New weekly addiction recovery meeting starting in Laois

Counselling services available over Christmas.

placeholder image — Counselling services available over Christmas.

A support group for families and friends will run alongside the weekly meetings in Portlaoise

A new weekly Recovery Meeting is being launched in Laois in the New Year.

The ARC Project (Addiction Recovery Community) is launching a new weekly community based recovery meeting in Portlaoise, offering a welcoming space for people in recovery from addiction, and anyone seeking to strengthen their recovery, in a supportive community setting.

ARC’s approach blends peer support with practical tools including creativity, embodiment practices, journalling, and guided self-reflection, giving participants something real to take into everyday life.

All ARC meetings and workshops are free to attend, confidential, and open to the wider community. ARC advises a level of commitment where possible so participants can get the full benefit of the programmes.

Co-founder of The ARC Project, Michelle Robertson said: “2025 was an amazing year for ARC — we’ve seen what’s possible when community comes together with hope, honesty, and real support. In 2026, our plan is to expand what we offer, because the need is there and people deserve options that work for them.”

“Our meetings and workshops are free to attend, but we do advise a level of commitment if you want to get the real benefit. And we’re not here to reinvent the wheel — the ARC approach is to look at what’s already out there, identify what’s missing, fill the gaps, and join the dots for people in a practical way.”

The Recovery Meeting is led by qualified facilitators and Recovery Coaches, with ARC’s model shaped by lived experience and grounded in dignity, safety and community connection.

ARC also underlined that the organisation remains entirely voluntary. “We’re 100% volunteer-led and there are no paid staff,” Ms Robertson said. “We genuinely can’t do this without support — from local partners, businesses, funders, and individuals who believe recovery belongs in the heart of the community.”

Alongside the Recovery Meeting, ARC confirmed its Family and Friends Support Group will also resume on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:15pm in Room 4 at Laois.

Details are available on the website www.thearcproject.ie

ARC encourages anyone interested in attending to get in touch directly for information on the meeting format, suitability, and what to expect on the first night.

The Recovery Meeting begins in Laois Partnership, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise (Room 2) on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7.15pm.