’It’s given me something I never had and that’s self-belief’

A handmade sign propped up by the front door of Chandos House reads ‘All of you is welcome’.

It may look like bad grammar, but the message is meant to be taken literally – in that each person entering the rehab centre will be wholly welcomed, irrespective of faults, flaws, past behaviour and addictions.

This front door, surrounded by flowers and gently shaded by the boughs of a large maple tree, represents the start of a long and difficult journey to recovery for some of the most desperate and vulnerable addicts, who have slipped through the cracks in society.

But, in the wake of government cuts, the future of Chandos House is hanging in the balance.

Residents of Chandos House can spend free tine in the tranquil garden

Bristol24/7 was invited in for an exclusive look behind the scenes during a regular day at the city’s last remaining men’s residential rehab centre to see the difference this unusual and pioneering place makes to the lives of men who had nowhere else to go.

A paved garden path leads to a small gateway with a tranquil patio area beyond. A few residents are lounging in the midday sunshine, quietly chatting and smoking beneath vibrant murals that adorn the far wall.

Through a conservatory and homely living room, the large, functional kitchen in the heart of the house is a hive of activity as men prepare lunch for residents and staff, who begin to gather at the huge communal table.

Current and former residents line up ready for lunch at Chandos House

Burger and chips is on the menu – the choice of Andrew*, who is leaving Chandos today after completing his rehab programme. He has a dry house to move into, but says he is still scared of the world outside and hugely relieved that he can keep popping back whenever he wants.

Former residents return to the rehab centre to volunteer in the kitchen and keep in touch. A couple of them have just cooked the feast for the 20-odd people crammed around the table, and two more have dropped in to help out.

“It’s massive being able to come back,” says one of the former residents. “I would not have been able to go and make a clean break.”

In the evening, current residents take it in turns to cook.

“It’s experimental cottage pie tonight,” says one of the chefs for the evening. Some of the residents have worked as professional chefs, others have never cooked a meal in their lives, but everyone mucks in regardless – this is part of the Chandos ethos.

“Most of my addictions started working in kitchens,” confessed one resident.

“Going through the bins for food doesn’t count,” quipped his friend across the table with a grin.

Lunchtime is a fast, friendly affair and, as plates are cleared, there is the clatter of crockery being stacked, as the men bustle around the kitchen, clearing, washing and drying with all the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.

Conservatory at Chandos House, where some of the group sessions are held

The living room, where residents gather in their spare time and for leaving ceremonies

Pete Weinstock, an addiction counsellor at Chandos House

As a treatment centre, Chandos has a holistic, pioneering – and slightly mad – approach to overcoming addiction, though counselling, group workshops and activities, which include art therapy, circus skills and massage.

Ian, 42, is due to leave Chandos in two weeks, after nearly six months as a resident and shares the story of how he fought back from rock bottom.

“From about 14, I felt emotionally empty towards everyone,” he says. “I was adopted from the age of two and before that, I was abused, which caused a lot of emotional problems.

“I started doing a lot of speed when I was 17, then I stopped and got work, but drugs came back into my life. I used to dabble in heroin as well. I faced a lot of bullying at school and later on in life.

“I would get bullied and I used to retaliate and that made it worse, so I used to get into a lot of trouble and I got kicked out of schools and that.

“I was living in a hostel before I came here. I had been homeless for 12 years and in and out of hostels – I used to beg and busk and even stole a few times – I was about 23 the first time.

“I came in here with social anxiety – I could not look anyone in the eye, or hold a conversation with anyone. I walked into circus skills [workshop] and wanted to walk straight out again.

“But you feel so safe and calm here and have the support of people. I don’t always speak in groups, but I relate to pretty much everything that everyone says.

“I’m scared to leave, but I know I can keep coming back whereas most rehabs, as soon as your funding is up, that’s it – you are out. I have made some really good friends here and I have struggled most of my life to make friends. I used to isolate myself. Its friends who understand as well.

“The day I leave here, I start down at DHI (Developing Health and Independence) doing peer mentoring and I have always been good with computers so I’m trying to get into web design or something. I will stay in Bristol so I can keep coming back.

“I lost contact with my family and since I have come here, I have seen my sister twice for the first time in 18 years and my mum and dad. That’s a big thing that’s actually going to help me keep clean.”

The men at Chandos all have different backgrounds, many have faced horrendous abuse and homelessness, but one thing most have in common is the lack of self-worth they arrive with.

At 1pm, it’s time to join residents, staff, volunteers and family members in the living room, where the leaving ceremony is just beginning.

Head of treatment James Dickinson, whose mother set up Chandos House around 35 years ago, hands a simple key-ring whittled from the maple tree in the garden to Andrew*, inviting him to speak. This is part of the tradition for all who have completed their rehab.

The key-ring is subsequently passed around the group, each person sharing memories or words of support. Many of those gathered have tears in their eyes – it is an emotional and immensely positive occasion that is testament to the sense of brotherhood which helps Chandos residents to thrive.

Trying to put his experience into words, Andrew says: “It’s been a long hard journey. It’s given me something I never had and that’s self-belief.”

Bert, the unofficial head of treatment at Chandos House

*Name changed to protect his identity.

The centre is continuing its fundraising efforts to keep the vital service it provides going. It is currently running a raffle, with an original piece of artwork by Bristol-based street artist Alex Lucas up for grabs.

One of the ‘Rampant Rabbit’ series that will be familiar to many across the city, the gallery price is £1250. Raffle tickets are available for just £5 via www.localgiving.org/appeal/artraffle/. For more information and to donate, visit: www.localgiving.org/charity/chandos-house-addiction-treatment-centre/.

Read more: ‘There’s lives out there that need saving’