Beginning his personal journey into recovery in 1991, he has spent much of his life living, breathing, and teaching the practices and principles of the recovery solution.

He has gained over 30 years of experience working with thousands of people, including families of addicted individuals, across a wide range of settings. He began his career working for a homeless charity in Watford, where he spent many long nights doing street outreach and support work. He also helped manage a night shelter and a wet house. For nine years, he founded and managed three successful clean and sober living houses. He went on to spend ten years working with alcoholics and addicts within the criminal justice system, and is also the founder and Director of East Coast Recovery & Rehabs UK. In addition, he has delivered hundreds of community-based workshops and courses. Alongside this, he supports and counsels individuals in recovery through life and recovery coaching, as well as personal development. He is a qualified NLP instructor and also offers advice and support to other treatment professionals.

He has brought together his three decades of experience into ECR’s unique and effective treatment programme. Working closely with his dedicated team, he ensures that ECR remains at the forefront of modern treatment approaches. He is deeply passionate about helping people find a sustainable and effective solution to addiction.

When he is not helping individuals and families facing addiction challenges, he enjoys spending time at home in his garden with his wife and dog, mountain biking, or tinkering with projects in his shed.

You can hear more from Lester by listening to East Coast Recovery’s podcast.

30+ Years in Recovery: Extensive experience in addiction recovery since 1991

Lived Experience: Personal recovery journey shaping professional practice

Client Impact: Supported thousands of individuals and families

Early Career Outreach: Street outreach and support work with a homeless charity in Watford

Shelter Management: Managed night shelter and wet house services

Sober Living Leadership: Founded and managed three clean & sober living houses (9 years)

Criminal Justice Work: 10 years supporting addicts within the justice system

Founder & Director: Led East Coast Recovery & Rehabs UK

Community Programs: Delivered hundreds of workshops and recovery courses

NLP Coaching: Qualified NLP instructor offering coaching and personal development

Professional Advisor: Supports and advises treatment professionals

Programme Development: Created ECR’s unique treatment approach

Passion for Recovery: Dedicated to sustainable, long-term recovery solutions

Qualified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Instructor

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (experience-backed)

Substance Misuse & Recovery Practitioner

Criminal Justice System Recovery Specialist

Community Outreach & Support Specialist

Sober Living House Founder & Operator

Workshop & Group Facilitation Specialist

Recovery Programme Developer (ECR Model)

Peer Support & Mentorship Practitioner

Family Support & Addiction Counseling Specialist