses. Our code of conduct can be summed up simply as a contract of mutual respect, integrity and clear expectation. Knowing the boundaries in any relationship keeps people safe and helps build a strong foundation on which recovery can be sustained.
We use a specific model which encourages our residents to build on their strengths and combines safe housing with substance-use aftercare, physical and mental health support, mutual aid, training, employment and volunteering opportunities. Our model works around the ‘Live, Connect and Do’ touchstones, we believe that these three elements are essential to sustain positive behaviour change, to develop a life without addiction and create a more fulfilling life.
At Charter Recovery Housing we encourage opinions and ideas from all levels of people involved with the organisation. We like to work without boundaries and hierarchies, encouraging an open and inclusive culture which allows the space for new methods of recovery treatment to be organically formed. At the heart of our work is a passion to maintain peer-lead support. We encourage residents to become part of the Charter Recovery Housing team, as managers or coaches, so they can use their lived-experience to easily relate to others, help them on their recovery journeys and break destructive behaviour patterns of addiction.
Our journey will be full of ups-and-downs, just like a recovery journey, we will take wrong turns, get lost and need to ask for directions. The important thing is that we’re not afraid to be honest, open and ask for help, we’ll listen and learn along the way and keep travelling towards the destination – our vision.
Why are we making this journey?
We understand the current social and economic problems that many people are facing, the cost of living and housing crises and Covid 19 have severely affected our mental and physical health in staggering ways.
In the picturesque landscapes and historic towns of North East England, the housing crisis lurks beneath the surface. While the region boasts cultural richness and natural beauty, its communities grapple with the harsh realities of an inadequate housing market. From Newcastle upon Tyne to Middlesbrough, the housing crisis casts a shadow over the aspirations and wellbeing of residents, demanding urgent attention and sustainable solutions.
We understand that there are many reasons why someone becomes homeless, it’s not a lifestyle choice and neither is it a criminal offence. It’s often a complex interplay of personal, economic, social, and systemic factors. Here are some common reasons why people may find themselves homeless:
Economic Hardship: Financial instability, job loss, low wages, and high living costs can push individuals and families into homelessness. Without an adequate income to afford housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, people may become unable to maintain stable housing.
Lack of Affordable Housing: In many areas, there’s a shortage of affordable housing options, especially for those with low incomes. As housing prices rise and rental markets become increasingly competitive, individuals and families may struggle to find housing they can afford.
Family Breakdown: Conflict within families, including domestic violence, parental abuse, or strained relationships, can lead individuals, particularly young people, to leave home and become homeless. Without a support network to rely on, they may find themselves without stable housing.
Mental Health Issues: Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance abuse disorders, can contribute to homelessness. These conditions may hinder a person’s ability to maintain employment, relationships, and stable housing.
Substance Abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction, can lead to homelessness by straining relationships, causing financial difficulties, and interfering with a person’s ability to maintain stable employment and housing.
Systemic Factors: Structural issues such as systemic poverty, discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, and limited social support systems can also contribute to homelessness. Individuals from marginalized communities, including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and refugees, may face additional barriers to securing housing and support services.
Trauma and Adversity: Experiencing traumatic events, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma related to military service, can increase the risk of homelessness. Without adequate support systems and coping mechanisms, individuals may struggle to overcome these challenges and maintain stable housing.
Criminal Justice System: People who are involved with the criminal justice system, including those who have been incarcerated or released from prison, may face challenges reintegrating into society and securing stable housing and employment opportunities.
The Government’s Rough sleeping snapshot in England: autumn 2023 shows the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2023 is 3,898, which rose for the second year in a row. Cuts have been made to local councils’ funding and a lack of understanding of homelessness is visible in plans from the Government to criminalise homelessness using the worst elements of the Vagrancy Act.
The Vagrancy Act is a piece of legislation that makes it a criminal offence to sleep rough or beg in England and Wales. It was initially passed 200+ years ago in response to increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
The current attitudes and actions from the Government are polar-opposites to our brand ethos and treatment models. We’ll continue to travel towards our vision and along the way we hope to change attitudes, restore compassion and encourage empathy.
The beginning
So here we are at the beginning of our journey to achieve our vision. Follow us on all of our social media channels to share our journey into unchartered territory.
Charter Recovery Housing LinkedIn
Charter Recovery Housing Facebook
Charter Recovery Housing Instagram
Do you have a destination you want to get to, or do you have someone in your care who needs a clear direction and focus? We can help you find your own charter, to steer you, or someone you care for, in a new direction. Call us for more information on 07496 891 884 or visit our referrals page.
Further reading
https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/campaign-with-us/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagrancy_Act_1824
In honour of Peter Paul
The name of our organisation, Charter Recovery Housing, is dedicated to our dear friend Peter Paul, who sadly passed away in 2023. Peter operated a highly reputable residential treatment facility called Charterhouse Clinic Flore in Northamptonshire. We would like to continue his legacy, passion and dedication for helping others, through the work we do at Charter Recovery Housing.
