We are excited to announce a new role within the ISAAC Staff team as we seek to build on the direction and momentum that came out from the UK conference in Bristol earlier in 2025.

The role is Head of Network & Engagement for the UK & Ireland. Within ISAACs mission to connect, encourage and equip, some of the core outcomes we are hoping to see are:

1. Increased church engagement to support recovery projects and individual care through training and access to resources
2. The establishment of vibrant regional hubs through supporting regional key leaders and projects
3. A membership experience which showcases stories of hope and project highlights and gives access to research, resources, training and theological reflection.

We want to grow the network because we believe we are better working together – sharing our learning and experience. It is our goal to remove and obstacles that hold back churches from understanding addiction and supporting recovery. We want to build bridges to new members and help new ministries to start. We want to help people connect with the people they need to know so that we can see more and more loves transformed by the love and power of Jesus in our communities. We want to build a UK community where everyone has something to gain and to give.

Why now?
There was a real sense after the conference that we wanted to increase ISAAC’s profile across the UK – that means recognising your work, heart and experience for recovery – so that others will want to join the movement, so the church (in all its expressions) will become a brighter light of hope in a world which is becoming increasingly addicted.

At the age of 30 Stuart was pastoring an evangelical church in Bristol, and was introduced to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous through a group meeting in the church. Stuart says “Church was never the same after that. I was never the same. It was like a homecoming.”

He became a pastor to people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and he noted how many he met from the rooms wanted to talk more about their “higher power” and to explore faith. In his late 30’s he was involved in the start of “Life Recovery Groups” – a cross-church midweek home group for Christians and those exploring faith to meet. The group met to strengthen recovery, deepen faith and build community, and over the 13 years that ran life and faith was shared with over 100 individuals, many of whom found faith for the first time.

From 2010 to 2025 Stuart worked with inHope (Bristol) developing and running ‘the Life course’ – an 18 sessions life skills course for people in early recovery. Its aim was to build recovery capital and support a sustainable recovery journey. They had 100s come to the course over the years, and its reputation amongst the commissioned services and referral agencies was great (they all knew the team were Christian!).

Stuart says “Every person who has walked the tough walk of recovery has inspired me in my story, and I have been blessed to see the amazing work of God in so many lives”. Stuart lives in Bristol with his wife and two children and stays sane through getting outdoors (preferably up a mountain or in a tent), swimming, and tinkering with mechanical watches.

So what next?
Over the next few months we will want to be talking with you, our UK members, about this renewed focus for ISAAC, and how we can share with others some of what God has given to us. You are the secret ingredient that makes ISAAC work! For those who have become “weary doing good” we can being new life to you, for those who “want to make a greater impact” we hope this can add resources and wisdom to your ministry. We hope we can see the church engage more fully all over the UK – like recovery life boat stations dotted around the country.

Get involved…

Connect:
Get in touch with Stuart to talk the vision linked to his role, or just to say hello and introduce yourself. We’d also like to know how connecting in regional groups could be of benefit to you, and ideas for what they should look like. Stuart@isaac-international.org

Encourage:
If you have read this far, that is an encouragement. If you are excited about the vision, that is an encouragement. If you will pray, or get involved in some way, that is an encouragement.

Equip:
Everyone has something to bring for the good of others. What resources do you have to use for kingdom recovery work? Would you host a regional meeting? Could be support a start-up in a church based on your experience? Would you share about a resource you use? Let us know how you can be part of this momentum for change – stuart@isaac-international.org

Support us:
This post has been quite a step for ISAAC, and we are currently in a fundraising process. If we can show potential funders our commitment to the project (and the vision for the UK!) by becoming financial supporters or increasing current support then please click here (and let us know you have done that) – that would also be a great encouragement.

We are in this together for those whose lives have been impacted be addiction, because God has called each of us to be his hands and feet in “setting the captives free”.