Safe Spaces: Adapting Domestic Abuse Models for Essex Recovery
Across Essex, individuals struggling with addiction often face a difficult choice: seek help and risk stigma, or suffer in silence. This challenging reality has prompted a closer look at successful models from other support sectors that could be adapted to create more accessible pathways to recovery. One particularly promising approach comes from domestic abuse support initiatives, where discreet intervention models have proven effective at helping vulnerable individuals access support without fear or shame.
The parallels between these two support needs are striking. Both addiction and domestic abuse carry significant stigma, both require careful consideration of safety and confidentiality, and both benefit tremendously from community-based support networks. By examining how domestic abuse safe space models work and adapting them thoughtfully for addiction recovery contexts, we can create more effective support systems across Essex communities.
Translating the 'Ask for Angela' Model to Addiction Recovery Contexts
The 'Ask for Angela' initiative has become a widely recognised safety protocol in bars and social venues across the UK. When someone feels unsafe or threatened, they can discreetly ask staff for 'Angela', signalling they need assistance. Staff are trained to respond appropriately, whether that means calling a taxi, helping the person leave discreetly, or alerting authorities if necessary [1].
This coded language approach creates a low-barrier way for vulnerable individuals to seek help without drawing attention to themselves—a concept that could be transformative for addiction recovery support. The success of 'Ask for Angela' lies in its simplicity and discretion, allowing individuals to access help in everyday environments without explicitly stating their vulnerability. Since its inception in England in 2016, the initiative has gained international recognition and has been adopted across various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, demonstrating its effectiveness as a versatile safety protocol that can be adapted to different cultural and social contexts [1].
Recent data from Essex Police underscores the urgent need for accessible recovery support. Between April and September 2023, 57% of individuals arrested tested positive for cocaine, crack cocaine, or heroin, with 338 successfully completing treatment courses by the end of September [16]. This statistic reveals the significant intersection between substance misuse and the criminal justice system, highlighting the critical importance of creating accessible pathways to recovery before individuals reach crisis point.
How might this work in practice for addiction recovery in Essex? Consider these practical scenarios:
Pharmacy Implementation: A person contemplating recovery could enter a participating pharmacy and ask for a 'Recovery Pack', a coded phrase that signals to trained staff they're seeking addiction support. The staff member would then guide them to a private consultation room where they could connect with the Essex Recovery Foundation's peer supporters via phone or have immediate access to information about local recovery meetings and services.
Café Setting: An individual could approach counter staff at a participating café and ask if 'Mark is working today' – another coded phrase. Staff would recognise this as a request for recovery support and invite the person to use a designated quiet space where they could access a tablet pre-loaded with recovery resources or make a confidential call to a support line.
Library Context: Someone could request a 'Wellbeing Resource Guide' at a library's information desk, prompting staff to provide both actual wellbeing information and discreetly offer a way to connect with recovery services if desired.
These approaches directly address one of the primary barriers to seeking help—fear of stigma and judgment—by creating discreet entry points to support services. The Essex Recovery Foundation could coordinate this network, providing training, resources, and connections to ensure consistent, high-quality support across all participating locations.
Business Community Engagement: Building a Network of Recovery-Friendly Spaces
Creating a network of safe spaces for addiction recovery requires active engagement from the local business community. Recent initiatives in East Riding provide a valuable blueprint, where local businesses, pharmacies, banks, and community organisations have created designated private areas for individuals experiencing domestic abuse to safely contact helplines and support services [2].
These safe spaces in East Riding are part of the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign, which aims to provide accessible and confidential support for those experiencing domestic violence. Businesses participating in the initiative designate private areas where individuals can safely contact helplines, support services, or loved ones without fear [2]. This model demonstrates that with proper support and training, businesses can play a crucial role in creating community safety nets for vulnerable individuals.
For addiction recovery, this model could be adapted by identifying businesses willing to designate private spaces where individuals can discreetly access recovery resources. These spaces would need to be accessible during regular business hours, offer privacy, and be staffed by individuals trained to respond appropriately to recovery support requests.
