Make a change...

Change starts with a single step forwards. Be the change you want to see and talk to us today.

Starting your recovery journey...

At Creative Start, we take a recovery-focused, lived-experience approach.


Self-referral is at the heart of what we do. We actively encourage people to reach out to us directly, because we believe recovery begins with choice, agency, and personal readiness. When someone takes that step themselves, it often marks an important moment of change, one that we want to recognise and build on.


At the same time, we understand that not everyone is in a position to do this alone. We also welcome referrals from services, professionals, and partner organisations who are supporting someone on their journey.


However someone comes to us, by reaching out themselves or through the support of others, they will be met with respect, honesty, and a space to explore recovery in their own way.


We promote and support all pathways to recovery, recognising that everyone’s journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.


If you’re interested in what we do, you can:

 
Call us directly• Attend one of our open meetings every Monday at 11am at The Comeback• Drop into our Recovery Open Day every Thursday between 11am and 3pm at The Great Escape.

These are safe, informal spaces where you can ask questions, meet the team, and find out what feels right for you.


If you’re a professional, family member, or someone supporting another person, we encourage you to share our details and support them to get in touch when they feel ready.


You can also fill out our simple referral form or call us on 07586 458 586 for a confidential chat with one of our peer-support volunteers.

Fill out our simple referral form and get access to the help you need, or call us on 07586 458 586 for a confidential chat with one of our peer-support volunteers.

Members Stories

Unsure about what recovery looks like? Read about some of member's journeys and follow their progress... Read more testimonials here...

Woman standing in front of a soccer stadium; sunny day. She is wearing a dark coat. Stadium has red seating.

Now one of our dedicated peer-support workers, Lisa has kindly taken this opportunity to share her story and feedback in the hope that it may inspire others to seek help and support for themselves.

Man with beard and tattoos wearing black cap and jacket, smiling near a brick wall and fence.

Ian is one of our long-term members that is determined to break his addiction and has taken this opportunity to share his story in the hope that it may inspire others to seek help and get support too.

Make a Self Referral

Fill in our simple self referral form to help start your recovery community journey. 

Referral Form

Your privacy is important to us, we never share your information with others. Read our privacy policy here...

Members benefit from:

  • Abstinence Recovery Meetings
  • 1 to 1 Counselling Services
  • Weekday Open Access Drop-in Peer Support Group
  • Regular Art, Design and Creative Workshops
  • Community Project Involvement
  • Wellbeing Activities and Complementary Therapies
  • Community Volunteer Opportunities
  • Creative Outdoor Activities
  • Free Access to 'Members Only' events
  • Member discounts at The Blackgull Coffee Shop and Community Kitchen.

After regular engagement at our open/recovery meetings you may be offered membership of the Creative Start recovery community.

Benefits of becoming a Creative Start member include:

  • Abstinence Recovery Meetings
  • Weekday Open Access Drop-in Peer Support Group
  • Regular Art, Design and Creative Workshops
  • Community Project Involvement
  • Wellbeing Activities and Complementary Therapies
  • Community Volunteer Opportunities
  • Creative Outdoor Activities
  • Free Access to 'Members Only' events
  • Member discounts at The Blackgull Coffee Shop and Community Kitchen.