Join STAR this May for a Weekend Recovery Celebration with Inspiring Life Stories, Music, Workshops, and More

Walking the path of recovery can feel isolating, challenging, and at times overwhelming. That is why events that bring together people who share similar journeys are so powerful. This May at Winton Methodist Church, STAR - Steps to Active Recovery will host an inspiring weekend from 15th - 16th May dedicated to recovery, encouragement, and understanding addiction. The Recovery Celebration Weekend promises to be a gathering filled with hope, connection, and practical tools for anyone affected by addiction—whether personally or through supporting others.

At only £15 for the weekend, we warmly invite everyone to join us, tickets are available at https://bit.ly/starrecoverycelebration.

A Weekend Designed for Everyone on the Recovery Journey

This event welcomes anyone walking their own recovery path, those who support others through work or volunteering, and anyone curious about addiction and healing. The weekend is a partnership with ISAAC and the Genesis Project, two organisations known for their dedication to recovery and community support. Over the course of the weekend, attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from many organisations, creating opportunities to build connections and find ongoing support.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with inspiring speakers, workshops, and activities designed to encourage and uplift.

HEADLINE SPEAKERS

The Machine Gun Preacher

From Drug Addiction to Deliverer of Children - The Redemption Story of Sam Childers, Sam's life is a gripping testament to transformation, rising from a past shaped by drugs and violence to a purpose-driven mission sparked by a profound encounter with faith.

Sam has dedicated his life to rescuing children from some of the most dangerous conflict zones in East Africa, often placing himself on the front lines to protect the vulnerable. His story is raw, redemptive, and deeply human, and he believes that anyone who hears it will walk away with a renewed sense of hope for their own life.

Tough Talk

Tough Talk is a dynamic team of men whose lives have been radically transformed, leaving behind crime, violence, and addiction after discovering faith in God. For over 15 years, they have earned a reputation for their ability to speak powerfully to people from all backgrounds, drawing on their own history of pain, struggle, and perseverance.

Their authentic, hard‑hitting style and amazing power-lifting demonstrations has led many to describe them as “the real deal,” a witty, genuine, and deeply impactful team whose stories resonate long after they leave the stage.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS AND VOICES OF HOPE

Lauren Windle

Lauren is a writer, presenter and public speaker whose work centres on faith, love and recovery, shaped by her own journey of getting clean and sober from cocaine and alcohol in 2014 and becoming a Christian shortly after. With a degree in Neuroscience and a master’s in Addiction Studies from King’s College London, she blends personal experience with academic insight to bring clarity and compassion to conversations around addiction.

For five years, she led an addiction recovery service at her West London church, and in 2018 she shared her story on the TEDx stage in her talk Lessons an Addict Can Teach You. Her honest, hope‑filled voice continues to resonate widely, making her a powerful advocate for those seeking freedom and a fresh start.

Clyde Thomas

Clyde has served as the Senior Leader of Victory Church since 2014, but his journey began long before that—inside a prison cell where he encountered God and experienced a life‑changing transformation. After his release, he trained for ministry at Mattersey Hall Bible College.

Known for his energy, authenticity, and deep compassion, Clyde lives to bring a message of hope and healing to others, especially those battling addiction or searching for a fresh start. As a regular speaker across the UK and an international supporter of leaders and outreach projects, he carries a powerful testimony that resonates with anyone longing to break free and rebuild their life.

Liam Husband

Liam’s childhood was scarred by physical and emotional abuse. By the age of ten, he had turned to solvents in a desperate attempt to escape, beginning a 16-year struggle that involved prison, overdoses, and suicide attempts. When he finally entered drug treatment, he arrived broken, full of self-hatred, and without hope.

Through recovery and personal transformation through faith, Liam began a new journey of purpose and has continued on that path to this day. Now living in Bournemouth with his wife and four children, Liam leads Hope Community Church.

Laura Bird

Laura has decades of experience supporting individuals overcoming addiction in residential rehab and community settings, using The Genesis Process to help people understand and break the patterns driving their behaviour. Her insight also comes from supporting a close family member through alcoholism and finding strength in Al‑Anon.

She also coaches students processing trauma and emotional challenges and serves as a Practice Educator for two universities. Her heart for people, grounded wisdom, and steady hope make her a powerful voice for anyone longing for lasting change.

Stuart Leitch

Pastor, frontline worker, team leader, manager, founder of 'the Life course' inHope (Bristol), and group facilitator with 20 years of experience supporting people in recovery from addiction.

Stuart is currently living in Bristol working part-time for ISAAC International as head of UK Network Engagement, where he supports new and existing Christian recovery projects and workers. The rest of his time is spent providing Christian training in addiction recovery and looking after 2 young children.

Emma Heath

Emma’s story is one of remarkable transformation, rising from seventeen years of alcoholism and eating disorders to a life shaped by freedom, faith and purpose. She has become a passionate leader in recovery work, pioneering large‑scale ministries, directing national initiatives, and helping churches across the UK build compassionate, stigma‑free support for those battling addiction.

As the founder of STAR Steps To Active Recovery, she now equips churches and communities with practical, collaborative tools to support people on their recovery journey. A gifted communicator, Emma shares her story widely through media, TV and events, using her lived experience to bring hope, courage and the conviction that no one is beyond restoration.

THE MUSIC

The Town Square Gospel Band

The Town Square Gospel Band is a Bournemouth-based Christian revival band, sharing the gospel through blues, bluegrass, country, and folk music. Their songs celebrate faith, hope, and lives restored in Christ.

Playing in the town centre every Saturday, they bring foot-stomping rhythms, warm harmonies, and singalong choruses. They are proud to stand alongside the STAR community and testify that Jesus Christ transforms people's lives.

Kingstone Reggae Band

Kingstone is a five‑piece reggae band known for their upbeat sound, tight rhythms, and the positive energy they bring to every performance. Each member has a personal story of transformation, and together they channel that experience into music that feels warm, joyful, and rooted in classic reggae tradition.

Their mission is to share that message in the coolest way possible, bringing hope and positivity through energetic performances and uplifting songs. Their website offers more of their story, along with music, videos, and a look into the heart behind the band.