Newcastle Drug Rehab Centre Set For A MoveNewcastle Drug Rehab Centre Set For A Move

A drug rehabilitation centre has closed because managers want a new base offering addicts residential care.

The O’Connor Centre has shut its Hanover Street office, in Newcastle, causing fears that alcoholics and drug addicts will not get the same level of support.

But centre owners are now looking for another base in Newcastle, which will allow it to expand and offer residential care and support.

They hope the centre will mirror the successful Burton Addiction Centre, which houses up to 24 recovering addicts, and has flats for people to complete their rehab programme.

Resettlement manager Kendra Gray, pictured below, said: “We have always wanted a residential building. We were leasing a building temporarily while we were waiting for a residential building. That lease has come to an end, and we could not get a short-term lease.

“We would have to sign up for a longer lease at £50,000 a year, and because we knew we had got a residential building, we could shut the centre and that money can be put to better use.

“The new building is in Newcastle, and we are now in the final stages of negotiations. We are hoping to have supported flats as well.”

The O’Connor Centre opened in 2002 with support from police, despite protests from neighbours.

A later application to move the centre to Etruria Road, Basford, on a temporary basis, was rejected by Newcastle Borough Council.

Founder Noreen Oliver – who battled alcoholism before devoting her life to helping others to overcome addiction – said the new building would allow about 20 addicts at a time to go through the centre’s programme of abstinence.

Recovering alcoholics and addicts will live at the centre to receive round-the-clock support.

During their stay in rehab, they can also learn skills such as cooking. After completing phase one of the programme, it is hoped the addicts will be able to live in a supported environment.

Mrs Oliver said: “There’s no way I could have gone home every day from rehab and not be tempted. People living in Newcastle and North Staffordshire have been saying they want a residential unit.”

Former addict Mark Smith, aged 47, who is originally from Bucknall, and is now living in supported accommodation in Burton, said: “It’s imperative to be in residence.

“You draw so much inspiration from your peers, and if you go home you have things around you that remind you of your addiction.”