Welcome to The Living Room
We know that taking the first step can feel scary. You might be worried about what will happen when you come in for the first time – but don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
It may not feel like it now, but life without addiction really is possible. No matter what you’re living with – drugs, alcohol, disordered eating, gambling, sex, or anything else – recovery is within reach, and we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our groups are free, confidential and everyone is welcome so if you are ready to take the first step, book an appointment today.
“You come here broken, scared and nervous and the first counsellor you meet is someone who says, ‘I’ve been there too’. When they said that to me I felt special.” – Chris*
🌱 Your First Step with The Living Room
✨ Free & confidential – open to everyone.
🤝 Meet a counsellor – they know recovery first-hand.
🚪 Start quickly – join a group the same day.
👂 No pressure – listen until you’re ready to share.
🕒 Flexible support – we’ll work around childcare, work, or other needs.
💜 You don’t have to do this alone. Recovery is possible, and we’re here for you.
We understand how nerve-racking it can be to walk through the door for the first time. When you arrive, you’ll sit down with one of our experienced counsellors – someone who has also been through addiction themselves. They’ll spend about an hour getting to know you, listening to your story, and explaining how our groups work.
If this chat happens in the morning, we’ll invite you to join your first group session straight away. If it’s later in the day, we’ll ask you to come back the next day so you can get started quickly.
When you join your first group, you don’t have to speak if you don’t feel ready. Many people choose to just listen at the start – and that’s absolutely fine. You’ll find others willing to share until you feel comfortable enough to join in.
We take confidentiality and privacy very seriously. Addiction is nothing to be ashamed of, and you will never be judged here.
What Next?
“I was nervous for my first day in main group at The Living Room, but my nerves evaporated very quickly because it’s such a warm, welcoming and accepting place to be.” – Natasha*
We run group therapy five days a week, with two sessions each day. If childcare, work, or other responsibilities make it hard to attend, let us know – we’ll work with you to find a plan that fits your life.
Taking this step is not easy, but it could be the best decision you ever make.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you and supporting you on your recovery journey.
Adrienne
Chief Executive
Your first appointment will be at 9:30am at one of our centres in Stevenage, St Albans, or Watford.
You’ll meet with a Recovery Counsellor who will take some time to get to know you. Together, you’ll go through our paperwork, talk about your story, and look at the support you’ve had in the past as well as where you are now.
If we feel another service might be better placed to support you, we’ll make sure you get connected with the right people.
Groups are usually held in our Stevenage, St Albans (Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri) and Watford Centres in the main group room.
The morning group runs from 10:30am –12:00pm, then we break for lunch and return for the afternoon group from 1.00–2.30pm.
Morning groups focus on the challenges people are facing with their addictions. With the support of our counsellors, the group talks through these issues together. If you’re new, the group will welcome you, introduce themselves, and share their stories. You don’t have to speak if you don’t feel ready – it’s fine to just listen until you’re more comfortable.
Afternoon groups build on the morning discussions. These are more practical, workshop-style sessions where we explore the issues raised earlier and share tools and strategies to help you cope with addiction.
If you have children and this might make it difficult for you to attend your groups, let us know so we can work out a solution.
That’s okay — we know everyone’s needs are different. If our service doesn’t feel like the right fit, we’ve listed other organisations that might be able to help.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call. We’ll do our best to connect you with the right support.
*names changed to protect identity