About us

General Brochure… click for a brief summary about us

Background

We offer accommodation and a structured programme based on Christian principles which is designed to help  residents acquire  life skills necessary for future independent living. The first part of the programme is for 44 weeks. The Programme: find out more…

The Haven Kilmacolm is a registered charity and has been in existence for over 18 years (formerly known as the “One Step Trust” and affiliated to Teen Challenge Strathclyde) working in the community providing significant support and accommodation to young men aged 17-40 involved in alcohol and drug misuse in order that they may become free from their addiction.

The Haven Kilmacolm is a Christian organisation and has chosen to work with people variously labelled as vulnerable, disadvantaged, excluded and marginalised in order to give them the opportunity to have a very different future. We believe that every individual is of value and worth and that every individual has the capacity to change with the appropriate support.

The word “Haven” means a sheltered, safe place; a refuge.  It is a place where residents have the opportunity to get their lives back in order with the help of support staff;  a place to be safe and free from disturbance or threat.

The Haven is a purpose built 10 bed unit which was opened in 2003 (replacing a 9 bed hostel) in the countryside between Greenock and Kilmacolm. The rural location is ideal for breaking some of the networks which trap so many people with drug and alcohol problems and gives them the opportunity to reflect and change enough to make it back into the community.

Aims & Objectives

To provide support, assistance, advice or counselling to individuals who have, or have had, a drug and/or alcohol problem with a view to enabling that individual to occupy residential accommodation as a sole or main residence

To enable individuals who have, or have had, a drug and/or alcohol problem, to live a drug free, healthy and socially rewarding lifestyle in accordance with Christian principles

To alleviate  suffering and distress and advance the education of individuals

To promote the prevention of drug and/or alcohol related problems

To offer a community response to problems of drug and/or alcohol abuse by providing support, assistance, advice or counselling

Facilities

Our facilities include a small gym, games room, dining area, lounge area, all weather football pitch, a garden, a pond and a patio area.

The Garden - has been landscaped with attractive shrubs and gravel walkways

The Pond -  an empty grassy area is now a serene pond with a water feature in the form of a small creek

Decking/Patio Area – the residents helped to prepare and build the patio area which is outside adjacent to the dining area and is a great area to enjoy meals or to sit and relax.

The Football Pitch – foundations were laid by the residents and they provided additional manual support for other contractors required to complete the work. The residents organised fundraising events and offered their services to local employers to raise funds to complete the Football Pitch

The Wall — designed and built to make the border around the building more presentable.

The Lounge – an area where residents can gather and relax either to play games, watch DVD’s or read.

Dining/Kitchen Area – staff and residents alike prepare and enjoy meals in our kitchen and dining area which opens onto the patio.

Games Room – fitted with a pool table and doors opening to the garden, the games room is an ideal place for the residents to spend some of their leisure time.

Gym – a place within the centre where the residents can exercise during their leisure time.

Benefits

Project Management

Board of Directors – The Haven Board is made up of 4 representatives with the day to day management of the project carried out by the Senior Management Team.

Staff Structure – The project employs 8 full time staff, 5 part-time staff and some volunteers, made up as follows:-

Having experienced and qualified staff to work closely with the residents enables us to identify individual needs and address the issues affecting their lives.

Volunteers - As well as the Volunteer Board of Directors the project also has a number of volunteers and one trainee staff

Training and Development – Staff and volunteers receive full Induction training and support workers and management are trained in SVQ Care.  Additionally, Performance Reviews and regular supervision takes place.  Training is also offered in Health & Safety, First Aid, Stress Management, Pastoral Skills and Managing Difficult Behaviour.  Staff are also encouraged to look at training required for personal development.