Got questions?

When can I come to Betel?

Betel receives new residents at any time as long as we have the space available. Occasionally, following your telephone interview there may be other agencies that we need further information from, like a GP or probation officer, but we try to process your application as quickly as possible. Under normal circumstances, we are able to take the majority of people within a few days of their initial application.

Do I have to be a Christian to come to Betel?

It is not a requirement for anyone to be a Christian to come to Betel. We welcome residents from all backgrounds and faiths. However, as we operate on a Christian ethos, attendance at daily Christian services is a required part of community life.

Do I need to detox before coming into Betel?

For the majority of people, it is not a requirement to detox beforehand, but for some, this may be necessary. We do offer a medicated detox in a number of our centres nationwide. Please ring or email the centre of your choice for details. Contact us.

How long do I have to stay?

The recommendation is 12 – 18 months.

How much do I pay?

You pay nothing! Betel is completely free! For more information about how this works, see the next question.

How are you funded?/Where does the money go?

We are funded by generous donations and through our own non-profit businesses. We don’t receive any government funding and you will not be permitted to claim any benefits while you are here. As we will discuss with you in your telephone interview, once you are settled at Betel you will be trained and working in our charitable businesses. No-one within the Betel community is salaried, including our leadership team. Instead, all of the money received goes back into the charity to pay for the living costs of all residents.

Are you a registered charity?

Yes. Our charity number is 1081462, and SC045808 in Scotland.

Can I smoke?

No. Abstaining from all forms of addictive substances is essential. This includes vaping and all nicotine products such as patches, nicotine gum, etc.

Can I take methadone (Physeptone), buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone, Espranor) or other opiate substitutes?

Please talk to us about this when you call for your interview. We offer a medicated detox, a doctor will discuss all medications which will be prescribed to help detox.

Can I take medication at Betel?

During your telephone interview, we will discuss with you which medications you are currently (or have recently) been prescribed.

There are many prescribed medications that will be fine to take here. However, there are a few exceptions to this. You would not be permitted to take opiate-based pain killers. Our staff will be happy to talk this through with your during your interview.

Are there doctors or other healthcare professionals onsite at Betel?

No. We are not a medical facility or clinic. Residents at all our centres are able to register with local GP surgeries if they wish. In the case of any healthcare emergency, immediate medical attention would be arranged. In the case of any healthcare emergency, immediate medical attention will be arranged with a local GP surgery or hospital.

Can I bring my mobile phone/tablet/games console?

Unfortunately you will not have access to mobile phones, laptops or tablets. You won’t be able to get on the internet either for an extended season, and only then under supervision. You can bring MP3 players which are monitored for content. Some of the residences have games consoles already.

Can I bring my children with me?

We do not generally have facilities to care for children. But each case is managed on an individual basis, so for further clarification on personal matters  and extenuating circumstances please call the office.

Can my family visit when they want?

Family visits are encouraged. After the initial four weeks, family can visit once a month on weekends. The specifics of time and date will need to be decided with the house leader once you are a member of a Betel residence.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the FAQs were accurate at the time of posting – please always check information first by contacting the Betel UK Headquarters on 01564 822 356