I recently visited Firestone Plymouth to learn more about its recovery-focused supported accommodation and to hear directly from people who are rebuilding their lives following addiction.  

During my visit, I was shown around Firestone’s men’s accommodation, where I had the opportunity to meet residents and hear first-hand about their recovery journeys. Listening to their experiences was a powerful reminder that recovery is not simply about overcoming addiction. It’s about rebuilding confidence, restoring relationships and creating a stable future.  

The visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about Firestone’s plans to expand its provision through a new women-only recovery accommodation service, which my office has supported with £15,500 in funding.  

For many women experiencing addiction, the journey to recovery can be complicated by trauma, homelessness, exploitation, unsafe relationships and separation from family. Having access to safe, supportive accommodation can make a significant difference, creating the stability needed to focus on recovery and long-term wellbeing.  

Firestone has identified a clear gap in women’s recovery accommodation in Plymouth. While the organisation has successfully supported men in recovery since 2019, there is currently no dedicated women-only recovery accommodation in the city. The new five-bed provision aims to address that need by offering a safe, substance-free environment (also known as a ‘Dry House’) where women can support one another and establish strong foundations for independent living.  

What impressed me during my visit was Firestone’s commitment to creating a community built around personal responsibility, encouragement and recovery from drugs and alcohol. Residents are encouraged to engage with mutual aid fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous and take an active role at every step, supported by experienced staff and a structured environment.  

Projects like this demonstrate the importance of addressing the underlying causes of addiction. Recovery support, stable accommodation and positive relationships can all play an important role in helping people move away from crisis and towards a more hopeful future.  

I welcome last week’s Government commitment to offer everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets this winter. No one should have to sleep rough, and it is encouraging to see a renewed focus on prevention, accommodation and long-term support. However, national ambitions can only be delivered through strong local partnerships. If the Government is serious about achieving this goal, it will need to work closely with organisations like Firestone that are already helping people tackle addiction, maintain recovery and build stable, independent lives. Their experience, expertise and community connections will be essential if we are to turn policy into lasting change.   

I am committed to supporting initiatives that help reduce offending, prevent reoffending and tackle the root causes of vulnerability and exploitation. Because our community wants our towns and cities to thrive not decline. Visible antisocial behaviour from street drinking to drug taking is depressing to witness and makes us feel helpless in getting people the support they need. That’s why we invented the prisoners’ building homes scheme in our area that has now become national and investing in recovery services where it makes sense from a policing perspective. 

I would like to thank the Firestone team, Dominic Robinson, Hannah Shead and the residents who took the time to speak with me during my visit. Their honesty, determination and commitment to recovery were truly inspiring. I look forward to seeing the new women’s service develop and hearing about the positive difference it will make for women across Plymouth.