The Gordon House Experience

Sharing

New residents need to establish a supportive relationship with the other residents as it is this support that provides the 'Core' to the Gordon House 'Experience'. Most residents agree that the most effective aid we offer to their recovery is the experience of sharing their lives and thoughts with other recovering gambling addicts. Our residents do not have the same problems as each other but do share the same experiences and can recognise the signs of someone who is tempted or struggling. Being with others who have 'been there', but have moved through the stabilisation process, is of particular value to a new resident who is struggling to come to terms with their situation. To help establish this relationship, as quickly as possible, we encourage new residents not to leave the project, unless accompanied by another resident or a staff member for at least the first week of their stay.

Residents have their own bedrooms and do their own cooking and washing. However all residents are also expected to help clean, maintain and decorate the communal areas. Residents come to the House with an addiction problem so care is taken to avoid creating new dependencies or de-skilling.

Sanctuary & Support

Gordon House provides a 'haven' or 'sanctuary' for new residents where they can get some gambling-free days behind them away from the pressures of their previous chaotic gambling-centred lifestyle.

On arrival new residents are provided with a very high level of support, from both staff and other residents, in terms of budgeting and avoiding those places and situations that led to their gambling in the past. Over the time they remain in treatment the level of staff support reduces as they build their own support networks and develop their own relapse prevention strategies.

Family and Friends

Partners, family and friends frequently need to be educated as to the immensity of the task taken on by an addict starting in recovery. Often we find pressure is placed on individuals to return to their homes too early, as family see their loved ones leading a life in Gordon House without gambling and presume their gambling problem is over. Part of our 'Core' work is, providing the resident is in agreement, to work with family and friends, to include rather than exclude them thereby assisting the process of restitution and reconciliation.

Therapeutic Community

To enhance and facilitate the therapeutic community aspects of a resident's stay we consider it essential that all residents attend weekly 'House' meetings, to discuss and plan practical issues stemming from communal living, and take part in the 'communal blitz' that follows which ensures the practical issues, over cleaning and maintenance, identified at the meeting are addressed. All also partake in 'Evaluation' meetings, where residents comment on aspects of each other's motivation to overcome their gambling problem and their willingness to play a full part as a member of the Gordon House Community. We also expect all residents to meet together once a week for a communal meal and meeting at which they relate in turn how the previous week has gone for them and identify what support they may need in the following week. Other residents are free to congratulate, confront or offer support, as appropriate, to the resident recalling their week.

Other meetings, discussion groups and activities are organised on a regular basis and sometimes involve outside speakers or facilitators. Normally organised activities are provided at 'peak' betting times such as Saturday afternoons and Bank Holidays.

Client satisfaction

Regularly all residents complete a 'Satisfaction' questionnaire that scores 30 different factors, or elements, relating to the service they receive from the Gordon House Association. This helps us ensure the Core Experience and the rehabilitative programme are still relevant and meeting identified needs.