To incentivize business participation, several approaches could be effective:
Recognition as community partners in recovery through local media and health networks
Inclusion in local health and wellbeing initiatives and directories
Training opportunities that benefit staff beyond the safe space initiative
Window decals or subtle signage that identifies the business as a recovery-friendly space
The key to successful implementation lies in providing comprehensive training for participating businesses. Based on the domestic abuse safe spaces model, effective training protocols would include:
Initial 3-4 hour workshop covering addiction basics, stigma awareness, recognition of coded language, and appropriate response protocols
Role-playing scenarios to practice responses to various situations that might arise
Regular refresher sessions (quarterly) to maintain skills and address any challenges
Designated staff champions who receive additional training and serve as on-site experts
Clear documentation of procedures and contact information for local recovery services
Trauma-informed approach training to ensure interactions are sensitive and supportive
Crisis recognition and de-escalation techniques to help staff respond appropriately to individuals in distress
Confidentiality protocols to ensure privacy and build trust with individuals seeking support
Councillor Lyn Healing, cabinet member for communities and public protection in East Yorkshire, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: "I would encourage local businesses to create their own safe spaces. It's a simple step that could make a huge difference to someone in need" [1]. This sentiment applies equally to creating recovery-friendly spaces that could transform lives in Essex communities.
Integrating Peer Recovery Specialists within Community Safe Spaces
One of the most powerful adaptations of the domestic abuse safe space model for addiction recovery would be the integration of peer recovery specialists—individuals with lived experience of addiction who are trained to support others on their recovery journey.
Daviess Community Hospital offers an instructive example of how peer recovery specialists can be effectively deployed. They've expanded their Peer Recovery Services program to provide on-site support for patients struggling with substance use disorder across all hospital departments [3]. This ensures individuals receive timely access to personalised support from someone who truly understands their experience.
The Daviess model demonstrates how peer specialists can work collaboratively with providers, nurses, social workers, and care teams to guide patients towards healing [3]. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals receive consistent, recovery-focused care that addresses their specific needs and circumstances.
"The team will collaborate directly with providers, nurses, social workers, and care teams to guide patients towards healing," explained the hospital's leadership when announcing the expanded program [3]. This integration model shows how peer support can enhance rather than replace professional services, creating a more comprehensive support network.
In the context of Essex recovery safe spaces, peer recovery specialists would serve multiple critical functions:
Initial Assessment and Support: When someone accesses a safe space seeking recovery help, peer specialists could provide immediate emotional support and conduct informal needs assessments to determine appropriate next steps.
Navigation Assistance: Peer specialists would help individuals navigate the often complex landscape of recovery services in Essex, including treatment options, mutual aid groups, and community resources.
Lived Experience Perspective: By sharing their own recovery journeys, peer specialists offer hope and practical insights that professional support alone cannot provide.
Bridging Services: They would serve as a bridge between community safe spaces and formal treatment services, helping to ensure warm handoffs and continuity of care.
Community Building: Peer specialists would help connect individuals to the broader recovery community in Essex, reducing isolation and building support networks.
The Essex Recovery Foundation could play a pivotal role in training and coordinating peer recovery specialists across the county, ensuring consistent quality of support while leveraging the powerful impact of lived experience in the recovery process. In fact, the foundation has already established a team of Community Researchers with lived experience of addiction who engage with the recovery community to ensure their experiences inform the commissioning process in Essex [8]. This existing framework provides an excellent foundation for expanding into peer support within safe spaces.
"Your experiences of addiction can make a real difference." — Essex Recovery Foundation Community Research Initiative [8]
The integration of peer specialists would align perfectly with ERF's emphasis on incorporating lived experiences into service development. Their Community Researchers already gather insights from the recovery community, which inform discussions and decisions within the Community Voice forum. This approach ensures that services are empathetic, effective, and rooted in real experiences [10].
Addressing Dual Vulnerabilities: Mental Health Support in Recovery Safe Spaces
Any adaptation of safe space models for addiction recovery must address the significant overlap between substance misuse and mental health challenges. Government statistics reveal that 72% of adults entering addiction treatment reported a need for mental health services, underscoring the intertwined nature of these issues [4].
This striking statistic highlights the critical importance of designing recovery safe spaces that can address both addiction and mental health needs simultaneously. The high percentage of dual needs suggests that single-focus support models may be insufficient for many individuals seeking recovery [4].
Examining the demographic breakdown from the government statistics provides additional insight: young adults (18-24) entering treatment are particularly likely to present with co-occurring mental health needs (78%), while women in treatment report slightly higher rates of mental health needs (75%) compared to men (71%) [4]. These variations highlight the importance of tailoring support approaches to different demographic groups within safe spaces.
Treatment outcomes data also reveals that individuals with co-occurring mental health needs have lower successful completion rates (45%) compared to those without mental health needs (54%) [4]. This 9 percentage point difference underscores the importance of integrated support that addresses both issues simultaneously to improve recovery outcomes. The data further shows that this completion gap is consistent across different substance groups, with alcohol users showing a 48% vs. 61% completion rate difference and opiate users showing a 24% vs. 32% difference between those with and without mental health needs [4].
