• The service provided an environment that supported recovery. Service users were encouraged to engage in the daily running of the service, and took responsibility for shopping, cooking and cleaning. They were involved in decisions on the running of the service and their own care and treatment.
• There were enough staff to effectively meet the needs of service users. Staff had the skills and knowledge to deliver the programme and had good relationships with service users. Staff were supported by senior managers who were visible and approachable.
• Service users had their needs fully assessed and had recovery orientated care plans that were personalised and holistic. Service users were supported to maintain abstinence and were supported to engage in the wider community in preparation for discharge. Service users were safeguarded against abuse and discrimination.
• Service users were involved in an effective recovery programme which met their individual needs and were supported to access other services when required. This included any support for mental health issues or physical health. The programme continually prepared service users for discharge and living back in the community.
• Governance systems were in place which meant that incidents were recorded and investigated. There was evidence of learning from incidents and this was shared with staff to improve the service.
• Staff took part in clinical audits and complaints and compliments were monitored and acted upon.
• The service met the needs of all people who used the service and adjustments were made if required.
• Managers were visible and approachable; the vision and values were fully embedded and risk and performance were effectively managed.

We inspected this service by visiting and talking to the people who were in residence, to the staff and the manager. We read a range of records and judged that this home was compliant.

People told us that they were satisfied with the recovery programs on offer. Here are some of the things people told us:

"This is the best rehabilitation unit I have ever been in. The staff are very supportive."

"The staff are brilliant… Especially the manager! The door is always open and the support is there."

"This project helps you to deal with why you used in the first place and helps prepare you to get back to a normal life."

"The staff here are very careful to make sure that you don't make this your home and always have in mind that you need to get back to the real world."

During our visit we checked on how the staff helped people to manage prescription drugs. We found that there were good risk assessments and risk management plans in place.

We also saw plenty of evidence to show that the small staff team received good levels of training and support. People in the service told us that they thought the staff were well trained and had a good understanding of their needs.

This service had a very detailed residents' handbook that gave people contacts if they were unhappy with the support or services. No one had any complaints on the day of our inspection. Everyone was aware of how to make a complaint.

The service had detailed records in place about all aspects of the care, services and support given.

People told us they had consented to coming into the project and that they had been supported to write their own recovery plans.

"I wanted to come and I agreed to the restrictions because I knew I needed that structure to get myself out of the lifestyle I had."

We learned that people in the service received suitable levels of care and support to allow them to progress with their recovery from alcohol and substance misuse. People in the service also received good support and advice so that they could help themselves to good nutrition.

There were suitable staffing levels in the house to give people the support they needed. One person told us:

"It is the staff who make this place. They are easy to talk to and they understand the work. They have time for you."

The home was clean, comfortable and orderly and people were satisfied with the accommodation.

"I like it here. It is near to town and the shops, the library and the gym. I have a nice room and the shared areas are comfortable. There is a computer you can use. All in all it's fine."

The small staff team gave people good levels of support and they had suitable training and experience.The company and the manager had undertaken regular monitoring of quality in the service. People said they were asked frequently about their views.

"We get plenty of opportunities to say what we think and to make comments and suggestions about how the house runs."

“This is a good project and it has worked for me…”

“I have found that the support we get from the groups has been a big help.”

“All the staff are good…you can get help from any of them not just your key worker.”

“At first I wondered if the staff could give me the support I needed but they are spot on.”

“It is early days for me but I think they are all very fair and no one judges you…it isn’t easy doing this but there is support from staff and other people in the house.”

“ I have been able to relax here…don’t need to be on your toes all the time…I have learnt to trust people again…no one makes fun of you and what you have to say is valued.”

“I like my room …I can spend time there with my own thoughts but I am also encouraged to come to meals, join groups and get out and about and face the world.”

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following areas of good practice:

• The service had enough skilled staff to care for the number of clients they supported. Staff were aware of the provider’s visions and values and these were clearly demonstrated in their day to day work. Appropriate risk assessments were carried out and regularly reviewed. Staff were aware of safeguarding procedures and of things that should be reported.

• Clients were involved in the planning of their care. Staff supported clients to register with a local GP who was able to monitor their physical health while at the service. Staff worked with clients to produce individual relapse plans. Staff were trained in the Mental Capacity Act and were able to carry out capacity assessments when required.

• Clients told us they felt supported by staff and were treated with dignity and respect. Clients were involved in the recruitment of new staff.

• Reading materials were available in a range of formats. Some clients were able to bring their pets to the service. Staff supported clients with wider concerns like housing and benefits.

• Clients who lived within commuting distance were able to attend the rehabilitation programme each day.