Testimonials & Experiences
"This project, under inspired leadership has been transformed into an adventurous and cutting edge service; the development focus on process around the energies and dysfunctions of masculinity performance is the key to this transformation”
Tom Davies M.A.
Senior lecturer, University of Bristol
(Management Development
and Social Responsibility)
"For the first time in my life I felt I could put down the armour which I had used to protect me from
a world of which I was afraid and against which
I was kicking.
I stopped fighting treatment and in Chandos’ unique safe environment, I became teachable. ‘Safe’ does not mean unchallenging, and slowly
I learned (amongst other men) how to nurture the Nick that had values, integrity and a love of life.
I did this by taking my abstinence and my physical health seriously and myself less so.
I joined in physical exercise (I had regular shiatsu, I took up Aikido and did Yoga) participated in creative arts and worked at my spiritual awareness through mindful meditation.
I was self-funding and with the help of staff,
I budgeted my way carefully through an extended treatment at Chandos, and at 52 year of age I took responsibility for my recovery and I 'got a life'."
Nick. S, Former Chandos Resident
“…As any person dealing with addiction knows only too well, continuity is paramount, one common denominator amongst fellow Alcoholics, like myself,
or an addict of any nature is a familiar one, counter productive endings. Having only witnessed the after care during my stay at Chandos House, one thing is visibly certain, people come back, generally not having relapsed either, but for help, guidance and support from staff as well as peers. From my first contact with staff I was offered help, regardless of funding, the emphasis being on keeping me safe. My time so far at Chandos House (7 weeks) has taken the remnants of my former self and reconstructed them back into a functioning, confident and happy person, husband and father, something which I intend to build upon during my remaining stay at Chandos House. Though like most other residents, leaving the safety of such a place does throw up another set of difficulties, the fear and trepidation of re-entering a society that has not changed, by a person who has completely (for the better) changed, and this is why the aftercare package at Chandos is such a vital part of my recovery and that of many others, which can be judged by the footprints and coffee cups of previous residents, some stretching back many years, which in itself is a boost to the current crop, to see the evidence of a programme that not only works but has longevity, offering a headstart for a clean and sober life. The precare, residential and after care are a second family to most and a first to many..”
Matt G on (Chandos House Rehab)
“…I came into Chandos house in Jan 2011, my treatment there lasted seven months where I proceeded to their third stage house in filton avenue. Aftercare at Chandos has been vital to me integrating back into society. The move to more autonomy and responsibility for self is challenging and needs to be supported. In my case I had led a life lacking all responsibility, long periods of homelessness and hostels, whilst supporting an addiction to heroin, crack cocaine, alcohol, was also scripted methadone and diazepam. When I left chandos I was stronger but still vulnerable as I was working through sexual abuse issues, hence a lot of rage and painful times. It was crucial at these times to have support. The after care at chandos provided an environment I could share my stuff safely. I used the groups
and fellowship at chandos, and the support and skill James provided in facilitating my process, the door was always open and I felt held and supported . I attended two or three groups a week, and took part in other activities chandos provides which are varied, and have included climbing,hoolahooping, batitk making and other arts and crafts , fire building and survival. Cinema trips, yoga, xi-gong and meditation. I also had a gym membership for a while which got me motivated to join a health club!
The process has been two way and people are encouraged to give back in their own individual ways, for me it is with cooking. This is a thoroughly holistic aftercare package. The emotional spiritual and physical have all been nurtured..”
G G On (Chandos Rehab After Care)
“…That Chandos exists gives me hope. The work of rehabilitation which is carried out there by a dedicated team, also gives me hope. The courage of those who come to be treated at Chandos gives me great hope. In the world we live in, this hope is no small thing”
June McOstrich M.A.
Dip Pychosynthesis A.A.P.P. Accredited
“…Chandos has from the outset been at the forefront of E.A.T.A.’s drive to improve standards for treatment services for people with substance dependency”
Simon Shepherd, Chief Executive
Association for the Treatment of Addiction
“…My experience in contributing to the work of Chandos has been inspiring and left me with a feeling of respect for the vigour of efficiency and aspiration for excellence which has been evidenced”
Herbert Hahn M.A.
Chartered Clinical and Occupational Psychologist
“….A few words don’t do justice to the life changes I have made, and benefits I continue to enjoy since leaving Chandos House, some 7 years ago. Thanks to James Dickinson’s deft mind & hand, encouragement & belief in me when I didn’t believe in myself, I was able to overcome the mental obstacles that plagued me & had kept me unhappy & unwell for many years.
I’ve said it before, & I’ll say it again….Chandos reaches the parts others haven’t even heard of.”
Patrick F on (Chandos House Rehab)
“…CHANDOS HOUSE IS A BEACON……Thankyou so much for allowing me to share yesterday with you all. There is a marvellously healing atmosphere at Chandos and hearing laughter from chaps, who have obviously been through and are in their personal hell, was very moving…..as was their friendship and respect for each other.
What a huge comfort it has been for all of us to know that our brother James is in such safe hands with tremendously supportive and understanding counsellors and friends around him. In just six months J has become a different person and with confidence to make something of his life again. Helplessly watching his downward spiral over the years and having to bear his rejection of love and aid from everybody who cared has been such an anguish for me. BUT, I have never given up on him as there is so much potential in J and with your wonderful HELP it is emerging. Thankyou, thankyou, from the bottom of my heart. I was told that I should keep my distance and offer to visit etc but wait for J to ask. That, as eldest sister, has been very difficult to do !!!!!! Moving into St James will be an enormous step ( No more shuffling, I hope. ) J had given up the will to live, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel and I pray that he will appreciate all that you have done to help him achieve a positive future. Also, the knowledge that you are always there for him is a great comfort.
My love and sincere regards”
Anne on (Chandos House Rehab)
“…Having worked intensively with Chandos for a short period. I have the impression that this organisation is in good hands. Particularly important was the managements ability to keep in mind the needs of the clients by providing an innovative and imaginative but rigorous treatment scheme, while at the same time functioning most effectively in relation to the broader management demands of the unit overall”
Robert French B.A. P.G.C.E. M.eD
Senior lecturer in Organisation Studies and Organisational Context
“…A leading light in the treatment of addiction”
Deborah Clark
Associate Fellow BPS & Chartered Psychologist