Question 1

What is the "Rainbow Recovery Club"?

Accepted Answer

Rainbow Recovery Club Inc. is a Community Association that has maintained the Rainbow Recovery Room since 2002.  The Rainbow Recovery Room hosts a range of 12-steps fellowships for people of diverse sexuality or gender.

Question 2

What is a 12 Step Fellowship?

Accepted Answer

A 12 Step fellowship is a peer-support recovery program where people with shared struggles - such as addiction, alcoholism, compulsive behaviours, or other life challenges - come together to support each other through a structured set of guiding principles known as the “12 Steps.”

The first and most well-known fellowship is Alcoholics Anonymous, founded in the 1930s. Since then, many other fellowships have formed using the same model.

Question 3

Is AA / NA / CMA / SLAA etc. Religious?

Accepted Answer

12 Step fellowships are generally considered spiritual rather than religious.

They are not affiliated with any church, religion, denomination, or political group, and people of all beliefs - including atheists and agnostics - attend and recover within 12 Step programs.

The programs do reference concepts such as a “Higher Power” or “God as we understood Him,” which can feel religious to some people. However, members are encouraged to define spirituality in their own way. For some, that may mean God or religion; for others, it may simply mean connection, community, nature, recovery itself, or shared human support.

Question 4

What does it cost to attend a meeting or join a group?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely Nothing!

There is no cost to attend a 12-step meeting; however, contributions will be requested to cover the cost of renting the room, tea & coffee, and meeting materials.

We need you more than your money!

Question 5

What happens at a meeting?

Accepted Answer

A 12 Step meeting is usually a safe, supportive space where people come together to share their experience, strength, and hope in recovery.
While every meeting is different, most follow a simple format that may include:
A welcome and introduction
Reading recovery literature or the 12 Steps/Traditions
Members sharing about their experiences, challenges, and recovery
Listening without judgment or interruption
Information about sponsorship, upcoming meetings, or community events
A closing reflection or prayer (depending on the fellowship and meeting style)
People are never usually forced to speak — newcomers can simply listen if they prefer.

Question 6

What are the different formats of a meeting?

Accepted Answer

Meetings can vary in format, including:
Speaker meetings
Discussion meetings
Beginner meetings
LGBTQ+ meetings
Men’s or women’s meetings
Online or in-person meetings
The focus is on connection, honesty, mutual support, and recovery in a non-judgmental environment.

Question 7

What does Rainbow Recovery Club & the Fellowships it hosts not do?

Accepted Answer

Whilst The Rainbow Recovery Club and it's Fellowships are a support system for your recovery, we do not assist with the following:Provide medical or psychological treatmentOffer professional counselling or therapyGive legal, financial, or clinical adviceDiagnose conditions or prescribe medicationForce anyone to stop drinking/using or attend meetingsKeep attendance records or membership listsCharge membership fees (most are self-supporting through voluntary donations)Judge, shame, or discriminate against people seeking helpAffiliate with religions, political groups, or outside organisationsOffer housing, food, clothing, jobs, money or any other welfare or social servicesProvide letters of reference to parole boards, lawyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, etc.Keep attendance records or memberships listsCharge membership feesThe focus is simply on one person helping another through shared lived experience and mutual support.

Questions?