A Former Care Home Transformed into a Rehabilitation Haven in Middlesbrough

In a quiet residential neighbourhood of Linthorpe, a former care home has been given new life as an 11-bed residential facility for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. This transformation was made possible through the unwavering determination of Mark Harrison, a former nurse and local authority health consultant, and the financial support of Unity Trust Bank.

Mr. Harrison, the owner of Connected Community CIC, was driven by a deep concern over the lack of rehabilitation facilities in the South Tees area. Fueled by his life savings and a six-figure loan from Unity Trust Bank, he embarked on a journey to redevelop the property, creating a safe haven where those battling addiction can continue their recovery, find employment, and ultimately transition to independent living.

The roots of Mr. Harrison’s passion for this cause can be traced back to his time in the National Health Service, which he joined in 1987. A pivotal moment came when his brother-in-law, a haemophiliac, tragically lost his life after contracting HIV through contaminated blood products. This experience propelled Mr. Harrison to shift his focus to the needle exchange program, where he dedicated himself to educating drug users about the dangers of sharing needles and supporting those at risk.

“There’s still a lot of stigma around addiction, but people often turn to drugs or alcohol because they’re trying to fill a hole in their life, or because of past traumas, not because they’re a bad person,” Mr. Harrison explained. “People from South Tees often need to travel to other parts of the country to attend rehabilitation programs, as there simply aren’t enough facilities here. I wanted to provide somewhere local, where those who’ve completed their detox program can learn how to live differently and rebuild their lives.”

The journey to transform the care home into a rehabilitation centre was not without its challenges. After purchasing the property seven years ago, Mr. Harrison endured a protracted planning process and escalating costs, ultimately requiring a loan to complete the project.

“My new broker, John Carling of Solutions Northern, introduced me to Michael Wicks at Unity, who was absolutely brilliant. We talked through everything, and the effort he put in was phenomenal,” Mr. Harrison said. “Unity’s values chimed with mine in terms of what I do and who I support, and it was the type of financial partner I wanted to be with. From where I was a year ago, to where I am now, is like night and day.”

Michael Wicks, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, expressed admiration for Mr. Harrison’s commitment to helping individuals recover from addiction. “As an ethical bank, we only use customer deposits to fund organizations that deliver social impact, so our customers know that their money is making a positive difference in local communities,” he said.

The significance of this project has not gone unnoticed by local authorities. Jonathan Bowden, Head of Inclusion Health for Public Health South Tees, acknowledged the pressing need for such services in the area. “There is a significant local need for accommodation-based services due to the increasing prevalence of harmful alcohol and drug use. This project will provide invaluable support to people who have chosen abstinence. I’m sure the fantastic facility that Mark and Connected Community CIC has developed will be a big part in many recovery journeys.”

John Carling, Director of Solutions Northern, the brokerage firm that facilitated the lending process, expressed delight in supporting Mr. Harrison’s vision. “We were delighted to support Mark with what was a complicated lending scenario, where our relationship with Unity worked seamlessly to deliver a solution that enabled the opening of what will be a fantastic service for Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland Councils.”

As the doors of this transformed care home open, it stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction, offering a local sanctuary where healing, growth, and the pursuit of a brighter future can flourish.