Nationwide Bath help fund refurbishment of new treatment centre

Nationwide Building Society have donated £10,000 to Developing Health & Independence (DHI) to help address the large demand for our drug and alcohol treatment services, which are predicted to surge in response to the coronavirus lockdown.

Nationwide Building Society Bath branch has supported us in our work for several years, and were delighted to have successfully nominated the charity to receive a £10,000 grant. The money will support refurbishment of a brand new drug and alcohol treatment centre in St James' Parade, Bath.

The new centre will augment existing provision at its existing treatment centre off Walcot Street and provide a focus for those whose needs are particularly complex, including those living on the streets or with particularly chaotic lives. It is expected that the new treatment centre will increase overall capacity by as much as 40%, offering many more people an effective route out of the misery caused by their substance use.

Rosie Phillips, Chief Executive of DHI said, "We are so grateful for this donation from Nationwide Building Society, and their on-going support for us. The need for a second treatment facility was already there, with the pressure on our existing facility huge. I fear it is just going to get bigger now. Many of us turn to alcohol, if not drugs, in times of stress, great hardship and anguish. Whether as a result of the stress and fear surrounding the virus itself, the pressures of living with people with no release, or the huge concerns to many people about their livelihood, we know that drinking will rise. It offers a quick fix release. For some, this will continue and grow and a problem and we will be there to make sure we can offer tailored treatment to all people – whether street homeless, or working professionals who are struggling to cope. Two buildings allows a much more tailored approach, and Nationwide’s money, which is specifically sponsoring a room where people can be greeted into a safe, calm and secure space, will help to make people feel valued and respected."

Rob Burrows, Assistant Branch Manager of the Nationwide Bath branch said: ‘’The team here at Nationwide have supported charities like DHI valuing their work with some of the most vulnerable clients in Bath, including those who are homeless or experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use. Our donation has been awarded through Nationwide’s Colleague Grants funding programme, and we’re thrilled to have been selected to award this money, which will make a huge difference to helping people within our community. We look forward to the opening of the new building and continuing our support and relationship with DHI.’’

DHI plan to open the new treatment centre later this year and are running an ambitious Fundraising Appeal to raise £180,000 to refurbish the building and to purchase lifesaving equipment including a liver scanner to offer non-invasive detection of liver damage.

To support the DHI appeal in any way you can, please visit the dedicated fundraising site at www.dhi-online.org.uk/appeal