Choices Rehabs is a group of independent residential rehab providers working in partnership to share best practice, offer a treatment loop and be a voice for the residential rehab sector.
They meet every ten weeks and one of the strengths of the network is the ability to adapt quickly.
The recent surge in ketamine use is a stark example: many of the members are now supporting a much younger cohort of people who have found themselves addicted far faster than expected, often with devastating consequences such as bladder damage and, in the most extreme cases, permanent loss of bladder control. These are life‑altering harms, and underline why residential treatment must remain accessible, flexible and properly supported.
Because of the growing challenges, raising the profile of the sector’s work has become more important than ever, so when Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe offered to host one of the network’s face‑to‑face Choices meetings at the House of Lords in March, it was welcomed. Being present in the same room to share practice and tackle emerging issues provides a value that cannot be replicated remotely.
Lord Brooke has long been a dedicated advocate for residential rehab, and his presence brought both warmth and insight to the discussion. He spoke candidly about his lived experience and the need for equal access to treatment, challenging the sector to think differently about pathways into rehab and how earlier intervention might prevent irreversible harm.
The meeting reaffirmed that collaboration remains the sector’s most powerful tool. Providers across the country continue to face rising complexity, inconsistent commissioning and the ongoing pressure to deliver high‑quality support with limited resources. Yet the room was filled with energy, innovation and collective determination to improve outcomes for the people they serve – something the Choices Rehabs group have become known for.
Shortly after the meeting, Lord Brooke agreed to become a patron of one of the members, Kenward Trust — a gesture of great significance to the organisation. His support is active and informed, rooted in decades of advocacy for individuals affected by addiction. He has already offered thoughtful reflections on strengthening partnerships, widening access and building resilience into services for the future.
When his patronage was announced, Lord Brooke remarked: ‘It’ll be good for me – service – that’s what keeps me getting up and going!’ That spirit of service is exactly what communities need.
Across the Choices network, the commitment to providing residential rehabilitation, supported housing, prevention work and life‑changing therapy, remains unwavering. The House of Lords meeting was more than just an event; it served as a powerful reminder that residential rehab is a vital lifeline — and that through collective effort, stronger, fairer and more accessible routes to recovery can be created for everyone who needs them.
By Penny Williams, Chair of Choices Rehabs and CEO of Kenward Trust
Find out more about Choices Rehabs: choicesrehabs.com