The light still shines: a chaplain's journey at Gloucester House

“I love seeing people want recovery.” 

Alan Baldwin runs his finger along the faded photograph of Gloucester House's opening day in 1960, pausing at the image of a three-year-old boy—himself—standing beside his parents, the founders. 

Alan says, "Dad called it Harbour Lights. A beacon for men lost in addiction's storm." 

Sixty-five years later, as chaplain of this Salvation Army rehabilitation centre, Alan still witnesses that light breaking through darkness—now guiding clients after an absence of 50 years. Left as a child and came back as a chaplain. 

His role is deeply rooted in spiritual guidance, practical support, and fostering recovery through connection.  

Gloucester House is a 13-bed male-only Lifehouse, that 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 has witnessed 7 years of lives rebuilt – men finding a path back to connection and purpose. Previously, for 24 and half years he worked at Booth House Lifehouse in Swindon, as a support worker and principal project worker. 

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.” 

His days are dynamic, blending structured routines with moments of personal interaction. Each morning begins with Soul Recovery, an optional Christian-focused session where clients explore faith and recovery. This is followed by Reflections, a discussion grounded in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) literature, helping clients relate the 12 Steps to their daily lives.

Morning "Soul Recovery" sessions (voluntary but consistently attended) blend scripture with addiction literature, while weekly wellbeing trips to countryside offer therapeutic encounters with nature.  

"Every day is different. Once a week I drive the minibus taking residents on well-being trips in the countryside, having some spiritual time.” 

“Nature is therapeutic. Out in the countryside, barriers go down, and we have great chats about the 12 steps, their perception of God, and life’s aesthetics.” 

A Family Legacy of Hope   

The son of a former Merchant Navy seaman who battled alcoholism, Alan grew up amid the transformation stories that shaped Gloucester House. His father's navy background gave him the name Harbour Light to Gloucester House because it was a place of safety from the storms of addiction.  

Full-circle ministry   

Alan's own journey mirrors Gloucester House's redemptive arc. After decades serving in Salvation Army hostels, a divine whisper—"You're going home"—led him back in 2018 as chaplain. Here, he bridges his father and mother’s legacy with modern recovery science: counselling sessions address trauma, dental clinics restore smiles.   

"This isn't just sobriety," Alan insists. "It's resurrection. It’s like the phoenix rising from the ashes."  

As Gloucester House marks 65 years, its light burns brighter than ever: a testament to one family's faith, and a beacon for generations still to come.   

For Alan, this anniversary isn’t just a milestone; it’s a testament to the truth that recovery, like faith, is a daily choice to step into the light, one whole person at a time. 

As Gloucester House marks its 65th anniversary, Alan the Chaplain reflects on the enduring truth that has guided its mission: "recovery isn’t just spiritual—it’s physical too. Getting teeth fixed, eyes checked. It’s the wholeness of everything. Spirituality comes from the inside out." 

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.