At the West Essex Group, this is our primary meeting. This is because the Primary Purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. We are glad to see you here — especially newcomers.  

“The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking”. 

You will find our Newcomers' Meeting upstairs in the 'Clare Room' of the Becket Centre at St Thomas of Canterbury Church.  

These meetings follow a regular pattern of weekly themes: 

• 1st Friday in month - Reading of Step One, with a speaker sharing their experience and opportunity to share back as a group. 
• 2nd Friday in month - Reading from Living Sober, our tools of recovery followed by a speaker sharing their experience and chance to join in sharing. 
• 3rd Friday in month - reading an AA pamphlet/leaflet followed by a speaker's reflections and sharing back our thoughts. 
• 4th Friday in month - Roulette wheel will be spun, to choose one of 36 recovery topics for a speaker to talk on and opportunity for group members to share back their thoughts. 
• 5th Friday in month - Three Legacies Check-in, to share on our experiences of Growing into service. 

It is suggested that you attend at least 6 meetings of AA to decide if our Programme is for you. It is suggested you keep coming back to us for 6 meetings before you decide to fully make yourself at home with us and adopt us a your Home Group. 

What to expect when you arrive 

We, West Essex Home Group members will aim at all times to: 

• Greet you on arrival
• Take you to the room where the meeting is happening
• Offer you a refreshment
• People will introduce themselves to you, or 
• You can take a seat and take a few moments alone to orientate yourself
• The meeting will then be opened up by a 'secretary' 
• The topic will be introduced
• A speaker will share what we call 'experience, strength and hope' 
• The group will share their thoughts back 
• We will go for a social gathering after the meeting and this is already your invitation to join in!

Just come as you are, and we will be pleased to meet you. We have as much to learn from you as you to learn from us. Go easy on yourself. Take things one day at a time. Your healing has already begun. Keep coming back!

After a couple of months - you will be ready to level up your recovery and join our Active Service Crew!