A former care home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, has been transformed into an 11-bed residential centre for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, thanks to support from Unity Trust Bank.

The project was the brainchild of former nurse and local authority health consultant, Mark Harrison, owner of Connected Community CIC, who was concerned about the lack of rehabilitation facilities in South Tees.

He used his life savings and a six-figure loan from Unity to redevelop the property and provide a safe environment where people can continue their recovery, find employment and move on to a home of their own.

Mark joined the NHS in 1987 and when his brother-in-law, a haemophiliac, died after contracting HIV through contaminated blood products, he moved to the needle exchange programme to help other people at risk and educate drug users about the dangers of sharing needles.

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Having bought the care home seven years ago, Mark endured a protracted planning process and escalating costs, and required a loan to complete the project.

He said: “Unity’s values chimed with mine in terms of what I do and who I support, and it was the type of financial partner I wanted to be with. From where I was a year ago, to where I am now, is like night and day.”

Michael Wicks, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Mark’s commitment to help people recover from addiction has been nothing short of inspiring. As an ethical bank, we only use customer deposits to fund organisations that deliver social impact, so our customers know that their money is making a positive difference in local communities.”

Jonathan Bowden, Head of Inclusion Health for Public Health South Tees, said: “There is a significant local need for accommodation-based services due to the increasing prevalence of harmful alcohol and drug use. This project will provide invaluable support to people who have chosen abstinence.”