Since it first opened its doors in 1974, Broadway Lodge has helped to transform the lives of over 15,000 people struggling with addiction.

Based in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, the charity provides residential detoxification and comprehensive therapeutic treatment to individuals living with addiction to alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, gambling, sex and gaming.

Associated activities include education, training and consultancy available to schools, colleges, the public sector and corporate organisations and collaborative working with other treatment providers in order to raise awareness and help break the stigma of addiction. With an ethos of compassionate support, clients are made to feel welcome, safe and respected. The inpatient detox and therapeutic treatment programmes at Broadway Lodge provide the opportunity for individuals to become abstinent and go on to lead fulfilling lives.

Like many groups providing services within the community, Broadway Lodge was adversely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The number of patients they were able to admit during the pandemic was severely reduced due to lockdown and quarantine restrictions which in turn impacted their income. In order to continue running, they had to utilise funds that had been earmarked for a long-awaited refurbishment of their centre.

Not wanting to put their plans for refurbishment on hold, they contacted Triodos Bank who assisted by providing a loan under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

Refreshed facilities

Broadway Lodge has entirely upgraded key areas of its accommodation with a fresh new look and more modern finishes and facilities, bringing real impact to its patients and staff. This includes the main entrance hall, the client lounge and dining room, as well as the majority of bedrooms and washrooms on the first floor.

A significant focus of the programme was on creating new single-occupancy bedrooms – a move that has resulted in a drastic change. Most bedrooms used to be shared, yet whilst there is huge therapeutic value in the 24/7 peer support it can offer, not everyone is comfortable with this arrangement. Broadway Lodge is now able to offer 13 private, single-occupancy rooms, the majority of which have an en-suite shower and toilet, helping to better meet individual needs.

Alongside the refurbishment, the loan has also enabled the team to expand its comprehensive treatment offering. Together, these new facilities and additional specialist treatments have strengthened the service that Broadway Lodge offers and has come out of the pandemic in an even stronger position, ensuring that its clients have the very best start in their recovery journey.