PARK HOUSE : SUPPORTING RECOVERY IN BIRMINGHAM
JEROME ’ S STORY
Located in Birmingham and operated by Change Grow Live , Park House offers an inpatient drug and alcohol detox . With a focus on collaborative working , holistic care , and effective aftercare pathways , the service plays a vital role in helping people achieve lasting recovery . Service manager Cortney Henry says the Park House philosophy is ‘ to get people well , quicker ’. This simple yet powerful mission drives everything the team does , from providing clinical detoxification to ensuring clients are supported during and after their stay .
Park House accepts referrals from services across the country , working together to ensure a smooth transition for clients and planning treatment pathways following their stay . Henry emphasises the importance of continuity : ‘ While clients are here , it can feel like they ’ re wrapped in bubble wrap , but it ’ s
what happens when they leave that really matters . That ’ s why we focus on ensuring there is strong aftercare in place .’
HOLISTIC CARE IN A SAFE SETTING Park House provides a structured , clinically managed detox programme in a nonhospital environment . This includes the use of vitamin therapies such as intravenous Pabrinex ; Park House is the only non-hospital based service to provide this .
Taking a holistic approach to treatment , Park House recognises that recovery is about more than just physical detoxification . Clients are treated as individuals , with their unique needs and circumstances carefully considered .
‘ Recovery isn ’ t just about stopping substance use – it ’ s about helping people rebuild their lives ,’ Henry explains . ‘ We aim to give clients the best chance of success by supporting them emotionally , physically , and practically .’
I had an extremely dysfunctional childhood in Liverpool , and losing my dad at a young age hit me hard . By 38 , I was relying heavily on alcohol and cocaine to cope . Things only got worse when my mum was diagnosed with cancer . I had to give up my childhood dream of becoming a jockey to care for her full time .
I ended up on the streets the day after my mum ’ s funeral , and my dependence on alcohol and drugs deepened . A friend who was in recovery saw me and gave me a place to stay . He introduced me to AA meetings and took my phone so I couldn ’ t call my dealer .
After a relationship breakdown , I relapsed and moved to Birmingham to stay with my cousin . When my cousin left , I ended up in short-term accommodations and fell deeper into addiction . I was drinking a bottle of vodka , 24 cans of lager , and using cocaine daily . My GP referred me to Change Grow Live , who helped me reduce my intake and prepare for detox at Park House .
Walking through the doors of Park House was terrifying – I wanted to turn back , but the staff were lovely . They sat me down , gave me a cup of tea , and made me feel welcome . I completed a two-week medically assisted detox and attended group sessions that helped with my anxiety and gave me tools to cope . Change Grow Live then arranged a 12-week stay at Lindale Recovery , where I gained confidence and moved into follow-on housing .
Now , I volunteer at Park House and other community organisations , and I ’ m studying plumbing at college . I can ’ t believe the change – I ’ m so happy , blessed , and grateful .
NATIONAL SERVICE WITH A LOCAL TOUCH A key focus at Park House is preparing clients for life after their stay . The team ensures pathways are in place for continued recovery , including connections to housing support and local services .
This comprehensive approach helps reduce the likelihood of relapse and supports longterm success .
Park House is making a tangible difference in the lives of its clients , offering a safe space to begin recovery and the tools to continue it .
Change Grow Live Registered Office : 1st Floor , 1 Jubilee Street , Brighton , East Sussex BN1 1GE . Registered Charity Number 1079327 ( England and Wales ) and SCO39861 ( Scotland ). Company Registration Number 3861209 ( England and Wales ).
For further information scan the QR code or go to www . changegrowlive . org
WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM REHAB GUIDE 2025 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 25