New Leaf Testimonials

Dear all at New Leaf,

Thank You

For helping so many people, including myself, begin a new journey towards finding peace. The kindness, patience, tolerance and compassion I was shown here will not be forgotten. 

I can only hope that I will one day be able to give back even a fraction of the gift I was freely given here - the gift of hope for a new life.

Gratefully yours,

"My time at New Leaf changed my outlook on life. I went into treatment feeling completely lost, trapped in the cycle of what had become my day. Over the course of my stay, waking up in the safe environment of a recovery centre became less about my immediate situation and more about setting up a foundation for an attainable, healthier future. The in-depth, person-centred care that I received gave me the tools I use today to face a world that I had previously given up on both mentally and physically.

The team are an absolute powerhouse of recovery professionals and each bring their own specific set of skills to the table; as I spent time within the centre, I learned to appreciate each individual's understanding of life in recovery and how their professional practice was nuanced by their personality. Listening to experienced staff members who truly care about the people who they look after and work alongside has altered my perception of the future and I simply cannot put into words the gratitude I feel towards the individuals that helped me see reality for what it truly is."

"Today I am 14 months sober! When I came to New Leaf on 06/09/21 I couldn't have imagined even getting through one day without a drink. I still think about New Leaf regularly because even though I was only there for 10 days, the things I learnt and support I received changed my life.

New Leaf gave me the light bulb moment that I was not alone and brought me to AA. I have been a part of the fellowship since and it has offered me so much more than I could have imagined. I still work for the NHS as a Radiotherapist but I have started addiction recovery coaching in my spare time.

In the last year, I have been able to watch my brother get married and was a "best man" for my best friend (and managed to do a speech). I couldn't have imagined doing any of these things without a drink. Me and my boyfriend are better than ever and have found a new love for travel. I've realised I never even enjoyed holidays when I was drinking because all I thought about was the next drink.

I just want to send a heartfelt thank you to John and all the staff. You all helped me in ways you will never know. I hope I get to see you all again sometime if you do another reunion!"

“New Leaf is an outstanding treatment facility; all the staff were extremely helpful and supportive. I found the counselling and group sessions excellent”

“New Leaf felt like a home from home – I feel blessed. During my time here I felt listened to, respected and above all, safe”

“I’m so glad I chose New Leaf to start my recovery journey. There was no mollycoddling; they were direct and straight talking but caring – exactly what I needed”

“All the staff and volunteers are amazing. The group sessions were fantastic – I learnt so much even in a short space of time. New Leaf literally saved my life – thank you from the bottom of my heart”

“I was impressed with the standards which were high; and very professional”

“I learned a lot more about myself at New Leaf than I have at any other rehab. Within a short time of arriving here, I felt at home. I firmly believe that New Leaf provides a much needed service, and does so in an excellent way”

“I’ve got to be honest – I hated it when I first came in and started my detox! But I’m going away with nothing but gratitude and respect for New Leaf and what they have done for me”

“Listening to others share their experiences at New Leaf gives you hope – you realise you are not alone and you can change your life with the support of others – it’s never too late”

“The food was great – I hadn’t eaten properly for months before I came into New Leaf and now I’m back to three healthy meals a day!”

“New Leaf got me in so quickly – my parents spoke to staff who dealt with things efficiently and within two hours I had been admitted”

“I expected my time at New Leaf would involve a lot of pain and confusion – climbing the mountain again. I was experiencing a complete void in my life and felt totally disconnected from myself. Being at New Leaf has been a magical journey, for which I will be eternally grateful. I felt totally safe to explore what was going on for me. Also, the mediation with my family was superb. The facilitator was able to shine a light on all my behaviours in relation to being an addict”

“Rehab at New Leaf was totally different to what I expected – in a good way. It is a very homely and loving environment and I feel physically and emotionally better since my stay”

“I felt treated as an individual throughout my whole time at New Leaf”

“I had a lot of sensitive issues to deal with on arriving at New Leaf. All the staff were extremely caring and supportive. My key-worker was great – so approachable and patient. I believe coming to New Leaf was the best decision I have ever made”

“The New Leaf treatment programme tested me in ways I have never been tested before – mainly in being honest – firstly with myself and then with others around me. Being at New Leaf has given me the belief and the tools to go on and have a clean and sober life – something I never thought possible for someone like me”

“All I wanted to do for the first three days was go home…but I’m soooo glad I stayed! The staff and my peers were so welcoming and supportive that I stuck it out and I feel so lucky I was able to have the opportunity to complete my treatment at New Leaf. For once in my life I’m proud of myself”

“New Leaf is an exceptional facility – and I have been to a few. Its flexible and personal approach, whilst tackling the fundamental issues of addiction, make this first stage process as comfortable as could be hoped for”

“I have been in and out of rehab during my life, and I can honestly say New Leaf is the best I have experienced.  Staff were incredibly considerate of my needs and both chefs took great care with my dietary requirements. The environment is friendly and homely yet extremely professional. Superb facility”

“I really didn’t think I was going to like New Leaf but it is a friendly, comforting and knowledgeable place where my understanding of my addiction was clearly and sympathetically explained – I never felt judged. I learnt so much while I was there and would have really like to have stayed longer”

“I really liked the fact that New Leaf introduced me to recovery meetings within the community – it made it easier for me to carry this on when I got home and I now have a network of support that I didn’t have before which makes all the difference”

“I’ve been in rehabs before, but New Leaf is the only one that made me feel positive about myself, and I was able to lay a strong enough foundation to move on and stay clean. I still feel supported by them even after completing my treatment, which is vitally important”

“I originally admitted to New Leaf for a two week detox as I was so anxious and fearful, but the staff were brilliant in convincing me to extend my treatment and I ended up graduating after six weeks! I’m so glad I did as otherwise I would have only scratched the surface of all the issues underlying my addiction, and I definitely wouldn’t still be clean today. The New Leaf team did not put any pressure on me to stay, they just guided and supported me in coming to the decision myself and I’m so grateful”