RUGBY-based drug and alcohol recovery charity Swanswell has merged with another charity.
The charity’s merger with Cranstoun will allow the continued delivery of life-saving services and support for people to rebuild their lives.
The merger process began in 2016 and was finalised at a trustees meeting earlier this month.
Founded in Warwickshire in 1968, Swanswell led the way in supporting recovery for vulnerable people who use alcohol and drugs, and other challenges they face.
The merger aims to expand services and innovation to help people rebuild their lives in the areas of substance use and domestic abuse – as well as for young people, those who need housing support and people in the criminal justice system.
Swanswell helped to develop and deliver the UK’s first diversionary Drug Education Programme in Avon and Somerset, helping people who use drugs entering the criminal justice system to address the underlying causes of their addiction.
Leading ideas like this have continued since the beginning of the merger with Cranstoun, with the launch of education programmes like DIVERT and the Cranstoun Arrest Referral Service operated in the West Midlands.
Cranstoun has over 450 employees working across England to deliver services.
Andy Furlong, who served as Swanswell’s final Chair of Trustees, oversaw the wind-down and closure of the charity’s head office in Rugby and has now joined the Cranstoun board.
He said: “Together, Swanswell and Cranstoun have over a century’s experience in providing support for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“By merging, we will be able to do more to innovate and improve delivery for the people who use our services across the country.
“We are proud of our history but filled with excitement for the future. With a new, ambitious strategy guiding us for the coming years, the skills and experiences we have brought together through the merger will help us grow our reach and increase our services.”
Charlie Mack, Chief Executive at Cranstoun, said: “The wealth of knowledge and experience that the team from Swanswell have brought across to Cranstoun over the past six years has been invaluable.
“Our shared values made the merging of the charities easier. We are committed to our vision to innovate and continue developing world-class services.”
