Deposit Policy & FAQ's | Somerton Lodge

Booking Policy & Deposits and Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides medically supervised detox?

Medically supervised detox is provided by our clinical partner, Equilibrium Project, a CQC-registered medical service.

Equilibrium is responsible for all clinical assessment, medical oversight, prescribing, and clinical decision-making throughout the detox process.

Somerton Lodge provides the residential setting that supports Equilibrium in delivering safe and effective medical care.

What does the detox programme include?

During medically supervised detox, the programme includes only those elements that are clinically necessary to support safe detoxification, including:

Clinical assessment and monitoring.

24-hour medical oversight.

Accommodation and meals provided as part of the medical service.

A calm, discreet, adults-only environment designed for rest and stabilisation.

All elements of the stay during detox are supplied solely as part of the medical service and are not offered separately.

Does recovery support take place during detox?

Structured recovery support such as workshops, journaling programmes, and recovery planning are not part of the medical detox programme.

During detox, any interaction beyond clinical care occurs only where deemed medically appropriate by the clinical team and is limited to reassurance, orientation, and emotional grounding necessary to support safe medical stabilisation.

Medical detox formally concludes at clinical discharge. Any ongoing recovery support takes place only after discharge, or as part of a non-medical retreat stay where detox is not required.

What happens after detox is complete?

Following formal clinical discharge, some guests choose to:

Return home with a clear plan, or

Remain at Somerton Lodge for an optional, non-medical retreat stay.

This choice is entirely optional and made after detox has concluded.

Can I stay at Somerton Lodge without having a detox?

Yes.

Somerton Lodge also offers non-medical retreat stays for individuals who do not require detox but want a calm, alcohol-free environment with structured recovery support.

These stays are separate from any medical services and do not involve clinical treatment.

Does recovery support take place during detox?

Structured recovery support such as workshops, journaling programmes, and recovery planning are not part of the medical detox programme.

Medical detox formally concludes at clinical discharge. Any ongoing recovery support takes place only after discharge, or as part of a non-medical retreat stay where detox is not required.

Who provides recovery support during retreat stays?

Recovery support during retreat stays is delivered by Get Into Recovery CIC, a non-medical, community-interest organisation.

All recovery support is:

Optional,

Non-clinical,

and provided separately from medical treatment.

Is recovery support mandatory?

No.

Guests choose how they engage. Some value structure and guidance; others prefer space and reflection. There is no pressure to participate in anything that doesn’t feel right.

Recovery Support (Post-Detox or Retreat Stay)

Delivered by: Get Into Recovery CIC

Nature: non-medical, optional recovery support

Includes: workshops, guided journaling, one-to-one conversations, weekly check-ins, optional reflections and nature walks

Ongoing support: includes one year’s complimentary access to the Get Into Recovery members’ platform

Recovery support is never bundled into medical detox and is not a substitute for clinical care.

How much does it cost to stay at Somerton Lodge?

Our pricing is structured around recovery pathways and phases of support, rather than a flat weekly rate.

You can view the full breakdown on our Recovery Pathways & Pricing page.

Deposit: 10% payable to secure your place

Balance payable 72 hours prior to your stay

Why do you ask for a deposit?

We ask for a 10% deposit to secure your place because residential stays require planning, coordination, and holding a limited room allocation specifically for you. For detox stays, this also includes coordination with our CQC-registered clinical partners. The deposit helps us keep the environment stable, fair, and sustainable.

Is the deposit refundable?

The deposit is non-refundable if you cancel for non-medical reasons. This is because once a place is held, it cannot usually be reallocated at short notice.

What if there is a medical reason I can’t attend?

If a genuine medical or safeguarding issue arises and your stay cannot go ahead as planned, your deposit will not be lost. In these circumstances, it will be held as a credit and can be used toward a future residential stay within six months, subject to suitability, availability, and (where applicable) clinical approval.

Does paying a deposit guarantee admission for detox?

Payment of a deposit confirms a provisional booking at Somerton Lodge.

For detox stays, final admission is always subject to clinical assessment and approval by our CQC-registered clinical partners. If detox is deemed clinically inappropriate, your deposit will be transferred as credit toward a future stay.

Why is the policy the same for detox and retreat stays?

Because in both cases we reserve a room exclusively, begin preparation immediately, and take that space out of circulation. Using one consistent policy protects fairness and avoids confusion.

Can I change my booking dates?

If you need to change dates, please contact us as early as possible. Date changes are treated as booking amendments (not cancellations) and are subject to availability. Where possible, we will move your booking without issue.

What if I leave early?

If you choose to leave Somerton Lodge earlier than planned, partial weeks are not refundable. This is because staffing, accommodation, and programme resources are allocated and committed in advance.
However, any full, unused weeks paid for in advance may be refunded, subject to written notice and the terms of your booking agreement.

We encourage guests to commit to a stay length that feels realistic and supportive. Our team is always happy to discuss concerns or challenges during your stay, as many difficulties can be worked through with the right support.

Need to talk it through?

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to book, we’re happy to talk it through with you first — without pressure — so you can make a clear decision.

What is a typical stay like at Somerton Lodge?

A typical stay for someone concerned about their drinking focuses on stabilisation, rest, and regaining clarity in a calm, alcohol-free environment.

Guests are supported through a gentle daily structure, one-to-one conversations, optional group or reflective sessions, nourishing meals, and time away from everyday pressures. The emphasis is on dignity, emotional safety, and thoughtful reflection — not pressure, confrontation, or being told what to do.

Our role is to help you steady yourself, feel safe, and work out your next steps at your own pace.

Because places are limited and the environment is carefully held, all residential stays require a confirmed booking in advance.

This may be right for you if:

Choosing to stay at Somerton Lodge is a personal decision. It is designed for adults who are concerned about their drinking or substance use and who choose to step away from everyday pressures to stabilise, rest, and regain clarity in a calm, alcohol-free environment.

It is suited to people who are willing to engage with a gentle daily structure, have one-to-one conversations, and take responsibility for deciding their next steps — whether that means ongoing treatment, supported recovery, or a thoughtful plan for change.

You do not need to arrive with all the answers. You do need to be choosing a space where support is available, reflection is encouraged, and others’ safety and dignity are respected.

This may not be the right setting if:

Somerton Lodge is not a crisis unit, psychiatric hospital, or emergency detox service.

It may not be suitable for people who are unable or unwilling to engage safely with others, who are actively aggressive, or who are seeking a confrontational or coercive approach to change.

It is also unlikely to be the right fit for those looking for a purely social stay, a place to “hide out,” or a solution that removes the need for personal involvement and choice.

Why we’re clear about this.

Somerton Lodge is a small environment with limited places. Being clear about who the setting is for — and making sure each stay is a chosen one — helps protect the emotional safety, dignity, and recovery focus of everyone who is here.

If you’re unsure whether this feels like the right choice for you, we encourage you to speak with us before booking. We’ll be honest with you — and we invite the same honesty in return.