Since August last year, Zen Rebel Studios has been occupying one corner of The Hollies, Midsomer Norton. Business owner Lucy has turned things around since working in the pub trade for over a decade, opening the only gluten-free cafe in Somerset and switching her focus to health and wellbeing.
Since opening, the former ‘Feet 1st 4u’ building has seen some changes. A new studio has opened for yoga and pilates workshops, and ‘enlighten sessions’ are hosted for home educated children to socialise with others. The two hour sessions are followed by a group yoga session, and ran by a former primary school SEN teacher. These sessions will soon be hosted three times a week.
On top of this, the space offers a monthly book club and open mic night as well as craft workshops.
Cementing itself as an up-and-coming community hub, Zen Rebel Studios have now started running weekly Alcoholics Anonymuous meetings on a Monday evening.
Lucy explained, “I was a landlady for over a decade in Midsomer Norton. My pub closed around seven years ago and I’ve been gradually moving away from that ever since. I’ve been slowly moving away from that hedonistic lifestyle to a holistic one. I’ve now been sober for 240 days.”
“There was only one AA meeting here a week before we started on the 30th of January”.
Lucy then further explained the process of the meetings.
“We are hosting a closed session for three weeks of the month, which is exclusively for people affected by alcoholism. Then the last Monday of the month is an open session, so people who need to support others that are struggling with addiction, or want some advice, or to come with someone who is too afraid to come alone, can do so.”
The group is based around the twelve step programme, but without the ‘traditional setting’ of an AA meeting.
“It’s not run like a doctors surgery or support group with fluorescent lights... We have very good coffee, and it’s run by people who have been the enablers of the past, trying to rectify that by enabling a healthier lifestyle”.
Lucy tells that part of recovery is about finding other things to do, and that it’s important to surround yourself with a communitty that is positive.
“You can come in here - not just on a Monday - knowing that alcohol isn’t going to be an element. You can come in and just hang out. We have lots on through the week, so it’s never boring.”
The meetings are open to everyone who may need them. There are no need for referrals, anyone struggling can just turn up to the sessions on a Monday from 6:30pm.
“I know it’s a small town and it’s right in the centre, but anonymity is hugely important. We do meet in the cafe so that it’s a comfortable environment, but all the blinds are closed so nobody can see in.”
“Anything we do to make people see that there is an alternative way, a more laid-back way, of coming to talk about changing your habits and learning, is a positive step.”
“It is well worth coming and listening to the advice”.
Zen Rebel Studios run a plethora of health and wellbeing classes and workshops, as well as one-to-one treatments.
“The important thing to remember with our facility, is that it’s a safe space. Every treatment room has the same level of confidentiality as a doctor’s surgery.”
Watch the video below to hear Zen Rebel Studios' owner, Lucy, talk about the helpful new sessions: