This blog has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of services and support including detox and rehabilitation programmes as well as therapy.

Britain's first recovery café, Serenity Cafe in Edinburgh, was started by a small group of people in recovery although it closed in 2018 the concept has since become increasingly popular across the UK, PARC recovery café in Glasgow regularly see’s between 70-100 people each week. As part of the broader effort to support individuals in recovery from addiction, these cafes offer a non-clinical, community-based setting where individuals can find support, engage in social activities, and access resources to aid their recovery journey.

While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint due to the informal nature of many of these initiatives, there has been a notable increase in their establishment, particularly in urban areas. This rise in popularity reflects a growing recognition of the need for diverse recovery support options beyond traditional treatment facilities.

Clare Kennedy, Director of recovery café, Kennedy Street states:

“Recovery cafes are growing across the UK as people realise the value that peer-led lived experience can bring to support people in recovery. Some are led by statutory commissioned services, while others are run by independent lived experience recovery organisations (LEROs). There are recovery cafes in Henley (Towards Recovery), Eastbourne (Recovery Café run by Change, Grow, Live), Glasgow (Ibrox Recovery Café), Liverpool (The Brink), amongst many others. At Kennedy Street we think there should be a recovery café in every neighbourhood.”

What Are Recovery Cafes?

Recovery cafes are community-based spaces that provide a supportive environment for individuals in recovery from addiction. This could be any type of addiction such as alcohol, drugs or behaviours such as gambling or shopping. They offer a safe, non-judgmental setting where people can socialise with others, participate in activities, and access resources to aid their recovery journey. These cafes are typically staffed by trained volunteers or professionals, many of whom are in recovery themselves.

Recovery cafes play a crucial role in the recovery process by offering a sense of community and belonging. They often provide various services, including peer support groups, educational workshops, and recreational activities. By fostering connections and reducing isolation, recovery cafes help individuals build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

Some critics may argue that replacing alcohol or drugs with a stimulant like coffee is wrong as coffee can become addictive too and essentially individuals are just replacing one addiction with another. Some argue it is better to ‘pick your battles’ and to look at what is the best option for the individual.

Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) - A Sustainable Approach to Recovery

The Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) is a framework that supports sustainable recovery by addressing the needs of individuals at all stages of their recovery journey. This is unlike traditional recovery approaches, which often focus solely on crisis intervention and short-term stability, ROSC emphasises ongoing support and community integration.

ROSC involves a holistic approach that includes continuous care, peer support, and community involvement. This model recognises that recovery is a lifelong process and aims to provide individuals with the tools and resources they need to maintain their recovery over the long term. The Scottish Government provides a comprehensive overview of ROSC and its benefits.

Most recovery cafes support this approach of recovery and provide a place where this can be put into action.

A Safe and Welcoming Place

Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential for the success of recovery cafes. This type of environment allows individuals to feel comfortable and accepted, which is crucial for building trust and fostering a sense of community.

As one participant, Debbie Brian noted, "The recovery café Kennedy became my second home, a place where I could be myself without fear of judgement."

The three principles of recovery are:

1. Hope: Belief that recovery is possible.
2. Self-determination: The individual’s choice to take control.
3. Holistic approach: Recovery is about improving overall well-being, not just the addiction.

This supportive atmosphere helps reduce the stigma associated with addiction and encourages individuals to seek help and engage with others on their recovery journey and relates back to the three principles - by providing a consistent, non-judgmental space, recovery cafes help individuals build confidence and resilience.

Clare Kennedy of Kennedy Street café comments: “A safe and welcoming environment is crucial in making people in early recovery feel wanted and in putting them at ease to build trust. The recovery café is very much a "normal" space and so is not a stigmatised place to visit. People walk in and immediately comment on the nice vibe of the cafe; they feel at home. This way we can encourage them to have relaxed and open conversations and feel comfortable with connecting with the people who will help them on their recovery journey. We have people popping in every day so they start to feel part of a community, which is so important for building and sustaining their recovery in the future.”

Community and Fellowship - The Importance of Peer Support

Peer support is a cornerstone of recovery cafes. Sharing experiences with others who have faced similar challenges can provide invaluable insights and encouragement. As Lester, Director of Rehabs UK and a long-time advocate for recovery cafes, states, "Peer support is about walking the journey together. It's about knowing you're not alone and having someone who truly understands your struggles and triumphs."

The sense of fellowship and mutual support found in recovery cafes can significantly enhance an individual's recovery experience. Peer support groups and activities help build strong, supportive networks that individuals can rely on throughout their recovery.

The History of Recovery Cafes in the UK

Recovery cafes in the UK have their roots in the broader recovery movement, which gained momentum in the early 2000s. Inspired by similar initiatives in the United States, the first recovery cafes began to emerge as grassroots efforts led by individuals in recovery and their supporters. These early cafes aimed to provide a safe, supportive space where people could connect, share experiences, and access resources. Over time, the concept gained traction, and more structured programmes began to develop, often supported by local charities, government funding, and community organisations.

There is available government support to help run recovery cafes, however, the funding and decisions are ultimately based on local authorities across the UK.

Derbyshire County Council announced it has awarded £9500 GBP worth of funding for the creation of a recovery café. Local councils already support recovery cafes in Salford, Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. ROC Recovery Cafe has opened a new venue in Devon & Cornwall counting the local police force amongst its partners.

Where to Find Recovery Cafes Near Me

Finding a recovery café nearby can be as simple as a quick online search or reaching out to local addiction support organisations. Rehabs UK offers information on affiliated recovery cafes and other support services.

Some popular recovery cafes around the UK include:

Cafe Hub, Darwen, Lancashire

Established and operated entirely by volunteers who are on the path of recovery from alcohol and substance use, Café Hub has become an unexpected gem in the small Lancashire town of Darwen. It offers a variety of meals and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, and frequently stays open late on weekends to feature live music and serve dinners, making it a hotspot for those in recovery seeking enjoyable, alcohol-free experiences.

Paper and Cup, London

Blurring the lines between a bookstore and a café, Paper and Cup began in North East London with the aim of providing a ‘professional and safe space for personal growth and learning.’ This mission is evidently effective, as the café trains 16 individuals in recovery each year to become professional baristas. Recently, they expanded their efforts by opening a second location on St. Paul’s Way.

Trew Era Café, London

Founded by Russell Brand, a prominent advocate for recovery, Trew Era Café has brought recovery cafés into the spotlight. This heightened attention is beneficial, especially since the café’s guiding principle emphasises viewing individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse not as flawed people but as people in need of support and healing.

When looking for a good recovery café, consider the following:

• Staff qualifications and training
• Range of services and activities offered
• Community involvement and peer support opportunities
• Accreditation or affiliation with reputable organisations

Red flags to watch out for include lack of transparency, unqualified staff, and a non-inclusive atmosphere.

A Piece of the Holistic Recovery Journey

While recovery cafes play a vital role in supporting individuals, they are often just one part of a broader, holistic recovery journey. Comprehensive support typically includes medical treatment, counselling, and other therapeutic interventions. It's important for individuals to consult with medical professionals or specialists like Rehabs UK to develop a tailored recovery plan.

For more information, personalised support and free assessments, please reach out and contact our fully trained Treatment Advisors today.