For people who need more freedom than supported housing, but who aren't quite ready to live independently, we provide a community-focused living environment where residents can continue the recovery journey with the right support.
You can access our Recovery Housing if you:
Are in recovery from addiction and abstinent from substances and alcohol, and free from illicit drugs, alcohol, opioid substitute medication and benzodiazepines or similar treatment.
Have a connection to Kent or Southend-on-Sea or want to live there.
Are willing to complete, or have already completed, an abstinence-based day programme for freedom from addiction (including the National Recovery Online Programme).
Are homeless or at risk of homelessness but need additional support before living independently.
Are already engaging with Forward Community Services, preparing for release from prison, or leaving rehab.
Recovery Housing is for people who have made positive progress in their recovery and wish to live in a safe and secure environment free from drugs and alcohol. The average length of stay is around one year.
The accommodation is fully furnished with all bills included.
You’ll live with three to five people at a similar stage in their recovery.
Residents support each other with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and gardening, while motivating one another to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay clean and sober.
Everyone is assigned a peer mentor for personalised support.
You must attend our local day programme for substance use and engage with our resettlement workers, who check in regularly to see that you're on track.
Our Recovery Housing team helps you build the skills and confidence to live independently. Support includes:
Housing and tenancy support − accessing benefits, paying bills, and managing finances.
Education, training, and employment advice − guidance on finding work or volunteering.
Health and wellbeing − support with counselling, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.
Peer support and community connections − linking you with fellowship groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and our own Forward Connect peer-led community.
Move-on support − when you're ready, we'll help you secure long-term accommodation through our social housing options. We assist with applications, viewings, and landlord interviews, staying in touch for 12 months with ongoing support.
If we can’t house you directly, we'll connect you with a trusted partner who can.
Our fully furnished properties are shared homes, and current accommodation can be found in these areas:
Ashford − 5-bed house (Male only).
Ashford − 3-bed house (Female only).
Ashford − 2 x 4 bed houses (Mixed)
Folkestone − 6-bed house (Mixed).
Medway − 4-bed house (mixed) - Available now! Accepting referrals.
Leigh-on-Sea − 3-bed house (mixed) - Available now! Accepting referrals.
Westcliff-on-Sea − 5-bed house (mixed) Ready from June 2025.
We are also exploring growth opportunities in Hull and Surrey, so watch this space for more opportunities.
Interested in joining our Recovery Housing programme?
Call our team on 0300 1240 440 or complete our online contact form.
We provide temporary accommodation to support people in treatment working towards full abstinence.
Accommodation is similar to that available to those people in recovery. But this service comes with additional support for people proactively working towards abstinence and willing to engage with substance use services.
This accommodation would ideally suit someone on a low script, proactively engaging with services, and willing to attend a day programme. We currently have accommodation in Kent and Medway.
No matter where you stand in your recovery journey, we're here to help you find a safe place to live and to continue building a brighter future.
Start your recovery journey with The Forward Trust − a safe home, a supportive community, a fresh start.
Call 0300 1240 440 or visit our online form to get started, or you can email us at forwardtrusthousing@forwardtrust.org.uk.
