Recovery Refuge

The Nest at Next Chapter provides specialist safe accommodation in North East Essex for women who are experiencing domestic abuse and substance use challenges. Delivered by Next Chapter, and supported by Open Road, The Nest offers a secure, trauma-informed environment where women can rebuild their lives with safety, stability, and support.

A Safe & Supportive Space

The Nest is a homely and welcoming environment, designed to provide both privacy and community support. Our facilities include:

• Secure premises with staff on site 24/7

• Nine well equipped self-contained flatlets

• Communal lounge and enclosed private garden

• Multiple interventions all under one roof

• Professional, trauma informed and caring staff (24/7)

Specialist Recovery Support

We understand that recovery is about more than just therapy – it’s about rediscovering joy, purpose, and independence. The Nest provides a residential structured recovery programme, including:

• One-to-one and group therapy to help process trauma and build resilience

• Domestic abuse education and support, helping residents regain control of their future

• Specialist addiction recovery support, including in house prescribing clinic provided by Essex STaRS

• Ambulatory detox where appropriate in partnership with Essex STaRS, ensuring a safe medical transition into recovery

• Peer mentoring and resettlement services to empower residents in their next steps

Holistic Wellbeing Activities

Healing at The Nest goes beyond therapy. We offer a range of wellbeing activities to promote confidence, self-care, and emotional resilience, including:

• Creative activities – art, gardening, and dance  

• Fitness & movement – yoga, self-defence, Cage Fitness, and Walk & Talk therapy

• Life skills training – budgeting, cookery, social skills, and volunteering opportunities

• Ongoing recovery support – mutual aid, peer-led groups, and access to the Essex Recovery Foundation

A Typical Day at The Nest

All residents receive a personalised timetable, balancing structure with free time. A typical day includes:

• Morning check-in

• One-to-one keyworker support

• Recovery group session

• Personal development & life skills training

• Evening social events – film nights, games, pampering sessions

A full programme of support is usually around six months and residents will be supported with suitable ongoing housing options and will be provided with resettlement support, as well as longer term community support for those settling locally.

Referral Criteria

Women who are domestic abuse victims and require support with recovery from substance misuse.

Referral Process

If you are a professional please complete the on line referral form or call us to discuss suitability.  

If your client is accepted we can assist with travel arrangements to The Nest.

Funding

Essex residents will be fully funded for their stay at The Nest – we have 4 beds for Essex residents at any one time.

The remaining 5 beds are available for referrals from out of Essex – local community drug and alcohol support services usually have funding arrangements to help people into residential support.  

If you wish to pay privately for yours or someone else’s residential support the costs are around £14,850 for 90 days. (6 months is recommended to complete a full programme of support).  

A Survivor’s Perspective

It is like winning the lottery, but better. Being here has given me my life back and has provided me with life skills. – Former resident

Without The Nest, I wouldn’t be here today. They saved my life. - Former resident

The Nest saved my life and provided me with a new way of thinking – Former resident

The staff are amazing, supportive and will go above and beyond – Former resident  

Please check back soon to visit our new The Nest website.

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