Prison to Rehab Protocol

10. The King's Court

Location: Argyll and Bute

10.1 Ethos

The Maxie Richards Foundation runs the King's Court, a supported accommodation service for up to five men recovering from addiction. Residents stay at the King's Court for six months (and in some circumstances up to a year) during the crucial early stages of their recovery. During their stay, the residents are supported to develop new ways of living in an abstinent environment, removed from the pressures and associations of their home areas and previous lifestyles. We emphasise abstinence and service to the wider community as the mainstays of our programme.

Our service is strongly influenced by the principles developed by 12 Step Fellowships (NA, AA etc) and prompts a Christian ethos (we accept people of all faiths and none, as long as they have a sincere desire to address their addiction and live in abstinence).

Facilities

A large, three-story building within the village of Tighnabruaich, in rural Argyll and Bute. The King's Court is divided into six flats and various communal areas.

Each of the six flats is fully self-contained, allowing residents to be self-sufficient and encouraging them to be responsible for their own area of the house. The flats each include their own bedroom with single bed and desk, a living room, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.

While independence is encouraged, a key part of the Maxie Richards Foundation ethos is the embracing of community and building of relationships. As such, there are various communal areas throughout the house which residents are encouraged to use, including: a recreational games room, a shared kitchen/dining room for evening meals, a television room with BT Sports and Netflix, and a seated garden area. Residents also have access to a shared laundry room and a fitness room where weights are available.

The shared kitchen is the space in which residents take turns to cook an evening meal for the group, fostering a sense of family. Residents also share responsibilities for the cleaning of the house's communal areas.

Residents arriving at The King's Court are welcomed into a safe, caring environment in which to begin building their new lives – set within the tranquil Argyll countryside, as new arrivals in the small village, residents are encouraged and supported to become active members within the wider community.

Community work is also something we are involved in especially during the summer months. Regularly doing grass cutting, painting and decorating, fence building and various other jobs. Teaching new skills, life skills, confidence and instilling a sense of achievement and self-belief. We are passionate about providing a welcoming, inclusive, haven for people when they are at their lowest point, desperately needing love, guidance, and support. Our partnership between staff and residents builds self-esteem, self-worth, and a hopeful future.

Treatment

During the week there are opportunities to build friendships outside the home through visits to recovery cafes and fellowship meetings. We understand the importance of a support network and speaking to peers who understand the burden of addiction. Our staff are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to dealing with addiction and are an asset to those looking for help. As our minimum length of stay is six months, at any one time the residents present in the home will be at various stages of their journey. This creates a supportive atmosphere, with newer arrivals being inspired and encouraged by people who only months ago were in the same position. The relationships created through The King's Court enable individuals to gain faith in others and build confidence.

On-site at The King's Court, our activities fall largely into two categories: mental and practical. To give our residents the best chance of recovery, we support them through one-to-one sessions with their key worker. During these sessions goals are set using the Drug and Alcohol Star Outcome system, problematic 'using behaviours' are identified, and plans are made to address legal or financial issues and work on rebuilding relationships.

Alongside the individual sessions, residents also attend group meetings. These focus on educating the residents about drug and alcohol dependency, and provide an opportunity to contribute to discussions on the running of the house. Additional conversations are also arranged via Skype with people with lived experience from different areas of the world. The sharing of common experiences with those who have rebuilt their lives, inspires hope and strength. To build on general life skills, residents are also taught to cook, clean and budget - ensuring they are equipped for day-to-day life when they leave The King's Court.

10.2 Admission criteria and process

Suitability

• The King's Court is an abstinence-based project and does not support controlled medication.
• All mental health drugs would have to be risked assessed at the assessment.
• Male only service

Assessment

• The King's Court will conduct a full assessment prior to admission including a health and risk assessment
• The service is open 7 days a week
• Assessment can be done in person or virtually
• Phone, email, video contact can be maintained to prepare the individual for placement

Transport

Transport can be arranged with notice.

Contact Details

Patrick White
07882469684
kingscourt@maxierichards.org.uk