The Living Room Charity Shop, in Stevenage, is marking its 20th anniversary this week. The story began in 2006, when The Living Room opened its first charity shop in Hitchin under the name Revival. Since then, the shop has played a vital role in the local community, whilst raising essential funds for supporting people with addictions. Read more
When the Living Room Charity Shop first opened its doors as Revival in June 2006, the world looked very different. Now, as we celebrate 20 years, let’s look back at what life was like two decades ago. Read more
It is Children of Alcoholics Week, so let’s talk about the lasting impact addiction has on families. Read more
We have recently updated our Theory of Change, a simple way of illustrating the journey our clients take through treatment at The Living Room. It also has a new name: Change Pathway. Read more
It is Addiction Awareness Week, and we are joining organisations across the country to raise awareness of the realities of addiction and highlight the need to challenge the stigma that prevents many people from seeking help. Read more
November is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to bring forward an issue that too often stays in the shadows. At The Living Room, we believe that conversations about men’s mental health are not just important, they’re essential. Read more
10 October is World Mental Health Day — but mental health matters every single day. Read more
This month, one of our clients offered a heartfelt and honest reminder of a truth we see every day at The Living Room: this illness doesn’t discriminate. Read more
It is Mental Health Awareness Week, and we are focusing on the benefits of connection in recovery. We wanted to create something to depict how The Living Room provides connection to the people we treat. Clients recently took part in a creative bunting-making workshop, using card, colour and personal symbols to represent their individual journeys and shared experiences. Read more
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, 2nd May at three hubs in Stevenage, Watford and St Albans. Read more
As it’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we thought we’d take this opportunity remind those living with disordered eating in Hertfordshire that our service is free, and we have no waiting lists. Read more
One of the most useful tools for someone recovering from addiction is developing an attitude of gratitude. Which is why, this week, our clients and counsellors have been out in nature collecting branches to create beautiful trees for everyone to hang messages of gratitude in celebration of World Mental Health Day. Read more
It’s autumn, it’s sunny, and it’s a Monday afternoon. *Thomas, a recent graduate, is now 13 months clean and living a good life in recovery. He tells me that we are in the same room, and this is the same chair, he sat on all those months ago when he had his initial assessment with one of our counsellors. But today is different. Thomas’s life has changed a lot, and he is here to share his powerful story of what life was like being a gay man and living with addiction and trauma. Read more
September is International Recovery Month which gives us the opportunity to look at the bigger picture of life in recovery from addiction. Read more
Taking it one step at a time, Penny and her amazing group climbed three of Yorkshires highest peaks and raised an incredible £2.089 for The Living Room. Read more
Recovery from addiction is the process of stopping the use of drugs or alcohol and learning to live a healthier life without them. Read more
Thank you for your support! Small charities that provide huge support of local communities in Hertfordshire are being celebrated as part of Small Charity Week 24 – 28 June. This is our chance to say thank you and raise awareness of the importance of supporting local charities like The Living Room, through donations, fundraising and volunteering. Read more
Looking back on what you might have done or said whilst in your addiction can be tough. You might feel nervous, embarrassed, or even ashamed. But remember, the things you did during those tough times don't define who you really are or show what you want to be like. It’s important to understand that addiction is a complicated issue influenced by lots of things like your body, your friends, and your mind. Read more
Good nutrition plays a crucial role in the addiction recovery process. The body and mind undergo significant changes during addiction recovery, and maintaining proper nutrition can positively impact physical and mental well-being. Read more
H.O.P.E – Hearing Other People’s Experiences. Recovery from disordered eating is possible, and this is our message for Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024. To underline this very important point, throughout the week, we will be sharing Snippets of Hope from clients on our social media platforms. Read more
Let us introduce The Living Room’s Yellow Tuesday to you… You have heard of Blue Monday, right? Monday, 15th January is traditionally known as THE most depressing day of the year. We're saying Boo to Blue Monday, we are not buying into all that negativity, so we have created the ultimate antidote - Yellow Tuesday. Read more
Staggering new figures released this week by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that drug deaths in England and Wales are at an all-time high. Deaths recorded as drug poisoning have risen for the 10th consecutive year to the highest level since records began 30 years ago, with nearly half of deaths now involving an opiate. Read more
We are taking part in Oxfam's Second-Hand September campaign to highlight how the fabulous second-hand items donated and sold in our charity shop directly funds addiction treatment, providing people with a second chance at life. Read more
On Tuesday 29th August, we celebrated the Grand Re-Opening of our newly refurbished Charity Shop in Stevenage. The Grand Re-Opening of the new family orientated shop, took place at The Glebe, Chells following exciting renovation and expansion works. Read more