By Anne Marie Ward
In today’s King’s Speech (17th July), the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill marked a significant moment for us at FAVOR UK. This bill, emphasising the enhancement of housing quality and accessibility, addresses a core component of sustainable recovery for those overcoming addiction—a subject close to our mission.
As CEO of FAVOR UK, the legislative agenda presented today resonates with both hope and a desire for further clarity, particularly in sectors that critically affect addiction recovery. While the government’s commitment is evident, the experiences and findings from David Best’s “Jobs, Friends & Houses” (JFH) initiative underline the necessity for policies that are finely tuned to the realities of addiction recovery.
The JFH model demonstrates the profound impact of integrating secure housing and substantial employment opportunities, essential for the recovery journey. This approach not only transforms individual lives but also shifts community attitudes towards recovery, fostering broader support that current government initiatives could better leverage.
The promise shown in today’s speech could be significantly bolstered by embracing the social enterprise framework illustrated by JFH. This model marries economic ventures with recovery support, creating a robust foundation for rehabilitation.
We recommend that the proposed housing reforms not only increase housing numbers but also focus on creating recovery-conducive environments. These should be safe, supportive spaces that facilitate access to healthcare and community networks, enhancing the recovery trajectory.
Also the proposed Mental Health Bill and the initiative to modernise the Mental Health Act are commendable. However, it is crucial that these reforms explicitly integrate addiction, reflecting the interconnectedness of mental health and addiction challenges as evidenced by JFH’s success in creating community-based recovery resources.
We call on policymakers to consider and fund social enterprise models as central elements of national recovery strategies. Such models not only assist individuals but also bolster community well-being and stimulate economic growth. It is essential that future policies aim to expand these initiatives, ensuring they are adequately supported to maximize their impact.
As discussions advance in the House of Lords, we anticipate a dialogue that embraces these perspectives, recognising the transformative potential of integrating employment, housing, and community support into recovery strategies.
At FAVOR UK, we are dedicated to working alongside policymakers and community leaders to realise these initiatives, leveraging models like JFH to enrich legislative measures. Through informed and targeted actions, we aim to markedly enhance the UK’s landscape of addiction recovery, turning well-crafted policies into effective, life-altering support.