The understanding that trauma and addiction are deeply intertwined has led to the widespread adoption of trauma-informed care in recovery settings. This approach emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, enhancing treatment outcomes by addressing underlying trauma [13]. Implementing trauma-informed care principles within recovery safe spaces would create environments that acknowledge and address the complex needs of individuals seeking help.
Safe spaces could incorporate basic mental health support through several approaches:
Training staff to recognise signs of mental health crisis and respond appropriately
Providing direct connections to mental health helplines and services
Offering resources that address both addiction and mental health concerns
Creating calm, low-stimulation environments that reduce anxiety for vulnerable individuals
Developing clear referral pathways to mental health professionals when needed
By acknowledging and addressing the dual nature of many individuals' struggles, recovery safe spaces can provide more comprehensive and effective support than single-focus models. This integrated approach aligns with current best practices in addiction treatment, which increasingly recognize the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions as part of the recovery process.
The Essex Recovery Foundation has already recognized this need through their establishment of recovery spaces across Essex, including locations in Chelmsford, Basildon, Colchester, Harlow, Rayleigh, and Thurrock. These spaces offer activities such as fortnightly walks, workshops, ultra challenges, gong baths, and meditation groups that support both recovery and mental wellbeing [9].
As one participant shared: "I am slowly starting to like myself again. I am more confident, much happier and my mental health has improved. This is largely down to not just the staff and volunteers at Essex Recovery Foundation, but the recovery community that is building in Essex." — Steve from West Essex [9]
Balancing Visibility and Confidentiality in Recovery Support Spaces
One of the most interesting paradoxes in adapting domestic abuse safe space models for addiction recovery is how discreet, confidential spaces can actually increase the visibility of recovery in communities. The UK SAYS NO MORE campaign demonstrates this balance effectively, providing a visible network of support locations while maintaining confidential, private assistance for individuals experiencing domestic violence [5].
The campaign's approach shows how a formalized, visible network of support locations can coexist with confidential, private assistance for individuals. This model demonstrates how recovery support can become more visible at a community level while maintaining the privacy needed by individuals—a balance that could be particularly valuable in addressing addiction stigma [5].
For addiction recovery, this balance is equally important. While individuals need privacy when seeking help, the visible presence of recovery-friendly spaces throughout a community helps normalise recovery and reduces stigma over time. Businesses participating in a recovery safe space network could implement several discreet indicators of their involvement:
Subtle Window Symbols: A small, recognisable symbol (perhaps a blue dot or stylised 'R') that wouldn't draw attention from the general public but would be known to those seeking support
Information Cards: Discreet cards placed near counters or in restrooms with coded language about 'wellbeing resources' that include contact information for recovery services
Digital Presence: A special section on business websites or social media profiles that indicates participation in the recovery-friendly initiative without explicitly advertising it to all customers
Staff Identifiers: Subtle pins or badges worn by trained staff members that signal to those 'in the know' that recovery support is available
This visibility-confidentiality balance aligns perfectly with the Essex Recovery Foundation's mission to make recovery visible while providing accessible, empathetic support. By creating a network of clearly identified but discreetly accessible recovery safe spaces, the foundation can advance both aspects of its mission simultaneously.
The impact of this visibility is powerfully articulated by Andy, a member of the Essex recovery community: "Essex Recovery Foundation are making recovery visible and when something is visible it becomes attainable and achievable and I truly believe this will inspire others who are struggling to join us." [9]
Community Concerns and Mitigation Strategies for Recovery Safe Spaces
Implementing recovery safe spaces will inevitably raise concerns within some communities. Recent news from Midlothian highlights how community resistance can impact addiction support initiatives, with officials citing 'community disquiet' as a reason for not proceeding with plans for drug consumption rooms [6].
While recovery safe spaces are fundamentally different from consumption facilities, this example underscores the importance of proactive community engagement and education. The Midlothian case demonstrates that even when evidence supports the effectiveness of an intervention, community acceptance remains a critical factor in successful implementation [6]. This highlights the need for careful positioning and community involvement from the earliest planning stages.
The scale of the challenge in Essex is significant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Essex experienced a 76.62% increase in drug-related arrests, rising from 4,111 prior to the pandemic to 7,261 in 2020/21 [17]. This dramatic increase underscores both the growing need for recovery support and the potential for community concerns about drug-related activity.
