Recovering alcoholic scoops first Inspiring Individual award

21 November 2008

A recovering alcoholic who now runs The Living Room www.thelivingroom.uk, a Christian inspired charity focussed on counselling people battling with addiction has won the inaugural Inspire Magazine inspiring Individual Awards at a ceremony hosted at the House of Commons yesterday.

Janis Feely, now 21 years sober, set up the charity eight years ago with some initial support from Churches Together in Stevenage, and now works through a team of 16 employees and 26 volunteers to support and counsel people struggling with addictions of various kinds. On some days more than 50 clients pass through the doors of the Living Room. "God continues to bring what was once a vision into reality", says an amazed Janis.

The award was presented on behalf of Church Army, a partner in Inspire Magazine, by Church Army Board member Rev Canon Sarah James who says; "Janis has shown remarkable courage, inspiration and determination in following God's call to serve others by sharing her experience of overcoming alcoholism. We talk a lot in the church about God's power in transforming lives and Janis has done just that. Her story and example shows how God can use our weaknesses and turn them into strengths and opportunities."

The Living Room - whose strapline is breaking the cycle of addiction- is underpinned by its Christian ethos and runs two group sessions a day, one-one-counselling and an Ofsted registered crèche. Of those engaging in treatment, 70% will leave the place abstinent.

For more about the Living Room click www.thelivingroom.me.uk