It owns 11 acres of land surrounded by the lakes and forests of the Cambrian mountains, and offers a challenging and effective programme for those addicted to alcohol or drugs and who have made the decision to live free of substance misuse in the future.

The new site which Rhoserchan has obtained was opened officially on 19 October 2007 and comprises modern buildings wich have been adapted and renovated to a high standard, and a 19th century farmhouse with extension, also refurbished, which provides ideal accommodation for those nearing their return to society and useful working lives.

Rhoserchan was founded some 20 years ago in pre-fabricated single-storey buildings and grew steadily until it was able to accommodate 12 residents undergoing rehabilitation.

The buildings were unsuitable for further expansion or adaptation to meet care standards and therefore the search for a new site and buildings began.

Purchase and adaptation of the new Rhoserchan was made posible by a 50% Euorpean Objective 1 grant from the Welsh European Funding office, and matchfunded by grants from grant-giving charities.

The Substance Misuse Capital Grant scheme also supported the development by awarding grants for specific aspects of the project (a new reception area, a minibus to transport clients, and adaptations to the kitchen to allow for teaching clients basic skills).

The new site and buildings provide perfect surroundings and comfortable accommodation for rehabilitation, away from the distractions of urban environments and the stresses of modern living. The views from Rhoserchan are breathtaking, with glimpses of the sea on a clear day. The accent is on healthy living and a diet based on organic, fresh produce. Oce the gardens are complete, residents will help to grow their own organic food as part of their therapy.

The treatment at Rhosechan is based on a biopsychosocial approach, using the 12-step abstinence model of the AA and NA. The 1st Stage rehabilitation programme which residents begin after detoxification lasts 12 weeks and includes group therapy, one-to-one counselling, lectures and DVDs, individual assignments and creative workshops.

Only total abstinence is acceptable and Rhoserchan's completion rate of the 1st Stage rehabilitation programme is 54%. Those for whom additional treatment is seen as necessary, there is a 3-6 month 2nd Stage programme where residents begin the process of intrgrating back into society through vocational training, education and voluntary work in Aberystwyth.

Rhoserchan is headed by a Chief Executive Officer with a Clinical Manager, who organises and oversees the therapeutic treatment, as well as acting as deputy to the CEO.

A Site Manager, Residents' Advocate, Book Keeper and Chef complete the administrative staffm, and a team of counsellors carry out the therapeutic treatment organised by the Clinical Manager.

Rhoserchan, by virtue of its ideal new site and accommodation, has been able to increase its treatment places offered at 1st Stage from 12 to 22 and to introduce the new 2nd Stage of 8 treatment places.

The centre is therefore making a much enhanced contribution to combating the scourge of drug and alcohol addictionm, both throughout Wales and beyond. Rhoserchan is an outstanding success story and the indications are that it will go from strength to strength."

Article written by Anette Millandt Rumble.