As a drug and alcohol-free night shelter, our commitment to safety and stability is at the heart of everything we do. These rules aren’t just policies – they’re a lifeline. Many of our residents welcome the breathalysers and drug testing, seeing it as a vital opportunity to break free from harmful habits and begin a journey of recovery. We welcome the new partnership with Adam Outreach Project.
An ex-resident of CENS proudly displaying his saved breathalyser tips from all his passed breath tests.
Here at CENS, we breath test every resident on arrival and they are not admitted into the building if they test positive for alcohol. We also drug test all residents regularly and if anyone fails a drug test, they will have to spend a night out, and must engage with outside support agencies such as Open Road.
We work closely with substance misuse agencies like Colchester Open Road, who provide expert support to those ready to take the next step. Together, we help residents access the tools they need to move forward with confidence and dignity. But sometimes, residents relapse once they leave the safety and structure of CENS. That’s why we’re thrilled to now be working with Adam Outreach Project.
The Adam Outreach Project provides a Drug and Alcohol-free environment with the aim of a medium to long-term residency, for men aged between 25 – 65. This initiative in Lowestoft has offered to take direct referrals from CENS, which means our residents will have a clearer, faster pathway into rehabilitation and supported housing – a crucial step toward long-term recovery and independence.
Adams Outreach Project doesn’t just offer somewhere to ‘get dry and clean’- they provide ongoing housing support, helping individuals transition into stable accommodation after treatment. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with our mission at CENS: to offer not just shelter, but hope, healing, and a future.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our residents. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community one step at a time.
We welcome you to become a friend of CENS and support those facing homelessness by making a one-off or regular donation to our charity. Please use our donation form below: