Jericho House: Greenock rehab unit praised by inspectors

Jericho Benedictines Housing Support Unit in Bank Street has been awarded 'very good' grades for the service it provides.

Inspectors visited the premises over three days in January and spoke to residents, their relatives, staff, management, visiting professionals and also observed daily life and practices.

Michael Trail, who manages the unit, said the only thing that prevented the unit securing top marks was the building itself.

He said: "We usually get excellent grades, so we were a wee bit disappointed, but we were told we couldn't get grade 6 because we don't have wheelchair access, so part of that is to do with the actual building itself.

"I am pleased that we got a very good grade for the service we provide and for our staff.

"Our staff are so dedicated and they all have lived experience and are trauma-trained, and that is the strength of Jericho."

The report hailed the way the service supported people's wellbeing.

It highlighted the compassion, dignity and respect shown to residents and said this ensured they got the most out of life.

The inspectors said: "The service demonstrated major strengths in supporting positive outcomes for people.

"While we identified areas for improvement, those that did exist had very little adverse impact on people's experiences and outcomes. 

"People the service supported had lost their dignity, confidence, and self-respect due to substance dependency.

"They trusted the staff and felt safe and secure to talk openly about their feelings and what they saw as their past failings. 

"Staff and volunteers had personal experience of dependency, which gave people reassurance and promoted engagement in the recovery programme. This shared experience meant people were supported and cared for sensitively.

"Issues could be discussed and addressed, reducing the likelihood of relapse." 

Inspectors also highlighted strong leadership in their report.

They added: "Providing a structured day was a priority for the service and a key part of people's recovery. Leaders provided opportunities for people to engage with educational programmes and local volunteer organisations. This meant people were supported by an organisation which had an enabling attitude and believed in their potential."

Jericho also provides an after-care support service for people who have moved on.

There was only one area marked for improvement, with the unit asked to review and update its quality assurance processes and its policies and procedures. 

Michael said: "We are confident that the next time we will be graded as very good across the board. The issues raised were dealt with within two weeks of the inspection."

Meanwhile Jericho Greenock has been given another boost after the Bank Street facility and its Shankland Road unit for women were both placed on the national register for residential rehabilitation in Scotland.

Michael said: "The service has to pass stringent measures to be included in the register.

"It's exciting as there are a lot of local authorities who don't know about our service, so it is putting Jericho on the map.

"It also means that local authorities will have to pay for the service we provide, and we are more cost-effective than many other organisations in the directory."