The Serenity Cafe involves people recovering from dependency and addiction in developing their recovery community.

Between 2009 and 2011 the initiative focused on monthly cafe-club nights and during 2010 a range of activities developed: a women's group, arts groups (choir, drama and guitar), model-making, and a range of social activities. Peer support activities were also pioneered: recovery coaching and peer mentoring.

In 2011 we will finally move this initiative to permanent premises, which will include a social enterprise cafe. The cafe will be a focal point for people in recovery resident in Edinburgh or visiting the city, as well as the general public who want to chill out, meet friends and enjoy themselves in a drug and alcohol-free environment. The cafe will be at the heart of a 25/7 venue for all of the activities currently led by volunteers in recovery, and the cafe-club nights.

This will be our focal point for developing the recovery community and continuing the collective approach by people in recovery to helping others in recovery build their recovery capital.

 The project involves volunteers, trainees and employees in recovery, gaining skills and experience for their future.

 See www.serenitycafe.org.uk

Feedback from cafe customers

"There are very few places where one can meet in the early evening just for a coffee, most places like Starbucks close by 6 or 7 pm. Therefore a venue that would be open until around 9:30 pm would be great."

"As someone who works with young people who are recovering from addictions I feel it could be a safe comfortable environment to take them out to and see the positives of no longer being involved in that type of lifestyle but it would also be a good tool and resource to use with them."

"I really believe it this takes off it would give addicts and alcoholics in recovery something to look forward to and also give the newcomers of today a safe place to go when meetings are not running it is a good idea and I wish you well. I would love somewhere for addicts or alcoholics to go where they can pop in and get support. I also would love the fact if there where groups for personal development of some kind." 

"I imagine it to be very relaxed but approachable with a very street stylish style to the inside."

Quotes from volunteers

"It took me out of my comfort zone, the dancing and things. In the planning committee our ideas are listened to, you feel you are making a contribution and you feel valued."

"One big word for Serenity Cafe is opportunity. I don't want to sound like captain cliche but it is opportunity for growth in a lot of ways."