Member Article

VITALITY HOMES APPOINTS HEAD OF SERVICE JACQUIE JOHNSTON-LYNCH

Vitality Homes - the new supported living venture for people affected by drug and alcohol addiction - has appointed its new Head of Service, Jacquie Johnston-Lynch.

Vitality Homes has been created by Liverpool businesswoman Kate Stewart, who is renowned for owning The Sandon Pub, and formerly running Liverpool’s Heritage Market. She has long sought of venturing into the supported living sector, and is now turning her attention to focus on Vitality Homes which will help integrate those previously addicted to drugs and alcohol back into society.

Jacquie is the first member of staff to be appointed and will bring her wealth of experience from her previous endeavours to her new job role. Her previous projects including leading The Brink, the UK’s first alcohol-free bar, Tom Harrison House the UK’s first and only addiction treatment centre for military veterans, and also for The Raucous Caucus Recovery Chorus, the UK’s first ever recovery choir.

Jacquie was also behind the Duchess of Cambridge’s official visit to Liverpool in 2012 and she was also awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2016 New Years Honours List.

The Liverpool-born project leader understands the consequences of addiction after experiencing it first-hand after members of her family were affected.

Commenting on her personal experience, Jacquie said: “The community I grew up in was devastated by addiction and alcoholism, it takes a hold where there is extreme poverty. I’d grown up with a lot of drunkenness and domestic violence and my own brother was killed by a drunk driver. My son then became so traumatised by this that he too succumbed to addiction, but is now nearly 12 years clean and sober.

“I believe in turning your pain into purpose. I feel that Kate is like-minded in this way. I’m so excited about joining Vitality Homes.”

Vitality Homes will provide accommodation and twenty-four-hour support for people who have overcome addiction and are now readying themselves to reintegrate into society through supported living.

Kate Stewart, founder of Vitality Homes, said: “It’s so important that we create a team for Vitality Homes that is second to none. Jacquie has a plethora of experience and a track record in supporting recovery and I’m delighted that she has been appointed as Head of Service. Her experience, both personal and professional, makes her the perfect candidate for this role and to push forward with ensuring Vitality Homes is the leading centre for supporting those with addiction.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Boyce .