• 23 Hitchin Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 3BJ
  • Admissions

Jess Ryder-Smith

  • Hi, I'm Jess and I have been in recovery for nearly three years. In January 2023, I realised I had no other option other than to seek help.

Short Biography

I went into CA and developed a sense of community in the rooms and this was the start of my recovery journey.

I heard about Abbington House through fellows I’d met in my CA meetings and heard about the work they were going to do here. I just wanted to volunteer to begin with; the idea of working with people struggling with addiction and being in an environment that helps others really appealed to me. However, I was lucky enough to become a member of staff after my second shift here, and to give back to people who are in real need, brings me so much joy.

I have been working here since Abbington House opened. Being able to be there for the clients and to see them grow; seeing the changes that they go through from start to finishing their treatment is an absolute privilege to be part of. I now see lots of our ex-clients at meetings, and they are thriving. It is amazing to know that Abbington House can give life back to others.

I am in education now and have completed my Level 2 in Counselling Skills (2025). I am working on my Level 3 and very much hope to go on to get my Level 4. To be back in education after years of being a prisoner to addiction is a dream come true. To be in an environment that not only nurtures its clients, but its staff is a blessing. Abbington House truly saves lives, touches the hearts of many and I am so thankful to be able to come to work here every day.