Overview of Gordana Re-launch on April 14, 2003

After much preparation by the staff team and residents the re-launch of the refurbishment and redesigned programme happened on April 14th 2003. Invites were sent to individuals, organisations and locals, as well as a radio broadcast to invite anyone interested in seeing the work at Gordana House and chatting with staff and residents.

The team at Gordana decided to re-launch the work at Gordana after adding 2 new rooms for disabled residents, placing shower and sink in each room and redecorating the house. Over the last months the team has re-designed the core treatment programme changing the philosophy and incorporating ‘Terrance Gorski’s Addiction Recovery Program’ as well as adding many new components to the programme.

The aim of the re-launch was to educate people from all walks of life and business to what Gordana House is doing with substance dependent individuals that come into the project for rehabilitation.

On the day we had 80 people attend from the following; prisons, voluntary bureau, DTTO Team, Community Drug Teams, local churches, Carat Team, Homeless Alcohol Team, Adullam Head Office and other units, National Health Trust, Alanon, Samaritans, Impact, SCAT (local college), neighbours, BBC, Shrewsbury Chronicle, Probation Department.

During the visit to Gordana visitors were welcomed by residents, assigned to a member of staff who took them on a tour around the house and explained the new programme to each person. After this, information was given out and a chance to chat with other staff, residents and have refreshments. Many stayed for a few hours.

The following comments were collected from visitors during the day:

“The project is brill, lets hope you secure more funding and assist more people to effect positive change” . West Midlands Police

“Very helpful – the information I’ve gained will be extremely useful in sharing with my clients and helping them make informed decisions. It seems very friendly here” . Birmingham Homeless Alcohol Team.

“I am very impressed with the care and commitment of the staff and the residents genuinely seem to be enjoying either programme, even though its hard going. Well done!. Voluntary Action Shrewsbury “Great to see how the programme has developed – Brilliant” . Adullam Rapha project

“Gordana has an excellent reputation with the Wrexham CDAT – we have had some great outcomes form Gordana House individuals. Looking forward to working together with the ‘new’ Gordana”. Wrexham CDAT DTTO

“I met a man called Adam (ex graduate) who really leads from the front. A tribute to himself and Gordana House” Mountwood Park

We hope that from the re-launch new relationships will be established. New business and prospective clients will have first hand feedback from their referrers giving an accurate picture of life at Gordana and the general public will be educated and informed.

The team at Gordana felt the day was a great success and was enjoyed by all.