The Living Room is celebrating 25 years since it first opened its doors to support people affected by addiction.

Since 2000, The Living Room’s free, time unlimited group therapy has successfully treated 7,500 people living with addiction in Hertfordshire.

Past and current clients celebrated with staff and dignitaries on Friday, 2^nd May at three hubs in Stevenage, Watford and St Albans.

The Living Room’s founder, Janis Rogers MBE joined The Living Room's CEO Adrienne Arthurs, in Stevenage.

Speaking about the very beginning, she said, “When I founded The Living Room in 2000, my vision was to create a warm, welcoming space where people living with addiction could find connection, therapy, support, and a path to recovery. Twenty-five years on, it’s incredibly moving to see that vision continue of breaking the cycle of addiction."

In Watford, our Deputy CEO Mark Wiseman was joined by Mayor Peter Taylor.

Peter said, "It was a pleasure to be at the opening of the Watford Centres and now at your 25^th birthday celebrations. It seems whenever you have food laid on, I'm here. 

"The Living Room truly does an amazing job and it's a pleasure for me to be here celebrating with you. Congratulations."

Mark added, “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 25 years of The Living Room. Over the past quarter-century, we've helped many people rebuild their lives free from addiction — a testament to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the strength of our community. This milestone is not just about the years, but the lives changed along the way. We look forward to continuing our work for many years to come, offering hope and a path to recovery for all who need it.

Speaking from our hub in St Albans, The Living Room’s Counselling Lead and Manger Michelle Smale said, “As we celebrate 25 years of The Living Room, I’m filled with pride for all we’ve achieved, particularly through our St Albans Hub, which has been supporting people in recovery since 2012.

“Over the years, it has become a trusted space where people and families find hope, healing, and a path to lasting recovery. This anniversary is not only a celebration of our history, but of the strength and courage of every person who has walked through our doors.”

Reflecting on the day, CEO Adrienne Arthurs added, "Celebrating 25 years of The Living Room is a tribute to the thousands of lives changed through compassion, community, and courage. We’re incredibly proud of our legacy and excited for the future as we continue to support adults and their families, in Hertfordshire living with addiction.”