Business and strategic planning
Rehabit
November 2025
Summary
Sean Robinson, CEO of Rehabit, wrote this case study following completion of Rehabit's project with Cranfield Trust. In summary of his experience with Cranfield Trust, Sean said:
In recognition of our progress, Rehabit was awarded the Cranfield Trust’s Journey to Excellence certificate. We were also honoured to be invited to the Trust’s anniversary celebration, where we were presented to their patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
For us, the partnership with Cranfield Trust has been transformative. It gave us not only practical tools and expert guidance, but also belief that a small, community-based charity can deliver high-quality, professional services and make a genuine difference to those most often left behind.
Background
Rehabit is a small charity based in North London, supporting people who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction but do not require medical detox. We provide up to 26 weeks of free counselling and peer support, delivered by people who have lived experience of addiction themselves. Many of our clients have co-existing mental health or neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder, and have found themselves excluded from mainstream or statutory services. Often they have tried to engage with borough-funded programmes but found the group-based approach inaccessible, or faced stigma that kept them away. Rehabit offers a community where they can be met with compassion, understanding, and practical support to rebuild their lives.
The challenge
When we first engaged Cranfield Trust, Rehabit was at a turning point. The charity was going through significant change: a new board of trustees had been appointed, and although there was enthusiasm and goodwill, we lacked a shared vision and a clear sense of direction. We needed to establish our identity, strengthen governance, and make some difficult management decisions about our structure and focus.
The solution
Cranfield Trust matched us with an experienced consultant from the corporate world whose approach was refreshingly straightforward and collaborative. Rather than offering abstract business language, he listened carefully, understood our culture, and helped us translate big ideas into practical next steps. Together we developed a strategy that aligned the new board, clarified our objectives, and brought renewed cohesion to the charity.
Those sessions were not one-sided. They were genuine working conversations where ideas were tested and refined. The consultant’s experience and insight challenged us when needed, but always respectfully. One of the most significant outcomes from this first phase was the confidence we gained to make a major board decision that has since transformed the way we operate.
The impact
Since completing the second phase of work, which centred on preparing Rehabit for future growth and potential commissioning, the charity has become more streamlined, effective, and sustainable. We now have clearer processes, improved governance, and a robust framework for partnership working. The support also helped us to truly see where our opportunity lay within the community: identifying our niche in helping those who fall through the gaps in statutory and mental health services, and, crucially, gave us the confidence to pursue it. As a result, we are receiving more targeted referrals from frontline organisations who understand precisely who we can help.
David Bonney, Cranfield Trust’s volunteer commented:
“Sean and the other new trustees had to take brave decisions in challenging the structure and focus of activities quite soon after joining. They effectively relaunched the charity as a start-up, operating with no fixed premises and uncertain sources of funds. However they had a compelling vision driven by their own lived experience and sense of vocation, and although having to adjust their ambitious timeframes for growth, they built a clear proposition for clients and referrers and set about building awareness, attracting referrals and funds and recruiting good volunteers to deliver their work. It was a pleasure to work with Sean and the trustees who devote significant personal time and effort and have a very strong sense of purpose. They deserve to grow and succeed.”
Funders and partners alike can see that Rehabit is now a well-run organisation with the systems and leadership required to deliver lasting impact. Our referral numbers continue to grow at a steady and manageable pace, ensuring that quality of care remains at the heart of what we do.
