Many difficult challenges lie in the path of mothers struggling with substance abuse. Trevi House is lowering the risk of mothers being separated from their babies through their unique rehabilitation programmes. An £140,000 investment loan from Resonance has helped to open a new centre which keeps families together whilst the parents undertake a residential parenting assessment.

Plymouth-based rehabilitation centre Trevi House provides a rare form of support. The possibility of their child being put into care, without a second chance, often looms above families. But with Trevi House, women can go through a supervised and trauma-informed assessment programme, whilst looking after their child. 

Investment from Resonance steps in where government cuts have limited support, allowing a new residential family centre to be opened: Daffodil House. Daffodil House unlocks the capacity to home five more families, expanding Trevi’s vital impact.

Hannah Shead, Trevi’s CEO said of the investment: “It’s been a real pleasure to be able to work with Resonance. As part of the social investment process, the leadership team and Trustees undertook an afternoon exploring the impact our charity makes. This was a valuable exercise that really highlighted how far reaching our impact is for both women and children. We are grateful to Resonance for supporting us in opening Daffodil House and look forward to reaching more families.”     

Trevi House helps break the cycle of addiction by encouraging mothers to look at their complex pasts, raise self-esteem and practise independent parenting techniques. Thanks to the Fund’s investment, Trevi House can continue to address underlying issues facing the women and focus on the best outcome for the children. And lower the involvement of social services.

One mum says, “I came to Trevi a very angry person, but since I have been here and worked through my issues, I am a different person. I am a better mum and I now believe in myself again. I have a future now that’s full of excitement for me and my son. I really do owe Trevi my life.”

Tom Crook, Investment Manager at Resonance adds, “I was blown away when I visited Trevi House, the environment and support provided for some of the most vulnerable people in society was amazing. Trevi House are fantastic at supporting “last chance Mums” by delivering a unique and valuable service within the community. This investment is going to impact real lives by creating a safe space where parenting can be assessed.”

And this support is not going to disappear. The motivated and well-trained Trevi team are now taking referrals for Daffodil House, aiming to provide the chance for more families to access focus, purposeful assessments without being separated from their children.

The Health & Wellbeing Challenge Fund is an impact investment fund created with investment from the Growth Fund and South West Academic Health Science Network (SWAHSN). The Growth Fund is managed by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Big Society Capital. The Fund aims to make social impact investment more accessible and relevant to smaller social enterprises looking to expand their operations and impact in the South West linked to the broad theme of Health & Wellbeing.