CAMPAIGN: Heroin survivor’s plea to save for ARK Horsham charity

A fortnight before the ARK Horsham loses its home, a former heroin addict has told how the charity has helped him get clean.
By Anna Coe
Published 19th Aug 2015, 17:00 BST

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ARK Horsham director Lisa Burrell with volunteers Lyn Light and Daniel Elborough who say the charity saved their lives - staff pictureARK Horsham director Lisa Burrell with volunteers Lyn Light and Daniel Elborough who say the charity saved their lives - staff picture
ARK Horsham director Lisa Burrell with volunteers Lyn Light and Daniel Elborough who say the charity saved their lives - staff picture

The ARK is a charity which helps people turn their lives around from addiction, unemployment, homelessness and other life-controlling issues.

The County Times is supporting them in finding a new home for its three-day-a-week drop-in as it will lose its base at Horsham United Reformed Church on September 4.

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Daniel Elborough, 31, who designed the charity’s iconic logo, came to the charity after contemplating suicide as a result of his past drug addiction.

Home for the ARK SUS-150619-120009001Home for the ARK SUS-150619-120009001
Home for the ARK SUS-150619-120009001

He said: “I will probably end up going downhill if I don’t come here. This is the only group that’s here for as long as you need it. I’ve been clean of heroin for six months. I did it for four years.

“I have survivor’s guilt as I have friends who have (overdosed). The good die young, so I must be bad. I do wonder how I’m not with them.

“It’s just all coming together for me. These people don’t fix your life, but they teach you to fix it yourself no matter what you have done they will always help you.”

GLIMMER OF HOPE

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Meanwhile, West Sussex County Council has said it is working to help avoid a gap in services, should a new home not be found by the deadline.

A spokesman said: “The ARK is a unique and independent charity and several local agencies refer people to them for support.

“However, we do not directly commission any services from them. It may be the case that services work in partnership or recommend the charity on a more informal basis.

“Officers are in contact with the ARK and will be linking with other key stakeholders including the district council, police, mental health services and other voluntary sector organisations to work together to support people appropriately if a new home is not secured in time to avoid a gap in the ARK’s current drop in service.”

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Any offer of a property ARK could use temporarily or permanently, will be gratefully considered. It must be accessible for disabled people and have a kitchen and storage.

Financial help is appreciated to help it secure premises. To help call the charity’s founder Lisa Burrell on 07825 284054 or email [email protected]

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Related topics:West Sussex County Council