New recovery group backed by House of The Vivienne launches in Liverpool

Liverpool is set to host a new substance misuse recovery support group, Stebriety, a peer-led initiative offering a safe and supportive space for people seeking recovery and connection.

Stebriety has the support and backing of House of The Vivienne, the charity established in memory of The Vivienne, reflecting the close personal connection between its founder, Steven Hulme, and James Lee Williams.

House of The Vivienne was founded by the family of James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, to support individuals affected by substance misuse and recovery, while also campaigning for greater awareness, harm reduction and change around drug classification.

Currently operating out of Williams’ hometown of Colwyn Bay, the charity has welcomed the launch of Stebriety in Liverpool, a city widely recognised as the place where The Vivienne’s drag career was born and flourished, and which played a central role in shaping their artistry and identity.

Chanel Williams, The Vivienne’s sister, said:

“James spent a significant part of his life in Liverpool and built deep connections within the city. As a family, we want to recognise and give back to the community that gave my brother so much inspiration and encouragement to chase his dreams.

We have been fully embraced by Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community, who continue to support us in our work, and we are proud to support initiatives like Stebriety that reflect the same values of care and community.”

Credit: Proudly Said The Guide Liverpool Stebriety — Credit: Proudly Said

Alongside its support work, House of The Vivienne continues to campaign for the reclassification of ketamine, currently a Class B drug. Possession can result in up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine, while supply or production carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.

The UK government is currently considering reclassification following a sharp rise in usage. In the year ending March 2024, an estimated 269,000 people aged 16–59 in England and Wales reported ketamine use in the last year, while the number of people entering treatment for ketamine-related problems has continued to grow.

The charity has met with MPs and government ministers to highlight the increasing prevalence of ketamine use, particularly among younger people and within LGBTQ+ communities, and to raise awareness of its long-term physical and mental health impacts.

Stebriety has been founded by Steven Hulme, a close friend of Williams, drawing on lived experience and a strong network of peer and community support.

Steven said:

“Losing my best friend was incredibly difficult, and I am so grateful for the support of James’s family, House of The Vivienne, and their partners Adferiad in helping create a positive pathway for others facing similar challenges.

Stebriety is about creating a safe, understanding space where people can talk openly about their experiences and support one another. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation, and no one should have to face it alone.”

The Stebriety recovery support group will launch in Liverpool on 12th February at Novotel Liverpool Centre, Hanover Street, L1 4LN. Further details about accessing the group will be shared ahead of the launch.