Gloucester House marks 65 years of addiction recovery in Swindon

published on 9 Oct 2025

Declan arrived at Gloucester House a shadow of himself, consumed by addiction, his life unravelled by years of alcohol and despair. Today, he stands tall, sober, and vibrant, a testament to the transformative power of The Salvation Army’s Gloucester House in Swindon.

As this alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre marks its 65th anniversary in October, it celebrates countless stories like Declan’s—lives reclaimed through hope, healing, and community.

Nestled in Highworth’s High Street, Gloucester House has been a beacon of recovery since 1960, offering a 12-step programme and a nurturing environment to men from all over the UK seeking a second chance.

To mark this milestone, Gloucester House is hosting an open day on Wednesday, 29 October: 10am – 4pm, inviting the community, alumni, and supporters to celebrate with music, food, and shared stories of recovery. People wishing to attend should RSVP by 15 October by email: GHinfo@salvationarmy.org.uk

Corrina Rose, Referrals Coordinator at the centre said the anniversary celebration highlights the centre’s enduring legacy and its role as a “harbour light” for those navigating addiction’s storms.

Corrina said, “We regularly receive calls from former residents - some who left decades ago - just to tell us they're still in recovery and thank Gloucester House for changing their lives. Just the other day, a man called to celebrate 17 years sober. These moments remind us that what happens here creates ripples through generations - saving not just individuals, but entire families.”

Gloucester House, a 13-bed male-only Lifehouse, provides residential rehabilitation through a faith-based, 12-step approach, fostering recovery from addiction with individual rooms, therapeutic gardens, and community integration. Its holistic programme includes core recovery sessions, wellbeing trips to the countryside, and volunteering opportunities with local charities, such as Highworth’s Amateur Dramatic Society and charity shops.

The 12-step programme is a structured recovery framework that guides individuals through spiritual and practical steps—including admitting powerlessness over addiction, seeking help from a higher power, making amends, and supporting others—to achieve lasting sobriety and personal transformation.

As Chaplain of Gloucester House, Alan Baldwin has witnessed decades of lives rebuilt – men finding a path back to connection and purpose.

Alan said, “The most astounding part is watching residents lift their heads for the first time in sobriety and truly see the world—whether it’s hearing birdsong or realising God’s grace in their recovery. Gloucester House doesn’t just treat addiction; it restores connection. Even if someone stumbles, they now know the way back—that’s the power of this place.”

Jason Rall, Specialist Support Worker for the Therapeutic Programme says Gloucester House’s 65 years of service is testament to its transformative impact. Jason is on a personal journey of recovery.

“Walking into Gloucester House feels like stepping from darkness into light. The transformation I’ve witnessed here is beyond imagination—people rising from the depths of addiction to build fulfilling lives. I’ve seen residents embrace sobriety with zeal, learning to manage triggers in a world full of temptation. This place strives to instil hope and self-discipline, empowering people to choose a different path and inspiring me to contribute to their incredible journeys,”

said Jason.

Gloucester House’s pioneering recovery programme blends clinical, spiritual, and community-based approaches. At its heart lies the 12-step fellowship, enhanced by daily therapeutic sessions, nature-based healing in serene gardens, and one-to-one chaplaincy support across all faiths. Residents rebuild purpose through local volunteering and vocational training.

With addiction services often constrained by limited budgets, Gloucester House runs a “Buy a Bed” initiative that has helped save hundreds of lives since its launch. Buy a Bed enables individuals in addiction recovery to access Gloucester House’s rehabilitation services when they cannot secure government or local authority funding. Here’s how it works:

Sponsorship Model: Donors contribute £9,400 to cover the full cost of a 12-week residential stay for one person, including therapy, accommodation, meals, and ongoing support.
Community-Driven: Funded through charitable donations, marathons, and alumni fundraising (e.g., former residents like Luke, who raised money via Iron Man challenges after his own recovery).
Lifesaving Access: Bridges gaps in public funding, ensuring no one is denied treatment due to financial barriers. Many beneficiaries go on to rebuild careers and families.
Housing Benefit Offset: While the full cost is £9,400, residents can claim housing benefits to reduce the net expense, making donations go further.

To learn more about Buy a Bed initiative or to donate to support Gloucester House’s programmes visit their website: Gloucester House | The Salvation Army.