Bosence Farm is a residential drug and alcohol treatment centre located in Townshend, near Hayle in Cornwall. The centre provides residential care for individuals affected by alcohol and drug dependence. Treatment is delivered within a rural residential setting that places strong emphasis on structure, routine, and therapeutic engagement.
Background and History
Bosence Farm welcomed its first service user in November 1995. In 2020, the organisation marked 25 years of supporting individuals to move away from addiction and work toward their potential. The centre operates as a charity and has developed over time through the commitment of dedicated individuals who shaped its values and direction.
This long-standing history has influenced the centre’s focus on residential care rooted in community, personal responsibility, and practical skill-building, forming the foundation of the programme delivered today.
Treatment Approach
Bosence Farm delivers residential treatment through a model that combines medically managed detoxification, stabilisation, and longer-term rehabilitation. Care is structured to support physical recovery alongside emotional and behavioural change, with clear progression through each stage of residential treatment.
Programmes typically run for around three months and include on-site detox for alcohol and drug dependence. A defining element of treatment is the Recovery in Nature programme, which integrates outdoor and nature-based activities into the therapeutic process. Sessions may include forest bathing and mindfulness, nature exploration, herbal tea preparation, and creative outdoor activities, all designed to support reflection and personal development.
Therapy and Clinical Support
Therapeutic care at Bosence Farm is delivered through a combination of group-based and complementary therapies. Group therapy forms a central part of the programme, alongside participation in a 12-step recovery process that supports shared understanding and accountability.
Additional therapeutic input includes Compassionate Inquiry Therapy and Compassionate Self Discovery workshops. Complementary therapies are provided by trained practitioners and may include mindfulness practices, reflexology, massage, auricular acupuncture, yoga, and Tai Chi. Clinical support is primarily focused on substance use treatment, with therapy adapted to individual needs and recovery stage.
Programmes and Services
Bosence Farm offers a range of residential services focused on stabilisation, rehabilitation, and transition:
- Medically Managed Detoxification and Stabilisation
- Residential Rehabilitation Programme
- Recovery in Nature Programme
- Supported Housing and Resettlement
These services are designed to support individuals from initial detox through to preparation for independent living or supported accommodation.
Accommodation and Environment
The centre is set within 22 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodland, offering a calm countryside setting for residential care. Accommodation varies across the site, with single en-suite rooms available during detox and single rooms within converted farmhouse buildings during rehabilitation.
Communal facilities include creative and practical spaces such as a pottery workshop, arts and crafts room, and several outdoor pods used for individual sessions or quiet time. The grounds also include polytunnels, allotments producing organic food, an outdoor green gym, and a dedicated group space known as The Sanctuary, used for group work and family sessions.