We're proud to share that our ground-breaking service, that provides housing and support options for users of psychoactive substances in Stoke-on-Trent, has been extended for a further year.
The SPHERE project (Supporting Psychoactive substance users into Housing by Enabling Recovery and Empowerment), delivered by our homelessness specialist, Concrete, provides intensive, trauma-informed housing and support for local people using psychoactive substances, including monkey dust.
Launched in 2023 and funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, SPHERE was created to tackle the vicious cycle faced by many people experiencing homelessness and substance use: without stable housing, recovery is incredibly difficult - but without recovery, people are often excluded from housing.
SPHERE takes a different approach. Rather than expecting people to be “ready” before being housed, the service provides safe accommodation first, alongside low-caseload, wraparound support from a dedicated specialist team. This stability enables people to begin their recovery journey and rebuild their lives.
Since launching, SPHERE has supported 41 people into safe, stable housing - many for the longest time in years, if ever. Some individuals previously considered ‘unhouseable’ have now remained housed for over 18 months, with one person successfully moving into the community with minimal ongoing support.
This extension means that even more people with complex needs will be able to access housing, dignity, and consistent support over the next year.
The news also follows recent recognition in Parliament by Stoke-on-Trent South MP, Dr Allison Gardner, who described the service as an ‘excellent local project.’
Julie Guildford Smith, Honeycomb Group Chief Executive, said: “We’re really pleased that SPHERE has been extended for a further year. This funding recognises the impact of a service that does things differently - putting housing alongside wraparound, person-centred intensive and specialist support, which allows customers to begin their recovery journey.
“Too often, people affected by psychoactive substances are excluded from housing because of behaviours linked to trauma and addiction. SPHERE challenges that by offering compassion, consistency and belief - and the results speak for themselves. This extension means we can continue supporting people who are often excluded from a chance to rebuild their lives.”
