Broadreach House has helped Dean Greensword (l)

Homes are being set up for reforming addicts, with drug rehab groups in Plymouth hoping to provide up to 60 places in the city within two years.

The centres would provide vital professional and community support for those getting over substance misuse.

Spearheading the scheme is Broadreach House, one of the leading drugs rehabilitation groups in the UK.

Supported housing

The organisation helps 600 reforming alcoholics and drug addicts every year in its four specialist units across Plymouth.

The charity decided to set up the homes, in partnership with housing associations, after finding that many former addicts found it difficult to live in the community alone without falling back into drug taking.

Dane Greensword, a former heroin addict, has already benefited from supported housing. Mr Greensword, 42, was a user for around 25 years but is now clean. He lives in community housing in Plymouth and says it has been his lifesaver.

"I was incapable of trying to live a life without heroin. Every day was the same old nightmare. Losing my family, losing different houses... but still continuing to do it," he said.

"Now I am able to live in the community and not to use drink and drugs. It really has helped me."

His progress through Broadreach means he has also been able to see his three young children again for the first time in several years.

Team manager at Broadreach House, Derek Buchanan, said: "The scheme is for those who need support. They have probably tried for years to make it on their own but they can't do it.

"The idea of living in supported housing is to redevelop those skills they need to be able to live in the community.