- Residential substance misuse service
Eastbourne
Assessment report published 24 September 2026
Contents
Ratings - Residential substance misuse services
Our view of the service
We carried out an on site assessment of Eastbourne from 20 to 21 January 2026. This was the first inspection of this service we have carried out.
Eastbourne was registered with CQC on 4 November 2024 to deliver the regulated activity: Accommodation for persons who require treatment for substance misuse. The service had a Registered Manager in place at the time of our site visit.
The service provides rehabilitation and support services for people aged 18 to 65 who are recovering from the misuse of substances and alcohol.
The service provides residential rehabilitation services to 9 people. They provide en-suite residential apartment rooms and a service for clients who wished to attend the service on a non-residential basis to attend the therapy sessions and groups which were offered to help people with their recovery over a 24 week period.
There was a registered manager in place during our site visit.
Mental Capacity Act / Consent to Treatment
Staff demonstrated a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), with 95% of staff having completed mandatory training that included the MCA. Staff had a strong understanding of the five statutory principles and were able to identify situations where mental capacity was a concern when a client was consenting to treatment. They took all practical steps to enable clients to make their own decisions and, where clients might have impaired mental capacity, staff appropriately assessed and recorded capacity to consent. These assessments were undertaken on a decision-specific basis, particularly in relation to significant decisions. Where clients lacked capacity, staff made decisions in their best interests, recognising the importance of the person's wishes, feelings, culture and history.
Staff ensured that clients had agreed and signed consent to treatment forms, which were accessible to all staff involved in their care and treatment. They also ensured that clients had agreed and signed confidentiality agreements detailing who staff could share their personal information with, and these records were readily accessible to all staff involved in the client's care and treatment.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 6 clients and 1 former client who told us they felt safe at all times.
Clients told us that staff were always available, including overnight, to provide both emotional and practical support. Access to healthcare services such as GPs and dentists was prompt, which reassured clients about their wellbeing throughout their stay.
Staff were widely praised for being caring, professional and respectful, with many clients highlighting the value of staff members’ lived experience in building empathy and understanding. Clients felt they were treated with dignity and respect, noting that privacy and confidentiality were maintained at all times. Care was described as person-centred, with clients actively involved in planning and reviewing their own support and given clear information and genuine choice over their recovery journey.
Clients that we spoke with described the Eastbourne as life-changing and told us, “They’ve saved my life” and “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
Clients told us they valued the comfortable accommodation and the structured approach that gradually increased independence, helping them prepare for life after they left. We were told that therapeutic options, group work and community activities were varied and flexible. Clients said the service “ticks all the boxes” and they would recommend it to others.