Oswestry care home to deliver addiction programme

Hengoed Park Residential Care Home, in Whittington, has been awarded a SMART Recovery licence

Author: Jon BurkePublished 19th Apr 2026

Hengoed Park Residential Care Home, in Whittington, near Oswestry, can now deliver the internationally-recognised programme that helps people manage addictive behaviours through evidence-based tools and techniques.

The licence enables the home to offer structured meetings and resources as part of its holistic care approach.

Co-home manager, Emma McFie, 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 programme is designed to help individuals develop resilience, manage impulses, and adopt healthier coping strategies in a supportive setting.

It also supports Hengoed Park's focus on emotional and mental wellbeing alongside physical care.

Co-home manager, Amie Elson, said: "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."

Hengoed Park is a residential care home in Whittington, near Oswestry.

Key Statistics for Shropshire (2024–2026)

Adults in Treatment: As of March 2026, there were a provisional 1,714 adults in structured treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in Shropshire, exceeding the projected ambition for the 2025/26 period.

Alcohol Dependency: There are estimated to be over 4,700 adults in Shropshire classed as alcohol-dependent and in need of specialist treatment.

Drug Dependency: Previous estimates have suggested around 9,700 people locally may have some form of drug dependence, with over 2,300 residents battling addiction specifically to crack cocaine and opiates.

Under-18s Treatment: The number of young people (under 18) in treatment in Shropshire rose to 115 in 2024/25, up from 90 the previous year.

Trends in Substance Misuse

Alcohol: Alcohol-related deaths in Shropshire dropped to 36 in 2024, after hitting a record 65 in 2023. Despite this, alcohol remains the primary cause for seeking treatment.

Drugs: In adults, treatment trends show an increasing proportion of cocaine use, alongside a decline in opiate use.

Young People: Cannabis is the most reported substance for young people in treatment (85 cases), followed by alcohol (75 cases), with significant rising concerns around ketamine.

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