It is the Southampton care home that looks after people suffering with alcohol addiction - and it is marking its fourth anniversary.

Run by The Society of St James, Linden House in Sholing offers short and longer-term care and support for residents recovering from their addiction.

With 22 beds, it is a haven for those who need respite, a period of support, and rehabilitation, before they return to the community. 

The staff at Linden House also provides long term care for those with chronic conditions.

Tania Marsh, chief executive of the Society of St James, started in her new role five weeks ago, replacing Trevor Pickup who retired in May after 31 years of service to the charity.

She said: “I have to thank Trevor for really laying the foundations, this project is so unique.

“I think it was a real leap of faith for the society; it was a massive unmet need.

“For people coming out of hospital - people with long-term alcohol abuse and all the complications that come with that - to have somewhere to come, recover, not be judged has been really important.

"They do not have to try to fit into this society model ; they can do things at their own pace.

"It has clearly been very successful as we celebrate four years since we opened.”

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Linden House (Image: NQ)

Linden House provides residents with round the clock care, as well as allowing them to enhance their social skills – with residents competing weekly in a pool competition, as well as having their own outside space.

To mark the anniversary, staff and residents gathered in the garden and enjoyed a barbeque in the warm weather.

Tony Keall, operations director, added: “We are proud of the achievements of the team at both Linden House and our service at St James’ Care.

“We have developed unique services for people who would otherwise not have their needs met.”

Charlotte Carrington has worked at Linden House since 2023, and she told the Echo she sees the daily impact the care home has for residents.

She said: “We’re known as a dry house – so there’s no alcohol – and it helps people get back on their feet after addiction.

“It’s somewhere safe with all the support available, so they can access the community safely.”

Linden House opened due to the success of their sister care home, Radstock House in Woolston, which was oversubscribed.