Meetings | Solid Ground

Our Weekly Meetings

Solid Ground meets every Monday evening at Hurlford Community Centre. Our meetings are for adults living with the effects of difficult childhoods, family problems, addiction, trauma or relationships that continue to affect their lives.

Some people talk during their first meeting, while others need time to get used to the room before they speak. You can take part in whatever way feels manageable, including sitting quietly and listening.

Two types of Mondays

Solid Ground will alternate between Sharing Meetings and Programme Meetings. At present, we are running Sharing Meetings each Monday while the Solid Ground Programme is being developed:

Sharing Meetings

Sharing Meetings give members time to talk about what is happening in their lives and how it is affecting them. Each person is given space to speak without interruption, judgement or unwanted advice.

You can share as much or as little as you choose. You will not be asked to explain your past or discuss anything you would rather keep private. Listening is also a way of taking part, especially while you are getting to know the group.

Programme Meetings (coming 2027)

Programme Meetings will look at some of the ways difficult or unstable experiences can continue to affect us as adults. The sessions will cover subjects including boundaries, emotional responses, confidence, relationships and the habits we developed to help us cope.

The programme is currently being written and will begin when it is ready. More information will be added to the website before the first Programme Meeting takes place.

Who comes to our meetings

People come to Solid Ground for many different reasons. You may recognise some of these experiences:

You grew up around alcohol or drug misuse, anger, neglect or family conflict.
Your childhood home felt chaotic or unpredictable.
You are always watching other people’s moods and trying to prevent problems.
You find it difficult to say no, ask for help or admit when something has hurt you.
You feel responsible for other people and what happens in their lives.
You keep going until you are exhausted because stopping does not feel like an option.
You feel anxious, overwhelmed, isolated or unable to switch off.
You have found clinical or traditional services difficult to access or unsuitable for the support you need.

You do not need a diagnosis or referral to attend Solid Ground. It is a walk-in group, so you can come along without booking.

What to expect on arrival

One of our volunteers will welcome you and explain how the meeting works. We use first names only, and you can sit wherever you feel most comfortable.

You will not be asked to stand up, tell your story or explain why you have come. You can speak during the meeting, listen without speaking or step outside for a few minutes if you need a break.

Members are given time to speak without interruption. We do not judge one another or give advice unless somebody has asked for it. What people share during a meeting is treated as confidential.

When and Where

Every Monday from 12 January 2026

7.30pm to 9.00pm
Hurlford Community Centre
Cessnock Road, KA1 5DD

Free to attend and no referral needed.

Your First Visit

Walking into a room full of strangers can be difficult, particularly when you are used to keeping personal matters private or dealing with everything on your own.

You can sit near the door if that helps, listen for the whole meeting or leave before the end if you become uncomfortable. Nobody will draw attention to you or press you to take part.

If you’d like to ask anything before coming, you can contact us at any time.