Potential concerns might include fears about increased drug activity near businesses, concerns about staff capacity to handle crisis situations, or misconceptions about the nature of addiction and recovery.
Effective mitigation strategies include:
Clear communication about what recovery safe spaces are (and aren't)
Involvement of community members in planning and implementation
Sharing success stories from similar initiatives
Emphasising the community-wide benefits of supporting recovery
Starting with pilot programmes in receptive communities before broader rollout
Providing regular updates and transparency about the initiative's impact
Addressing misconceptions about addiction through education and awareness campaigns
Highlighting the economic benefits of supporting recovery, including reduced crime and healthcare costs
Community-based support programs, including peer support groups and community organizations, are becoming integral to addiction recovery. These programs reduce stigma, foster connection, and provide ongoing encouragement, contributing to sustained recovery [14]. By fostering community-led projects and expanding recovery spaces across Essex, the Essex Recovery Foundation can strengthen its network of support while addressing potential community concerns through direct involvement and education.
The Essex Recovery Foundation has already established a framework for community involvement through their Community Voice forum, a quarterly gathering that empowers individuals with lived experience of addiction to influence the commissioning and delivery of drug and alcohol services in Essex. Participants discuss community needs, review information, define strategic outcomes, and allocate funding to services [10]. This existing structure could be leveraged to address community concerns about safe spaces and ensure that implementation is guided by those with direct experience of addiction and recovery.
Sustainable Funding Models for Community Recovery Safe Spaces
Creating and maintaining a network of recovery safe spaces requires sustainable funding approaches. The Society Without Abuse (SWA) charity shop model offers an interesting example of how social enterprise can support community initiatives. SWA is opening its second charity shop to expand its work supporting individuals recovering from trauma of abuse, with proceeds directly funding their support programmes [7].
This social enterprise approach demonstrates how charitable retail operations can generate sustainable funding for support services while simultaneously increasing community presence and awareness. The SWA model shows that such initiatives can be scaled over time, with their second shop opening in the town where the charity started 50 years ago, creating both funding streams and visible community presence [7].
For recovery safe spaces, similar social enterprise approaches could include:
Recovery-friendly cafés or shops that generate revenue while providing safe spaces
Partnership models where businesses contribute to a central fund supporting the network
Grant funding combined with community fundraising initiatives
Integration with existing public health funding streams
Corporate sponsorship programs that recognize business contributions
The global addiction treatment market is projected to reach US $31.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.50% [14]. This growth reflects increasing recognition of addiction as a public health priority and suggests potential for increased funding opportunities for innovative community-based approaches like recovery safe spaces.
The Essex Recovery Foundation has already established a dedicated funding initiative through the Essex Recovery Fund, which supports community projects led by individuals in recovery. The fund focuses on projects that benefit the recovery community, including existing valued services and initiatives aimed at reaching diverse groups. Preference is given to projects led by people in recovery, with typical funding ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 [11]. This existing funding structure could potentially be expanded or adapted to support the development of recovery safe spaces across Essex.
Digital Enhancement of Recovery Safe Spaces
The integration of digital health technologies could significantly enhance the effectiveness and reach of recovery safe spaces. Recent innovations in home-based treatment programs, such as Nest Health's Rooted Recovery program, demonstrate how technology can provide comprehensive support that extends beyond traditional treatment settings [18].
The Nest Health program incorporates medical, behavioural, and social care for families, offering a fully integrated care model that extends beyond addiction treatment to include primary care, chronic condition management, mental health services, and social care [18]. This comprehensive approach shows how digital platforms can address the complex, interconnected needs of individuals in recovery.
Specific digital tools that could be incorporated into recovery safe spaces include:
Secure video conferencing: Platforms like AccuRx or Attend Anywhere, which are already used within the NHS, could be installed on dedicated tablets within safe spaces, allowing immediate connection to recovery specialists
Recovery tracking apps: Applications such as Recoverlution or Sober Time could be pre-loaded onto devices in safe spaces, providing individuals with tools to monitor their progress and access community support
Resource directories: Digital catalogs of local recovery services, meeting schedules, and support options could be made available through touchscreen interfaces in safe spaces
Anonymous chat support: Integration with text-based support services would allow individuals to communicate with peer supporters or counselors without speaking aloud in public spaces
Telehealth consultations: Following the Nest Health model, safe spaces could offer access to remote clinical assessments and ongoing monitoring services
These digital enhancements would be particularly valuable for individuals in remote areas of Essex or those with mobility challenges, extending the reach of recovery support beyond physical locations. They would also appeal to younger individuals seeking recovery, who often prefer digital engagement as an entry point to services.
