Michael Quinn

I’m Mike, 31 years old and four years into recovery, with a deep commitment to resilience, personal growth, and helping others navigate their paths to change. My recovery journey has been transformative, motivating me to use my experiences to create meaningful impact. As the director of a non-profit organisation, I channel my story into empowering individuals and fostering positive transformation. I focus on offering empathy, support, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned, demonstrating that with the right mindset and encouragement, change is always possible.

I thrive in collaborative environments, embracing teamwork, practical support, and genuine care to achieve shared goals. Driven and hardworking, I am committed to creating stability and security for myself and my family, using this foundation for both personal and professional growth. Confident and solution-focused, I approach challenges head-on, always striving to exceed expectations while embracing opportunities to learn and improve. My leadership role reflects my passion for empowering others, fostering positivity, and staying dedicated to my ongoing journey of self-improvement.

As a Recovery Coordinator with Change, Grow, Live (CGL), I guide individuals through their recovery journeys, drawing from my own experience overcoming addiction, which was featured by the BBC. Now drug- and alcohol-free, I use my transformation to inspire and connect with those I support, showing them that recovery is achievable. I manage a diverse caseload, providing one-on-one guidance, group sessions, and ongoing support. My lived experience helps me foster trust and create a safe, nonjudgmental space where service users feel understood, empowering them to reclaim their lives and build fulfilling futures.

As Partnership and Relations Manager for the Vista Group, I build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support looked-after children. Upon joining Vista Living, I gained a deep understanding of the group’s operations, ensuring smooth collaboration across divisions. I work closely with social workers, commissioning teams, and local authorities to secure placements and address vulnerable children’s needs. Additionally, I seek opportunities to expand our network, enhancing the group’s visibility and reputation. My role ensures the Vista Group remains a trusted provider of high-quality care, supporting both organisational growth and the well-being of the children we serve.

By combining lived experience, professional expertise, and a passion for making a difference, I remain dedicated to creating meaningful change.

Personal and Professional Development

Although I do not hold an undergraduate degree, I have built valuable connections and developed a wealth of knowledge through my personal recovery journey. These experiences have shaped my approach to supporting others by fostering resilience, empathy, and the belief in the transformative power of change. My lived experience equips me with a unique perspective that enhances my ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level, enabling me to support their personal growth and success.

Leadership and Program Development

As a director of a non-alcoholic social club, I oversee program development and implementation, ensuring inclusivity by consulting individuals with lived experiences of addiction or mental health challenges. My role focuses on creating supportive, alcohol-free social environments that prioritize mental and emotional well-being, helping a diverse clientele build connections and thrive.

Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement

In my roles as Partnership and Relations Manager and Recovery Coordinator, I developed strong skills in data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of programs. By reviewing feedback, engagement metrics, and service outcomes, I was able to identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and enhance service delivery to better meet the needs of clients and funders.

Trauma-Informed Care

Through comprehensive training in Trauma-Informed Care and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I have gained a deep understanding of how trauma impacts mental and emotional well-being. This knowledge allows me to create a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment for clients, fostering trust and positive relationships.

Event Planning and Fundraising

At Vista Living, I excelled in planning engaging activities aligned with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. I secured donations and support from organizations such as Lush, The Entertainer, and Cash for Kids, ensuring that financial barriers didn’t prevent participation in enriching experiences. My focus on mental well-being and resourcefulness enabled young people to thrive.

Communication and Reporting

I have extensive experience organising and facilitating meetings with funders, commissioners, and partners, including preparing detailed agendas and documenting outcomes. My strong communication skills ensure clarity, accountability, and alignment with organizational goals, while my ability to produce transparent, data-driven reports strengthens relationships with funders and stakeholders.

Relationship Building

My work across roles has consistently involved building meaningful relationships with individuals, teams, and organisations. This skill, rooted in empathy and understanding, enables me to foster trust, collaboration, and productive partnerships.

Adaptability and Virtual Collaboration

In my role as Partnership and Relations Manager, I became proficient with tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring seamless virtual collaboration. My ability to adapt communication styles and troubleshoot technical issues ensures efficiency in remote environments.
Organisational and Analytical Skills

My meticulous approach to record-keeping and data analysis has been vital for monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and driving improvements. These skills ensure that I meet organizational objectives and deliver impactful results.

Holistic Mental Health Support

Through direct experience and collaboration with voluntary sector organisations, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of mental health services. My work emphasizes individual care and trauma-informed practices, contributing to the well-being of diverse populations.

Commitment to Professional Growth

I am dedicated to continuous professional development, having completed workshops and accredited courses in areas such as Trauma-Informed Care, substance abuse, and mental health. This commitment ensures I remain informed and equipped to deliver effective support and lead teams successfully.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaboration has been central to my success, whether designing care plans, coordinating events, or working with multidisciplinary teams. My ability to understand and leverage team members’ strengths ensures that collective goals are achieved effectively.

English literature C

English Language C

Trauma Informed Care 

Substance Misuse Courses

Graded Care Profile Level 2 (NSPCC)

First Aid & Mental Health