Bosence, Cornwall’s only dedicated residential drug and alcohol treatment centre, has marked its 30th anniversary with two days of celebrations at its site near Townshend. The events brought together civic leaders, MPs, and local partners on day one, followed by a powerful celebration of recovery on day two.
The event was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, who has been president of the charity for the past 10 years. Guests included Andrew George MP (Liberal Democrat, St Ives), who was involved in Bosence’s early days, and Perran Moon MP (Labour, Camborne, Pool and Redruth), who has championed Bosence in Parliament, raising its work during Prime Minister’s Questions. The mayor of Hayle, Councillor Jeremy Martin, also attended, alongside commissioners, sector workers and business leaders keen to learn more about Bosence’s role in Cornwall’s drug and alcohol treatment system as the charity shared their vision for the future and their ambitious plans for growth.
Chief executive Kate Prosser said, ‘For 30 years, Bosence has been a place where people can find hope and rebuild their lives. Addiction touches every family and every community in some way, and it should never be hidden in shame. The need for our services is growing and we have a duty to respond for the people of Cornwall and beyond.’
Bosence has come a long way since opening its doors to the first resident in 1995. What began with just a handful of people staying for up to 18 months now supports more than 450 people each year. The staff team has also doubled in size, making Bosence a significant local employer. Around 20% of staff are in recovery themselves, many having once been residents – a powerful demonstration of what’s possible.
Bosence is now planning to expand its facilities to increase capacity and create a modern centre of excellence for addiction treatment in Cornwall. The vision is to ensure more people can access support when they need it, while creating more skilled jobs and training opportunities for local people.
Day two of the open event was a day dedicated to recovery, coinciding with International Recovery Month. Former residents travelled from across the country to return to Bosence, joining current residents, staff, and families to celebrate lives rebuilt and futures reclaimed. Stories of recovery took centre stage – one former resident described how she put herself through university after leaving Bosence and is now preparing to work in the sector herself.
Edward Bolitho said, ‘These two days have been about celebrating lives transformed and looking ahead to the next 30 years of recovery in Cornwall.’
Both days were blessed with sunshine, reflecting the warmth, pride, and optimism that surrounded Bosence’s 30-year milestone.
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