Phoenix Futures Scotland have now set the date for when they plan to open their Saltcoats rehab centre.

The national specialist family service, which has been planned in partnership with the Scottish Government, will open "at the beginning of October 2022".

The former Seabank nursing home on Canal Street has been out of use since the home closed in 2018.

Nearly eight months after the location was confirmed for the project, it will re-open as Scotland's first dedicated service of its kind for families affected by a parent’s mental health, drug and alcohol problems.

READ MORE: Phoenix Futures Saltcoats: Drug charity explain their plans for centre

The specialist resource, named Harper House, will provide residential help to up to 20 families at any one time, offering placements between three and six months long.

Support charity Phoenix Futures Scotland have also confirmed how the facility will be staffed.

The centre, which will be staffed 24/7, has hired a dedicated team of 31 people, the majority of which they say have been recruited from within North Ayrshire. 

They will be led by residential services manager Kerry McGhee, who brings over 28 years’ experience in the health and social care sector to the role.

She said: "Everyone at Phoenix Futures Scotland would like to thank the Scottish Government, North Ayrshire Council and the local community in Saltcoats for their support as we prepare to open this unique, family-focused service."

Harper House's purpose is to help families stay together while parents receive specialist support to help recovery from drug and alcohol problems in a safe, structured and substance-free environment.

While in the facility, parents will be able to remain as carers for their children while undertaking their recovery programme, while benefitting from the support of Phoenix Futures Scotland’s specialist childcare staff.

READ MORE: Reassurances given over new Saltcoats rehab and family centre

Kerry commented: "We will provide a homely environment that is safe, secure, supportive and stimulating. Our approach is person-centred and innovative with a dynamic approach to play and learning to ensure that all families using the service feel loved and respected.

“Our aim is to benefit the lives of the families who utilise our services and reduce drug-related deaths and provide early intervention to help prevent intergenerational cycles of trauma, adverse childhood experiences and substance use disorders.”

The service will also look to provide "recovery through nature" which will see families using the service out in the community partaking in activities such as tree planting, beach combing and planting pots at train stations.

Kerry noted that some people may be sceptical of the facility being so close to home, but said that their doors will always be open to anyone with a query.

She added: “We will continue to liaise with the local community to explain how the service will contribute positively to the town and the surrounding area.

"At Phoenix Futures Scotland our door is always open and we encourage those in the community who’d like to find out more about what we do to please get in touch.”

For more information on Phoenix Futures Scotland visit: https://www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/phoenix-futures-scotland/.

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