REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

A new four-phase training programme has been introduced by Gilead Foundations.

The aim of the programme is to take students from total dependence on drugs or alcohol to a fulfilling and worthwhile life totally free from addiction. Each of the four phases can be treated as stages in a complete two year programme or as individual phases in their own right.

PHASE 1

- called the ‘Liberty of Life' course and last for a minimum of six weeks. The objective of this course is to detoxify students from addictive substances and bring stability in their daily lifestyle.
Students are involved in practical therapeutic activities at Risdon Farm, such as catering and domestics, farm duties and general maintenance, as their health allows. They will have regular individual assessments and also group therapy during this phase, as well as completing a basic study manual.

PHASE 2

- called the ‘Life Restructuring' course and last for a minimum of 20 weeks. The objective of this phase is to bring students into a place of recovery from previous lifestyles. Students will need to be serious about changing their lifestyle and be ready to receive care and support.
They will be expected to stop smoking within the first 10 weeks, with the help of a detox if requested, and be six weeks nicotine free before completing Phase 2. Students on Phase 2 will be involved in practical therapeutic activities and undergo regular individual assessments and also group therapy.
One of the key elements of this course is completion of a relapse prevention course, which involves understanding and coming to terms with the root of the student's addictive behaviour. Personal development training will also be involved, along with a range of life skills training, such as numeracy, literacy and IT skills.

PHASE 3

- called the ‘Life Foundations and Construction' course and lasts a minimum of 30 weeks. The objective is to establish and maintain strong personal foundations in the student's life in preparation for re-entry into society. During this course students will be allocated to one of the work sections in Gilead to undergo in-depth training in preparation for a future career.
Assessments and group therapy will continue during this phase and students will be required to complete a study manual based on the foundations of Christian lifestyle, and recovery maintenance.

PHASE 4

- called the ‘Life Development' course and lasts a minimum of 26 weeks. The objective is to help the student achieve successful re-entry into society. Students will be placed with a support group - such as a church or Christian ministry - outside Gilead and be accountable to the leader of the church or ministry. Students will be helped to find employment and permanent accommodation and be responsible for all bills, rent and so on.

Assessments with the designated church leader will take place on a regular basis, as well as two monthly reviews at Gilead. A Gilead support worker will visit the student at least twice during their placement. Completion of a Gilead study manual ‘Living a Successful Christian Lifestyle' is a requirement of this phase.

On successful completion of Phase 4, students return to Gilead to attend a graduation ceremony which marks their achievement of living free from addiction and enjoying a fulfilling and God-centred life.

Click here to find out about applying to Gilead