Thank you to all that attended our first annual alumni event at Abbington House on Wednesday 21st May. We are so incredibly proud of you all.
Last week, we hosted something truly special at Abbington House: our very first Annual Alumni event.
We know that recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends. The relationships formed here – between our clients, therapists and support staff – often run deeper than words can express. So, when the idea of bringing everyone back together for a day of celebration first came up, it felt like a natural extension of everything we stand for.
Still, we weren’t sure what to expect, but what unfolded was beyond anything we could have imagined.
A Beautiful Day in Every Way That Matters
The sun came out for us, but more importantly, so did the people. Former clients travelled in from across the UK to spend time with the very same team who supported them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Some brought partners, friends and family. Others arrived solo, but we were all here for the same reason.
Laughter echoed through the garden along with the occasional tear. But most of all, there was a sense of pride in how far everyone had come, and in the bravery it took for some of our ex-clients to talk openly about their experience with both addiction and recovery.
Food, Stories and the Power of Being Seen
Our kitchen team did us proud with a BBQ feast fit for a summer celebration: burgers, fresh salads and enough watermelon to feed the entire village of Stevenage.
Over plates of food and cups of squash, people shared stories of what life looks like now. The highs. The hard bits. The unexpected wins – and the daily reminders that recovery is real, but never linear.
For our staff, it was a rare and powerful reminder of the long-term impact that this work can have. In a field where progress is often quiet and deeply personal, seeing our alumni thriving was a gift we’ll never forget.
Marion, our head chef, put on an incredible show for all the guests and staff who attended on Thursday. Thank you for everything that you bring to Abbington House, you really are an incredible person.
More Than Just a Catch-Up
While the day was light-hearted and full of joy, it also held space for something deeper.
We hosted a number of guest speakers to come and talk about their experience of recovery (videos TBC) – giving people a chance to speak openly about their journey since leaving Abbington House. What stood out most wasn’t just the strength of their stories, but the deeper appreciation these brave individuals have towards the incredible staff here at Abbington House.
Why We’ll Keep Doing This
This was our first annual reunion event, and it certainly won’t be our last.
The sense of belonging we witnessed that day confirmed something we’ve always known in our hearts: that connection is the antidote to addiction. That when people feel seen, heard and supported – not just during treatment, but long after – it strengthens everything.
We also saw how powerful it is for current and future clients to know that a future exists beyond early recovery. That you can rebuild. That life doesn’t end when you ask for help, it begins.
To Everyone Who Came (Including Pets): Thank You
To our alumni who took the time, energy and courage to come back to Abbington House, thank you. Your presence meant more than you know. You showed up not just for yourselves, but for each other. You reminded us all of what’s possible.
To the families and loved ones who joined, thank you for your ongoing support, your trust, and your belief in the process.
And to our entire team – clinical staff, chefs, support workers, admin, volunteers – thank you for making the day what it was. The work you do behind the scenes matters and it really showed that day.
Stay Connected: You’re Always Welcome Here
Whether you’ve just finished treatment or it’s been a while since you left, Abbington House will always be here. You’re part of this community. And our door is always open – whether it’s for a check-in call, a friendly visit, or the next big Alumni event.
Until then, we hope you carry a little bit of that day with you. The laughter, the warmth, and the shared understanding that recovery is worth living for.
Here’s to many more.
With love,
The Abbington House Team
