A recovering alcoholic has stressed the need to “keep that connection” as a rehab centre announces a groundbreaking new programme aimed at preventing relapses.

Kenward Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Yalding, Maidstone has introduced the Recovery Plus Service aimed at offering ongoing support to patients once they have left the centre.

Recovering addict Paul Dance, from Maidstone, says keeping in touch with the centre saved him from relapsing when he first left last March.

“I completed the three-month course twice and went back home,” he said. “But I really struggled with my mental health.”

A former builder, Paul had started drinking after a life-changing accident at work affected his mental health.

“As soon as I opened my eyes in the morning I would start drinking and I would keep drinking until I collapsed,” he admitted.

“Then when I woke up I would just start again. It was like Groundhog Day.”

The 51-year-old, who says he would neck up to 30 660ml bottles of San Miguel a day, said returning home after getting clean was a struggle.

“I used to phone the centre every two weeks because I missed it,” he said. “I felt so lonely. I missed being around people who were the same as me and who understood me.

“I couldn’t talk to people outside. I felt like I was walking around with four heads. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb.”

He thinks the new programme is perfect.

“If I hadn’t kept calling every two weeks maybe I would have relapsed,” he said.

‘I felt like I was walking around with four heads’

“Talking to people who understand you is so important.”

Project lead Allison Summers has been working for Kenward Trust for 20 years.

She said: “When residents have completed their recovery programme with us, they often phone to let us know how they are doing in their recovery.

“We have had various calls from people who are doing well, some who are struggling after Kenward and some who have picked up a drink or drug again and are asking for help.

“When we hear someone asking for help, we instantly want to do something to supply the help needed. We therefore decided to to add value to our current service and build on this informal contact with our former residents by creating something more structured.

“Recovery Plus offers ongoing support for both those who have been in residential treatment with Kenward Trust and our Resettlement Residents, as they go forward in their recovery.”

Those in the programme have online meetings twice a week, a meeting at Kenward every three months and one-to-one support.

It is hoped to extend the programme soon to include a low-cost counselling service, psycho-education and a range of social activities.