Mayor celebrates 65 years of life-changing recovery at Gloucester House

The Salvation Army’s Gloucester House marked 65 years of service as a beacon of hope with a special open day celebration on Wednesday, attended by The Mayor of Highworth, Councillor Julie Murphy. 

The event highlighted the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre’s profound impact on the local community and the countless lives transformed within its walls. Current residents mingled with former residents, sponsors and members of the community – chatting over tea, coffee and biscuits. 

In her speech, Mayor Murphy praised Gloucester House as more than a residence, calling it “a home, a haven, a source of hope for so many.” She commended the “incredible commitment” of the staff whose dedication has “saved countless many lives,” and paid tribute to the residents, past and present, who have become “living proof that positive change radiates outward.” 

Also speaking at the event, Laura Carey, The Salvation Army’s Area Operations Manager for Homeless Services, emphasized the centre’s generational impact. 

Laura said, “Seeing former residents on this open day reminds us that what happens here impacts entire families – saving an individual but touching generations. 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.”

Nestled on Highworth’s High Street, the 13-bed male-only Lifehouse provides a faith-based, 12-step residential rehabilitation programme. Its holistic approach includes individual therapy, core recovery sessions, and community integration through volunteering with local charities like the Highworth Amateur Dramatic Society. 

The anniversary celebration served as a testament to 65 years of strength, compassion, and community spirit, looking forward with optimism to many more years of transforming lives in Highworth. 

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. 

• 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.