Consultant with over 25 years experience working
in the treatment and recovery sector.
Specialising in:
Addiction Recovery and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care
Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs)
Lived Experience Workforce
National Programme Management
Policy and Governance
Research
Stakeholder Engagement
ABOUT ME
Stacey Bannister MSc
I’m Stacey Bannister, a Substance Use & Addiction Recovery Consultant with more than 25 years’ experience across treatment, recovery, mental health, Lived Experience Recovery Organisations, peer workforce development and community-based services.
A skilled connector and relationship-builder, I bring organisations, sectors and people together around shared priorities, connecting expertise and perspectives to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and create practical impact. I work across policy, practice, research and lived experience, helping individuals and organisations to grow.
I welcome consultancy and freelance opportunities to work with individuals, Lived Experience Recovery Organisations, treatment and recovery providers, public health teams, local authorities, research teams and other organisations seeking specialist support and expertise in recovery, lived experience and workforce development.
I am particularly passionate about supporting the creation and development of independent, community-rooted Lived Experience Recovery Organisations, and about strengthening the systems, relationships and workforce that enable people and communities to achieve sustainable long-term recovery.
Recent Work
Currently commissioned as Project Manager for the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) funded LERO Capacity Building Project, overseeing the development and sustainability of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations across England, alongside a consortium led by Recovery Connections.
I work closely with LEROs, Commissioners, Treatment Providers, the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (CLERO), Imroc and OHID.
Experience
Over the course of my career, I have worked across treatment and recovery services, criminal justice, health and social care, community settings, workforce development, lived experience and national programme delivery.
This breadth of experience has given me a perspective across the recovery system and a historical knowledge of Drug Strategy and related policy and guidance. My expertise has built from my work in frontline practice and individual recovery through to training, therapeutic interventions, organisational development, commissioning, policy and national programme implementation.
I have worked alongside people with lived and living experience, treatment providers, commissioners, public health teams, voluntary and community organisations, researchers and national partners. A consistent thread throughout my career has been my ability to bring people and organisations together around shared values and create the conditions for connection and collaboration. I have strong working relationships and a positive reputation locally, regionally and nationally, with an extensive network of contacts.
SERVICES
For Individuals, Lived Experience Recovery Organisations, Treatment Providers, Public Health and Local Authority Commissioners and Research Teams
Let's work together
My Specialism – Substance Use & Addiction Recovery
I offer training and consultancy to individuals and organisations to improve knowledge and understanding of substance use and addiction recovery and increasing opportunities for people with living and lived experience.
Currently I have a particular interest in the lived experience workforce and supporting the development of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs).
As an experienced Training Consultant I’m available to develop and deliver courses on topics related to:
Understanding Substance Use & Addiction
Supporting Recovery
Substance Use Awareness (drug-specific and harm reduction)
Dual Diagnosis
Mental Health & Well-Being
Peer Support & Volunteer Management
Living & Lived Experience Workforce Development
I am able to deliver components of your organisation’s accredited training relevant to these topics on request.
Bespoke Health and Well-Being focused workshops include…
Goal Setting
Confidence
Motivation
Positivity
Emotional Freedom Technique
An introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique
EFT for Anxiety
EFT for Motivation
EFT for Recovery
Schools & Colleges
Drugs & Alcohol Awareness Workshops & Health Days
Qualifications:
MSc Mental Health and Substance Use, PTTLS Level 3 Teaching Award, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management in Adult Social Care, Advanced EFT Practitioner
Fully Insured, DBS checked, CV and References on Request
My 2024 Master’s study with Middlesex University explored the transition of people with lived experience to working in the treatment and recovery sector.
My upcoming PhD research with the University of Birmingham will explore the integration of living and lived experience into the UK treatment and recovery workforce. I am on the lookout for funding opportunities in order to take up my confirmed place.
I would be happy to be involved in any relevant research as an associate in the treatment and recovery sector or academic institutions.
As a social butterfly and a connector, I love nothing more than attending and helping to plan, market, present or speak at events and conferences.
Currently looking for opportunities to present my research and ideas related to living and lived experience and workforce development in the treatment and recovery sector
If you need an extra pair of hands to plan your conference, event or well-being event why not invite me along?
I can also create written content to promote or report on your event during and after.
Awards & Achievements
- Save The Children Saying Power Award
- Crime Concern Innovation Award
- PriceWaterhouseCoopers Leaders of Tomorrow Award
- Safer Birmingham Partnership Training Award
- Birmingham Recovery Walk Communications Lead
- Masters Degree with Distinction in Substance Use & Mental Health
RESEARCH
Here is my study of lived experience in the treatment and recovery workforce…
Lived Experience in the Treatment & Recovery Workforce
An exploration into the perspectives of people with lived experience...
Read MoreBLOG
Read my blog posts here …
Drink and Drug News Magazine article December 2024 – At Your Service
Click here to read my article featured in the...
Read More