Stebriety: new peer-led recovery group to launch in Liverpool
The initiative is backed by charity House of The Vivienne - which launched last year in memory of the late Drag Race UK icon
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
Liverpool is preparing to host a new substance misuse recovery group - named Stebriety.
The peer-led initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for those seeking recovery and connections.
Stebriety has garnered the backing of House of The Vivienne, a charity established in memory of The Vivienne by the family of James Lee Williams, also known professionally as the Drag Race UK icon, The Vivienne.
Read more: One year on: remembering drag legend The Vivienne
This support reflects the personal connection between its founder Steven Hulme and Williams.
House of The Vivienne, currently operating out of Williams' hometown of Colwyn Bay, supports people affected by substance misuse while campaigning for increased awareness and changes to drug classification.
Liverpool holds a significant place in The Vivienne’s legacy, as it is where their drag career began and thrived.
Steven Hulme, a close friend of Williams, founded Stebriety drawing from personal experience and a network of peer support.
Chanel Williams, The Vivienne's sister, expressed gratitude for the support from the Liverpool LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging its inspiration in James’s life and their ongoing work in supporting initiatives like Stebriety.
She said: “James spent a significant part of his life in Liverpool and built deep connections within the city. As a family, we want to recognise and give back to the community that gave my brother so much inspiration and encouragement to chase his dreams.
"We have been fully embraced by Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community, who continue to support us in our work, and we are proud to support initiatives like Stebriety that reflect the same values of care and community.”
The charity also actively campaigns for reclassification of ketamine, a Class B drug.
Possession can lead to five years in prison or an unlimited fine, while supply or production carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
Following a marked rise in ketamine usage, the UK government is contemplating reclassification.
Estimates indicate that by March 2024, around 269,000 people aged 16–59 in England and Wales reported ketamine use in the previous year.
Furthermore, treatment admissions for ketamine-related issues continue to rise.
House of The Vivienne has engaged with MPs and government ministers to address ketamine's increasing prevalence, especially within younger demographics and LGBTQ+ communities, and to raise awareness of its health effects.
Steven Hulme emphasised the importance of communal support and shared experiences in recovery, advocating for spaces where individuals can discuss their challenges openly and receive mutual support.
He added: “Losing my best friend was incredibly difficult, and I am so grateful for the support of James’s family, House of The Vivienne, and their partners Adferiad in helping create a positive pathway for others facing similar challenges.
"Stebriety is about creating a safe, understanding space where people can talk openly about their experiences and support one another. Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation, and no one should have to face it alone.”
The initiative's launch is scheduled for today, 12th February, at Novotel Liverpool Centre, Hanover Street, L1 4LN.