Fellow's Profile
Fellow's Profile
Alternative non-clinical addiction recovery techniques
Developing alternatives to clinical treatment for addiction by learning from recovery centres
2010
Wales
Poor mental health is a significant problem in the UK. Perfectionist ideals, unrealistic expectations, competition and comparison alienate us from our true selves. Since getting sober in 1992 I have dedicated my time to helping others with their problems and raising awareness of these important issues.
In 2005 I gave up a successful career in TV and entertainment to write two books on recovery and to retrain as an addictions counsellor. I was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study best practice in the USA. Subsequently I founded and became CEO of Living Room Cardiff, and set up Beat the Odds, Cynnal and Enfys – counselling services for gamblers, clergy and doctors respectively. I provide training courses in conjunction with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. I've also organised conferences at the Welsh Assembly on excessive gambling and also an annual lecture.
Now, as a specialist counselling consultant, I'm expanding services to other parts of Wales. I also provide secretarial support to the Senedd's Cross-party Group on gambling and I am a member of the Task and Finish Group advising the First Minister on actions to be taken to tackle gambling-related harm in Wales.
Wynford Ellis Owen (CF 2010) has been honoured with the 2026 Times Sternberg Active Life Award. The award recognises outstanding contributions to public life and the community made after the age of 70. Established in 2008 by Sir Sigmund Sternberg in partnership with The Times, the awards celebrate individuals whose later years have been marked by exceptional service, innovation and impact.
By Wynford Ellis Owen, 23 April 2026
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
Wynford Ellis Owen (CF 2010) has been honoured with the 2026 Times Sternberg Active Life Award. The award recognises outstanding contributions to public life and the community made after the age of 70. Established in 2008 by Sir Sigmund Sternberg in partnership with The Times, the awards celebrate individuals whose later years have been marked by exceptional service, innovation and impact.
By Wynford Ellis Owen, 23 April 2026
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
