THE Gilead Foundations charity recently took the time to show Mel Stride MP around its new facilities to discuss the charity's work.

Specialising in helping those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, the charity offers residential rehabilitation and skills training in a peaceful countryside setting just outside Okehampton.

Since Mr Stride's last visit in 2011, the charity has gone from strength to strength, adding new accommodation blocks for its clients as well as receiving grants from various organisations to help scale up its work. 

Mr Stride said: 'What Gilead offers is of vital importance to those seeking to recover from addiction and to cope better with mental health problems.

'By preparing people to live independent lives once they leave they are turning around lives for the long term.

'Their work is outstanding.'

Lois Samuel, the fundraising manager for Gilead Foundations, said: 'I'd like to thank Mel for his continued support of our charity.

'I'm confident that going forward we can continue developing our services and help more people get their lives back on course.'

Gilead Foundations was set up in 1991 and has seen hundreds of clients since then.

Its present success rate shows that at least eighty-five percent of those it helps go on to live a successful life free of addiction.

As well as rehabilitation services the charity provides training in farm work, catering and ICT as well as many other areas.

Recent grants include £15,000 from Lloyds TSB and the Lottery.