Group support
Taking part in a group can be a powerful step in your recovery journey. Our group sessions provide a safe and supportive space where you can connect with others, share experiences, and learn practical strategies to help you move forward.
Whether you’re managing challenges with drugs, alcohol, or both, our groups are designed to help you build confidence, develop new skills, and maintain your progress.
"Really great group. I'm finding these meetings so helpful and it's also important for me to get out and see other people".
Groups offered for drug or alcohol support
The following groups can be offered as part of your treatment with i-access whether you are using drugs and/or alcohol:
The Recovery Café is a welcoming space for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. It’s a social hub where you can connect with others, meet staff, and build a sense of community in a safe and supportive environment.
You don’t need to be receiving support from i-access to attend; everyone starting or maintaining their recovery journey is welcome.
Where to find us
Our Recovery Cafés run weekly at these locations:
- The Lighthouse, 8-10 High Street, Woking GU21 6BG
- Mondays, 13:30 – 14:30
- 40 Degreez, Dogflud Way, Farnham GU9 7UT
- Thursdays, 16:00 – 17:00
- Redhill Methodist Church, Gloucester Road, Redhill RH1 1BP
- Wednesdays, 11:00 – 12:00
Drop in at any of these locations during the times listed - no booking is required.
The SMART programme helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviours. Using a four-point system, the programme teaches:
- Building and maintaining motivation
- Coping with urges
- Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
- Living a balanced life.
SMART groups, including a Women's SMART group, are available across Surrey, run by i-access staff and supported by people in recovery.
However there are Peer Led SMART groups that are run across Surrey outside of i-access. See www.smartrecovery.org.uk for details.
This group supports people who are recently abstinent from drugs or alcohol to maintain their recovery. The sessions cover:
- Sharing strategies to cope with cravings and triggers
- Addressing challenges that might affect recovery
- Building peer support in a safe environment.
Daytime and evening sessions are available, both online and in person.
"Excellent service. Focusing on relapse is so helpful and I learn so much every week. I am so pleased and grateful to be on the Relapse Prevention Group."
For longer term relapse prevention work we signpost to Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous or Peer Led SMART.
This programme is for people who are abstinent from illicit drugs and are able to abstain from alcohol on the day of the group, and want to strengthen their recovery. These modular sessions look at:
- Acceptance
- Dealing with change and uncertainty
- Managing emotions
- Relationships and boundaries
- Assertiveness
- Self-awareness
- Skills for resilience and mindfulness
- A supportive space to reflect, grow, and plan for the future.
Sessions are available both in person and online.
Once you have stabilised your substance use you may want to consider this option. This is for people looking to manage anxiety, this online support group offers:
- A safe, supportive space to explore anxiety triggers
- Practical exercises and coping strategies
- Sessions to help challenge negative thoughts.
This group provides a safe and supportive space for women to explore the impact of addiction on their lives. In a therapeutic and thoughtful environment, participants can share experiences, support one another, and develop practical coping skills to aid recovery and encourage good self-care.
Women can join the group for up to six months as part of their recovery care plan.
Our Peer Mentor Programme offers additional support from people who have been through recovery themselves. Peer Mentors use their lived experience to motivate and encourage others, helping them engage more fully in their treatment.
Mentoring is a mutually supportive relationship built on empathy and shared experiences. Mentors are volunteers with the i-access service who have completed their own treatment journey and received specialist training, including NOVA (Nurturing Opportunity Visions and Aspirations), The Next Steps, and Peer Mentor training.
A Peer Mentor can support you with:
- Attending groups or accessing other services
- Setting and working toward personal recovery goals
- Navigating housing, benefits, or employment support
- Developing strategies to reduce substance use
- Participating in SMART groups.
Mentors typically work with people for up to six months, depending on their needs and goals.
If you’d like to work with a Peer Mentor as part of your recovery plan, or if you’re interested in becoming a Peer Mentor, please speak to your keyworker for more information.
Groups offered for support with alcohol use
If you would like to talk to someone about your drinking but do not want to become abstinent from alcohol, this group is designed to give you more understanding into how alcohol affects your body and mind.
This group runs online twice a month.
If you are physically dependent on alcohol and have decided that you want to achieve and maintain abstinence, then this group is for you. APG is about the first stage in your journey towards abstinence. We will support you with drink diaries, harm reduction advice and a nominated key worker to support you in engagement with this 6 week course.
The groups are held both online and in person at various locations across Surrey. For information about the value of attending online or in person groups please see research conducted at i-access by clicking here.
Groups offered for support with drug use
If your primary or secondary drug of choice is cocaine or crack cocaine, this 6 week course is designed for you. This is also open to you if you are using any other stimulant. The group is held online and will help you to develop techniques and strategies for reducing and stopping your drug use.
How to join a group
If you want to join one of our groups, speak to your key worker or contact us directly. We’ll help you find the right group for your needs and guide you through the next steps.
