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PROJECT HISTORY PAST AND PRESENT 2002 - 2008
Touchstones12 launched in 2002. The Charity placed needy individuals at the heart of its work and continued to create a thoroughly professional organisation throughout 2003.
In 2004 the Charity’s formal relationship with Conwy County Borough Council under the Supporting People Revenue Grant ensured financial security. By 2005 some of our service users formed a Service User Volunteer Group called “Channel”. Channel was commissioned by the SMAT and consequently they now have their own office in Colwyn Bay.
January 2006 took responsibility for the Norfolk House Hotel, a substantial property that was at the time in dire need of fire safety and hygiene upgrading. Following a move to the property Touchstones12 quickly ensured that the building was compliant with both fire regulations and food standards agency requirements. Today, Norfolk House Hotel is no longer a hotel because it is a compliant property with planning permission to operate as a rehabilitation centre (Norfolk House). Norfolk House offers potential residency for 22 individuals who are choosing to partake in abstinence based rehabilitation. Widening our horizons, Touchstones12 decided to offer a range of affordably accessible facilities at minimal cost, open to access for both residents and members of the general public. Without doubt, during this period, Touchstones12 started living a new way of life. Above all, by the early part of 2006 we were confidently making a worthy difference to the lives of many individuals in our local community and beyond.
January 2007 we started to stabilize and consolidate our position; which in turn complemented a healthy client group and a much tighter programme structure.
March 2007, Welsh Assembly Government carried out a pilot audit. Although the outcome of the final audit report was complementary, the report did notably advise a number of recommendations and a subsequent re-inspection in September 2007. Throughout January, February and March hard work paid off and the yearend looked positive. Operations were returning to a more formal basis and communications with coexisting agencies were beginning to blossom Subsequent meetings with the local council, the substance misuse action team and probation ensue.
At the yearend, March 31st 2007, Touchstones12 felt healthier in spirit and generally more settled. The wheels were turning and we did in fact deliver the foundation of recovery for a number of happy service users. To coin a phrase, those who change recover; Touchstones12 has certainly continued to change for the better and will consequently grow from the experience.
The main focus of our attention throughout this year (2008) has been stabilization. It has been paramount that we pay serious attention to consolidating the position of the organization. Consolidation has been achieved on a number of fronts. On one front we have secured significant ground and demonstrated our ability to manage our finances given the positive turnaround in the financial statements. Other significant ground has been gained in the practical areas as we have strengthened the support team and continue to lubricate operations with the ongoing use of new systems and paperwork
During the year a new understanding and a mutual relationship has developed between ourselves and other key organizations working in our field. Touchstones12 is still the main residential rehab-based project in North Wales offering 22 service users a structured timetable of events. With pride, Touchstones12 remains a key referral option for referring agents and service users.
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