Hengoed Park first in Shropshire to offer SMART Recovery programme
Residents at Hengoed Park Residential Care Home in Whittington, near Oswestry, are set to benefit from an internationally recognised programme designed to help people manage addictive behaviours, after the home was awarded a SMART Recovery licence.
The licence enables Hengoed Park to deliver structured meetings and resources using evidence-based tools and techniques, as part of its holistic approach to care.
First residential care home in Shropshire to be licensed
Co-home manager Emma McFie said the licence marks an important step forward for the home and for residents needing additional support around addiction and wellbeing.
She said:
“We are delighted to receive our SMART Recovery licence.
We believe we are the first residential care home in Shropshire to hold this licence, signifying our commitment to innovation and evidence-based approaches in care.”
The SMART Recovery programme focuses on helping individuals build resilience, manage impulses and develop healthier coping strategies within a supportive group setting. It complements Hengoed Park’s emphasis on emotional and mental wellbeing alongside physical care.
Co-home manager Amie Elson added:
“By providing people with the tools and strategies to support themselves, we aim to promote sustained recovery, confidence, and long-term positive outcomes well into their future.”
Local need for support with addiction
The launch of SMART Recovery at Hengoed Park comes at a time when Shropshire continues to face significant challenges related to alcohol and drug dependency:
As of March 2026, there were a provisional 1,714 adults in structured treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Shropshire, already exceeding the projected ambition for 2025/26.
It is estimated that over 4,700 adults in the county are alcohol-dependent and in need of specialist treatment.
Previous estimates suggest around 9,700 people locally may have some form of drug dependence, with more than 2,300 residents battling addiction specifically to crack cocaine and opiates.
Among young people, the number of under‑18s in treatment rose from 90 to 115 in 2024/25. Cannabis is the most reported substance for young people in treatment (85 cases), followed by alcohol (75 cases), with rising concern around ketamine use.
While alcohol-related deaths in Shropshire fell to 36 in 2024 after a record 65 in 2023, alcohol remains the primary reason people seek treatment. Among adults, treatment trends show increasing cocaine use alongside a decline in opiate use.
Supporting recovery and wellbeing in a residential setting
By integrating SMART Recovery into its care offer, Hengoed Park aims to provide a structured, supportive environment where residents can work on their recovery, build confidence and develop practical, day-to-day strategies for managing addictive behaviours.
Hengoed Park is a residential care home in Whittington, near Oswestry, providing care and support for adults with complex needs.