A BOURNEMOUTH based charity welcomed representatives from China who wanted to find out more about the care they provide to their clients.

A group of five directors and political commissars from rehabilitation centres from Hainan Province, an island off the coast of mainland China, visited the Cornerways Alcohol and Drugs Rehabilitation Centre, on Braidley Road in Bournemouth, as part of their four-day visit to the country.

They came to talk with senior staff at StreetScene about how they facilitate addicts and the techniques they use to help them in their recovery.

Director Patrick Gormley said: “The Chinese ambassador in London had recommended Streetscene, presumably as we had the highest completion rates in the UK for a couple of years when they were measuring outcomes.

“We are pleased that the model of treatment that we have designed and adapted based on the need of our client group may be replicated in some way by the Chinese as it really has proven to be a very effective model of treatment in the UK.

“Also, what it means to our staff for their efforts to be recognised and endorsed in this manner is just reward for the energy and commitment they bring on a daily basis.”

The charity has three centres across Bournemouth and Southampton which house 55 clients and 54 members of staff, many of whom are in long term recovery themselves.

StreetScene, one of the Bournemouth Mayor's chosen charities, started in 1989 by a recovering addict and her father. It is one of the oldest providers of rehab in the UK and, in recent years, the charity has had a completion success rate of approximately 85 percent.

The Chinese officials were keen to find out the regulation behind the care provided in the UK as well as the methods and approach to detoxification and rehabilitation the company provides.

Patrick was quick to point out that, although the CQC regulate care homes, hospitals and clinics in the UK, the regulation of similar services in the China may be different

The StreetScene staff outlined the 12-step programme they use to help those who suffer from addiction through their rehabilitation as the Chinese representatives were not aware of what they were.

Patrick continued: “We are really lucky to have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who go over and above to ensure every client gets the best possible treatment to achieve their potential and become the person they want to be."