Conclusion: Creating a Recovery-Friendly Essex
Adapting domestic abuse safe space models for addiction recovery represents a promising approach to addressing one of the most significant barriers to recovery—the fear of stigma and judgment when seeking help. By creating discreet entry points to support throughout Essex communities, we can help individuals take those crucial first steps toward recovery before reaching crisis point.
The success of such an initiative will depend on thoughtful adaptation of existing models, strong community engagement, integration of peer support, attention to mental health needs, and sustainable funding approaches. With careful implementation, recovery safe spaces could transform how addiction support is accessed across Essex, making recovery both more visible and more accessible for all who need it.
Looking to the future, the integration of digital health technologies could further enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of recovery safe spaces. By adopting telehealth services and developing dedicated mobile applications, the Essex Recovery Foundation can extend its reach to individuals in remote areas of Essex, providing continuous support and resources beyond physical locations [15].
The Essex Recovery Foundation, with its commitment to making recovery visible and creating supportive communities, is ideally positioned to lead this innovative approach. By bringing together businesses, peer supporters, and community members in a coordinated network of recovery safe spaces, the foundation can help create an Essex where seeking recovery support is normalised, accessible, and free from stigma.
As Faye from North Essex eloquently stated: "Meeting people in recovery, in visible, accessible spaces and venues with an attitude of openness, has meant so much to me personally." [9] This powerful testimony underscores the transformative potential of creating recovery-friendly spaces throughout Essex communities.
For those interested in supporting this initiative, consider these practical next steps:
Businesses can reach out to the Essex Recovery Foundation to explore becoming a recovery-friendly space
Individuals with lived experience of addiction can join the Community Voice forum to help shape the development of safe spaces
Community members can volunteer with the Essex Recovery Foundation to support recovery initiatives
Healthcare professionals can help identify potential safe space locations in their communities
Everyone can contribute to reducing stigma by speaking openly and compassionately about addiction and recovery
Together, we can create an Essex where recovery is visible, supported, and accessible to all who need it.
Our Opinion
We firmly believe that making recovery visible and accessible within our communities is essential to breaking down stigma and helping people find the support they need. Creating discreet, welcoming spaces where individuals can take the first step towards recovery, free from judgment, aligns perfectly with our mission. We see the potential in embedding support within everyday places – like local businesses, cafes, or libraries – using simple, coded approaches that allow someone to quietly signal they are seeking help. This isn't just about providing a physical location; it's about weaving recovery support into the fabric of community life across Essex, making it a natural and attainable option for anyone who needs it.
Our approach to these community-embedded spaces would naturally centre on the power of lived experience. We would ensure that peer recovery specialists are integral to this model, offering empathetic guidance and connecting individuals to the wider recovery community and resources, including support for mental wellbeing which we know is often intertwined with addiction. Balancing visibility – letting people know these safe options exist – with the confidentiality needed for that crucial first step is key, and we are confident we can achieve this through thoughtful design and training. By working closely with local partners and the community itself, we can build a network that not only offers vital support but also fosters greater understanding and social connection throughout Essex, demonstrating that hope and connection are always within reach." }
About the Author
Laurence Hickmott is a key figure at the Essex Recovery Foundation, contributing significantly to the organisation's mission of building a visible recovery community. With deep expertise in community-led recovery initiatives and lived experience integration, Laurence has been instrumental in developing programs that empower individuals affected by addiction to influence service delivery and transform perceptions of recovery across Essex.
References
Domestic abuse victims offered safe spaces in East Yorkshire shops, BBC News
East Riding Firms Create High Street 'Safe Spaces' for Individuals Experiencing Domestic Abuse, This Is The Coast
Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2023 to 2024: report, UK Government Statistics
Safe Spaces, UK SAYS NO MORE
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Domestic abuse charity opens second shop to help expand work, BBC News
Community Research, Essex Recovery Foundation
Testimonials, Essex Recovery Foundation
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Recovery Support Services and Lived Experience Initiatives, UK Government
The Top Trends in Addiction and Mental Health Treatment in 2024, Recovery Inside Out
Addiction Treatment Market is set to Reach US $31.4 billion at a CAGR of 5.50% from the forecast period 2023 to 2031, Globe Newswire
United Kingdom Addiction Treatment Market, Credence Research
Drug Testing on Arrest, Essex Police
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Nest Health introduces home-based opioid addiction treatment programme, Yahoo Finance