Why should I come to Ashcroft?

1. What is special about Ashcroft?

   Ashcroft House was set up in 1996 as a specialist rehabilitation unit in response to expressed needs for suitable residential rehabilitation facilities for mothers with substance dependencies.  It provides residential rehabilitation for mothers and enables them to continue to care for their children.  For many mothers, being accepted for residential rehabilitation at Ashcroft House may be the only alternative to their children being looked after by the Social Services Department, with little prospect of the family being reunited.

   We work on the basis that mothers with young children need to be free from the personal pressures and influences leading to their substance dependency and to have the opportunity to make a fresh start by learning to live alcohol and drug free lives.

2. What is the programme like?

   The programme includes education about the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol, personal and child health, nutrition, home and family management, parenting and child care, personal finances and budgeting, social skills, coping with stress, opportunities for voluntary work/further/higher education courses and employment.

   Each mother has a personal care plan within the overall programme.  This is prepared by the key worker in conjunction with the mother to develop self-confidence and skills and abilities in coping with all aspects of daily living, stress and crises.  All mothers are expected to participate fully in the rehabilitation programme and be part of a community which operates within a framework of honesty and trust.  Mothers learn to cope with life and caring for their children satisfactorily by developing personal skills including relapse prevention.

3. How long does the programme last?

   The basic programme lasts for six to nine months.  Rarely some mothers may stay for up to 12 months until they and staff feel confident that they can live independently without using drugs or alcohol.



4. How are prospective residents assessed?

   Individual assessments of suitability for our programme are done by Ashcroft House staff.  This normally involves a day assessment visit where prospective residents meet the staff and current residents. 

   Some applicants may be offered a period of day attendance for more detailed assessment and to test their commitment.  This will give them the opportunity to find out more about what the rehabilitation programme involves.

   Mothers are given help and support to enable them to become more fulfilled people and parents, through improved personal understanding, skills and achievements so that they can live independent substance free lives.

5. Where do I go after Ashcroft?

   Forward to independence – we help all the mothers to build on their abilities and to develop new coping skills. Our aim is that they will be able to progress to living an independent life with their children, free of substance dependency and better equipped as parents.

6. What staff are there?

   The staff team is led by the Registered Manager with Counsellors, Key Workers Support Workers, the Nursery Manager and Nursery Nurses who all contribute to the rehabilitation treatment programmes.  At evenings and weekends, Support Workers supervise and assist mothers and children.   Mothers assist with planning menus, shopping, catering and cleaning duties on a rota basis as part of the rehabilitation programme.

   External Consultants with specialist skills are arranged as necessary to complement the skills of the House staff.  Ashcroft House is committed to the Investor in People National Standard. 

7. What support will I get when I leave?

   Your key worker will plan your move-on with you as part of your care plan prior to the end of your programme.  The House provides telephone support line for mothers after they leave.  Placing local authorities are expected to maintain regular contact during the rehabilitation programme and to assist in planning resettlement arrangements, after care and support for families after leaving Ashcroft House.

8. Who will pay for my placement at Ashcroft House?

   Placement fees are the responsibility of the placing agency, usually the local authority social services adult and children’s services or local health boards.

9. Will I have contact with people outside of Ashcroft House during my rehabilitation programme?

   You will be encouraged to become involved in the local community.  Ashcroft House maintains good liaison with organisations in the Cardiff area.  There will be training, education, voluntary work, fitness and social activity opportunities for you.

10. I am different to other people with dependencies so how can you help me?

    As part of the initial assessment process, all applicants are asked to write down or to explain their special needs, wishes, fears, likes and dislikes so that we can plan to help them individually.  After being admitted to Ashcroft House, you and your Key Worker will develop an individual care plan which will be reviewed every six weeks to ensure that you own personal needs/goals are met.

11. I can already do many things mentioned in the programme, so why should I come here?

    You may be able to use your skills and abilities to help other mothers just as they can help you.  You and they will learn from each other as well as getting help from the staff.  Many of our former residents were sceptical or reluctant to come here – but now say it was the first time they really had a chance to be themselves, free from using drugs, alcohol and the pressures to do what other people wanted.

12. Nobody can help me so why do you bother?

    We are prepared to believe in you and your ability to learn to live without substance dependencies.  We have successes and failures – but if you never try you'll never know how different life can be for you and for your children.  Some mothers do not succeed first time – but may then be even more determined to succeed later.  We cannot make you change – but if you want to change we will give you as much help as we can to make that change and to learn ways to keep it up.