Addiction support centres avoid closure 'for now'

People receiving help from a supported living complex in Nottingham say they are pleased to hear it has been saved, but want reassurances about its future.

The Crescent, run by charity Framework in Hyson Green, was previously told it had to close by 31 March after the city council pulled its funding, but this decision has been reviewed.

Ellie Humphreys, who told the BBC the service "saved her life", says she relapsed due to the stress of the situation and that many other service users are "at breaking point".

Nottingham City Council said it was "committed to providing people with the right care" and wanted the "best value" for taxpayers.

Hughendon Lodge in Mapperley also faced closure, with 52 residents cared for across that site and The Crescent.

Both sites offer 24-hour care to people with mental health conditions who are at risk of homelessness, and aim to help people live independently.

Framework said the news was a "positive development" and an "enormous relief for residents".

However, the contract for both sites expires in March 2026, and the charity said it needed to have talks with the council to ensure this "never happens again".

Ms Humphreys said the entire process had caused her to "take a step back in her recovery".

Before hearing about the potential closure, she was sober for the first time in eight years, but told the BBC that since her last interview, she relapsed due to the stress of the situation.

The 24-year-old said: "I didn't know what was going to happen to me, and I struggled to deal with the news.

"Hearing that it's staying open has settled me a bit more, but I am still worried for the future.

"I want them to realise the damage they have done - so many of us were at breaking point.

"It is open for now, but just because it didn't close this time, doesn't mean they won't do it again."

Ms Humphreys's mum, Jo Cole, said she was "heartbroken" that her daughter relapsed during that period of time.

She said: "All those thoughts that I had before came back... are the police going to knock on my door and deliver the news? How long will she be in hospital?

"It broke me."

Andrew Redfern, Framework CEO, said he was pleased the council had reconsidered its position.

"There are lots of people that were traumatised by this situation, and we need to rebuild that trust," he said.

"We faced a real cliff-edge at the end of March, there were up to 40 people that would've found themselves in hotels."

In a statement, a city council spokesperson added: "The decision to decommission these services was never about cuts. It is good practice to regularly review and adapt all contracts and services.

"Framework challenged the process of our decision-making, which we will review."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, visit the BBC Action Line.

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