Introducing Community Discovery and Recovery Services

We are pleased to announce that Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (CDARS) has become Community Discovery and Recovery Services.

This change of name reflects the natural evolution of our organisation and the wider range of support we now provide. CDARS began 40 years ago as a psychosocial service supporting individuals experiencing substance and alcohol misuse issues, as well as their families and loved ones.

Over the decades, we have continued to grow and develop in response to the needs of the communities we serve. Today, our work extends across mental health, neurodiversity, and substance and alcohol misuse, providing compassionate, person-centred support to individuals, families, and communities.

While our name has changed, our commitment remains the same. Our ethos, values, and dedication to helping people discover their strengths, build recovery, and achieve their goals continue to guide everything we do.

We look forward to this next chapter as Community Discovery and Recovery Services, continuing to provide support, understanding, and hope to those who need us.

020 85404023

info@cdars.org.uk

The CDARS’ Adult Adoptee Circle in merton

Name: CDARS
Address: 296a Kingston Road, London, SW20 8LX, United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 85404023
Rating: 5

A Therapeutic Space for Adult Adoptees

The Adult Adoptee Circle is a compassionate and inclusive therapeutic space created specifically for adult adoptees. We understand that adoption is a lifelong journey—one that can profoundly shape identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. This service provides a safe, trauma-informed environment where adoptees can explore their stories, process complex emotions, and find a sense of belonging.

What We Offer

Weekly therapeutic group sessions, including both drop-in and closed group options
One-to-one counselling with a therapist who has lived experience of adoption
Opportunities for reflection, connection, and healing within a supportive adoptee community

Our Aims

To reconnect adoptees with their self-worth and inner resilience
To offer tools for navigating grief, loss, and identity challenges
To reduce isolation and shame through authentic connection
To empower adoptees to reclaim their narratives and thrive

Who Can Join?

This service is open to adult adoptees aged 18 and over, at any stage of their adoption journey—whether adopted domestically or internationally, with or without contact with birth or adoptive families.

We warmly welcome individuals from all walks of life, including:

LGBTQ+ adoptees
Transracial and intercultural adoptees
Those exploring their cultural, racial, or spiritual identities

Where We Are

The Adult Adoptee Circle is held at the Sunshine Recovery Café and is available to residents of the following boroughs:

Wandsworth
Kingston
Richmond
Merton
Sutton

How to Access the Programme

To arrange for support, please get in touch with us:

Email: freddie.bicker@cdars.org.uk
Phone: 07830 052236

We accept self-referrals and professional referrals from GPs, social workers, therapists, and local services.

Programme Coordinator

Freddie Louise Bicker

Humanistic-Integrative Counsellor BSc(Hons) MBACP
Online and phone therapist BSc (Hons)
Trained at the Metanoia Institute
Interests - in Adoption, Attachment, Addiction and Mental Health

Freddie is a BACP-registered humanistic and integrative counsellor with a deep commitment to supporting adult adoptees. Drawing on her own lived experience and professional training, she works relationally with clients around issues of identity, belonging, and attachment. Her integrative approach weaves together Person-Centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Gestalt Therapy—grounded in empathy, attunement, and respect for each individual’s unique journey.