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Liberty Home Team · Clinically reviewed by Lelethu Qotole, Clinical Lead (registered social worker), 25 Oct 2026
David came to Liberty Home after many years in prison. He was already clean when he arrived. But, as he puts it, he “knew that rebuilding my life involved so much more than simply being free from substances.”
He spent three months at Liberty Home Manor, completing Phase 1 and Phase 2, then three months at Liberty Home Lodge, our halfway house in Cape Town. In October 2026 he wrote about both stays on Google. With his permission, this is his story, told as far as possible in his own words.
Recovery is more than getting clean
Getting free from substances matters. For many people, though, it’s the start of the work, not the end of it. The bigger questions come after: who am I now? How do I live day to day? How do I trust myself, and how do others learn to trust me again?
For someone coming out of prison, those questions can feel even heavier. Routines were set by someone else. Choices were limited. A past can feel like a label that follows you through every door.
David described his time at the Manor this way:
“I spent three months at Liberty Home, completing both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of my rehabilitation, and I can genuinely say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Phases 1 and 2 at the Manor: treated as a person, not a past
Liberty Home Manor is our residential clinic at 5 Boulder Road, Marina Da Gama, Cape Town. It’s where Phase 1 (primary care) and Phase 2 (secondary care) take place. Registered nurses are on site 24/7, and doctors are on call 24/7. The team includes our psychiatrist Dr Imraan Tayob, medical doctors, a social worker and lived-experience professionals.
David remembers the standard of care. He also remembers the feeling of the place:
“But what makes Liberty Home particularly special is the atmosphere they’ve created. Despite the professional standards, there’s a wonderful sense of family. You’re not simply another person going through a programme. You’re treated as an individual, surrounded by people who genuinely care about your wellbeing and want to see you succeed.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
For David, being met without judgment was central:
“Coming from my background, being accepted without judgment and treated with dignity and respect meant an enormous amount to me. I never once felt defined by my past, but rather encouraged to focus on the person I wanted to become and the future I wanted to build.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
What secondary care adds
Primary care is the start. Secondary care (Phase 2) gives people more time in a supported setting. They can keep working on what sits beneath their substance use, strengthen daily structure, and get ready for more independence. People can join Phase 2 directly, without first doing Phase 1 with us.
David put the value of those months simply:
“The guidance, support and personal growth I experienced during those three months helped me regain my confidence, understand myself better and prepare for a new chapter in my life.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Phase 3 at the Lodge: freedom with structure
After the Manor, David moved to Liberty Home Lodge. The Lodge is Phase 3 of our programme and Cape Town’s only private registered halfway house. It’s a step between full-time residential care and life back in the community.
“My three months at Liberty Home Lodge were such an important part of finding my feet again after spending many years in prison. It was where I got my first real sense of freedom and independence again, but still with the right structure, guidance and support to help me adjust to everyday life.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
That balance of freedom and responsibility is what a halfway house is for:
“What I really appreciated about the lodge is how it prepares you to stand on your own two feet. You have your freedom, but you also have to take responsibility for yourself, build a healthy routine and stay focused on your recovery.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Support doesn’t stop because the structure loosens:
“The staff are genuinely wonderful. They’re always willing to listen, especially when things feel a bit overwhelming, and there’s always someone to offer guidance when you need it. There’s also a lovely sense of family and unity, where everyone looks out for and encourages each other.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Why step-down care matters for reintegration
Going from a highly structured setting straight into full independence can be a big jump, whether that setting is prison, a hospital or a residential rehab. Step-down care breaks the jump into stages. Each stage has a little more freedom and a little more responsibility, and support stays close by.
In David’s words, the Lodge was:
“so much more than just a place to stay. It really helps you build the confidence, independence and life skills to go out there and make a life for yourself again.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Every person’s path is different, and David’s story is his own. What it shows is how much routine, responsibility, life skills and being treated with dignity can mean during the move back into everyday life.
How step-down care works at Liberty Home
Phase 1 (Manor): primary residential care.
Phase 2 (Manor): secondary care, with more time for deeper work and building structure.
Phase 3 (Lodge): halfway house and sober living, with freedom alongside structure, responsibility and support.
Programme lengths: 28, 42, 56, 70 or 84 days.
What we treat: addiction, mental health conditions, process addictions and eating disorders.
Joining: people can join Phase 2 or Phase 3 directly.
Who we care for: adults aged 18 and over.
Licensing: both facilities are registered.
Learn more about our halfway house in Cape Town and our dual diagnosis treatment.
In David’s words
“I’ll always be incredibly grateful to everyone at Liberty Home for the part you played in helping me find my feet again.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
“I’m honestly so grateful for my time there and everything it helped me achieve to live a happy sober life.”
— David, Google review, 17 Oct 2026
Thank you, David, for trusting us with your story, and for letting others read it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a halfway house?
A halfway house, also called sober living or a step-down facility, is a structured, substance-free home for people moving from residential treatment back into everyday life. Residents have more freedom than in a clinic, and they also take on responsibility for their routine and their recovery, with staff support on hand. Liberty Home Lodge is Cape Town’s only private registered halfway house.
What is secondary care in addiction treatment?
Secondary care is the stage after primary treatment. At Liberty Home it is Phase 2, at the Manor in Marina Da Gama, Cape Town. It gives people more time in a supported residential setting to keep working on the issues beneath substance use, build daily structure and life skills, and prepare for more independence.
Do I have to complete primary rehab before secondary care or a halfway house?
No. At Liberty Home, people can join Phase 2 (secondary care) or Phase 3 (the Lodge halfway house) directly. Our admissions team will talk through which phase suits your situation.
Can someone come to Liberty Home after prison?
Liberty Home cares for adults aged 18 and over. Our team treats every person with dignity and without judgment, whatever their past. Contact our admissions team to discuss your situation in confidence.
How long are Liberty Home’s programmes?
Programmes run for 28, 42, 56, 70 or 84 days.
Does Liberty Home only treat addiction?
No. Liberty Home treats addiction, mental health conditions, process addictions and eating disorders.
What medical and clinical support is available?
Registered nurses are on duty 24/7 and doctors are on call 24/7. The team includes psychiatrist Dr Imraan Tayob, medical doctors, a social worker and lived-experience professionals.
Is Liberty Home licensed?
Yes. Both Liberty Home facilities, the Manor and the Lodge, are registered. The Lodge is the only private registered halfway house in Cape Town.
Talk to us
If you or someone you love is thinking about the next step, whether that’s primary care, secondary care or sober living in Cape Town, we’re here to talk.
WhatsApp: +27 84 775 8623 · Admissions: daily, 07:00–21:00 SAST
