Behind the scenes – what makes us different

By Kevin Randall, Head of Key Working

How did you come to work for Hope and Vision?

“I was running a rehab in North Devon when I first met Tony. At that stage, he had come through the programme a couple of times. Back then, I suggested he read and reflect on a book called The Shack by Canadian author William P. Young.

Inevitably, Tony returned to prison — in what would become his last sentence. While in solitary confinement and in desperate need of reading material, a correctional officer randomly gave him The Shack.

What some might call a moment of divine intervention, Tony finally read it. I truly believe this was a turning point that led him to follow through with his vision for the charity. Not long after, Hope and Vision Communities was born — though I didn’t yet know I’d be part of it.

When the rehab I worked for in Devon closed, another door opened. I joined Tony at Hope and Vision and took on Key Working. It all fell into place. Through my own lived experience, and years working in addiction support, I knew what was needed. I could see that Hope and Vision was different — because it offered more than other places ever could.”

What are the common pitfalls when coming out of rehab?

The most common pitfall is believing that rehab has cured someone — the idea of “I’m fixed now.”

If a person hasn’t recognised that a self‑destructive disease still lives within them — a deadly illness in the mind that is willing to lose everything — then they are, in many ways, still undiagnosed. Many people avoid their feelings altogether, and this is what fundamentally needs to change: reprogramming how to identify, feel and deal with emotions.

Learning how to do life, instead of numbing pain. Prematurely returning to family, work, relationships, or independence does not cure addiction. We see this when people use drugs in hospital car parks while a child is being born, or a parent has just died — or even seek a return to prison because they cannot cope with freedom.

Drugs are often the solution to the pain. The lengths an addict will go to avoid their emotions reveal how much hurt they are trying to escape. Fear of life is profound — and the way through requires a spiritual programme, fellowship, group support, and time.

The second major pitfall is refusal to surrender.

Many people learned survival strategies in childhood when emotional needs went unmet. Talking only to themselves, they learned to trust no one else. These patterns protect them for a while — but eventually become destructive. Healing requires honesty, vulnerability and trust. Connection with a sponsor can help identify these patterns — but only once trust begins.

How does Hope and Vision help avoid these pitfalls?

At Hope and Vision, we offer what is genuinely needed to build trust: time, safety and consistent support.

Our residents are given space to reconnect with their feelings and learn how to navigate life with fear and anxiety — without those emotions taking control. This opportunity is rare: a place to heal deeply, and from there rebuild life on solid ground.

The beauty lies in the ripple effect. As individuals grow in understanding, they naturally want to give back. The recovery journey creates people who are compassionate, grounded and committed to helping others — often preventing future generations from suffering as they once did.

We are still small. But every change begins with one drop — and one drop can change an entire lake.