Mervin Collin Canham is a passionate leader and coach on a mission to empower those in recovery from addiction. He’s been a member of the ManKind Project (mkp.org) since 2005 and currently facilitates weekend sessions as he has done in London, Chicago as well as Colorado. The ManKind Project (MKP) is a global brotherhood of nonprofit/charitable organisations that conduct challenging and highly rewarding programs for men at every stage of life.

With 8 years of experience working with addicts, he’s now helping them find their way to sobriety at a rehab centre, where he focuses on coaching and group therapy. As a recovering addict who’s been clean for 19 years, Mervin’s mission is to support individuals on their healing journey and empower them to create lasting, meaningful change.

This led to Mervin to collaborating with an incredible visual artist, Justice Mukheli, to start The Holding Space. The idea was propelled by the deep need to start building a more compassionate world, one man at a time. The Holding Space is a project that creates safe spaces for male vulnerability and provides compassionate listeners. Join us in creating a place where men can express their feelings without fear of judgment.

Brendon Le Roux, an experienced Addiction Counsellor and House Manager, is dedicated to assisting individuals on their recovery journeys. With a deep understanding of substance abuse disorders, he provides compassionate care and comprehensive support, backed by numerous certifications in addiction counseling, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed care.

Brendon’s professional journey began at the Houghton House Group of Treatment Centres, where he developed an empathetic approach and the ability to quickly connect with clients. He later joined Freeman House, honing his skills and developing evidence-based programmes that significantly improved recovery rates. As the House Manager at Design for Living, Brendon oversees daily operations, ensuring a conducive recovery environment. He works closely with residents, assisting them in developing personalised recovery plans, providing one-on-one counselling, coaching sessions, and facilitating group therapy meetings. His holistic approach to addiction counseling addresses the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of addiction and recovery.

Brendon is an active member of several addiction recovery networks, regularly attending workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research and best practices. His commitment to helping others extends to volunteering with local organisations supporting homeless individuals and those affected by addiction. Brendon’s dedication, sincerity, and extensive experience make him a vital part of the team, significantly impacting those grappling with addiction and guiding them towards a healthier future.

Dale Sicard is a qualified accountant and practicing attorney of the High Court of South Africa. Despite his success in the corporate arena, Dale felt a profound calling to make a more direct and meaningful impact on people's lives. Motivated by personal experiences and a deep sense of empathy, Dale committed himself to understanding the complexities of addiction and the various paths to recovery. Combining his legal and accounting expertise with a compassionate, person-centered methodology, Dale works tirelessly to provide resources and legal assistance to individuals and families dealing with addiction.

Dale has completed his training in Recovery Residence Management through the internationally recognized ALLCEUs, underscoring his commitment to creating and maintaining supportive environments for individuals in recovery. He is also currently pursuing ALLCEUS’ internationally recognised Addiction Counsellor Certification, further enhancing his ability to provide comprehensive support and counselling to those affected by addiction.

Pavitra Sicard is a dynamic and accomplished professional, serving as the Non-Executive Chairman at Design for Living. With a diverse background that spans culinary arts and addiction counseling, Pavitra brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic oversight to the organization. Pavitra is a qualified chef, having honed her culinary skills at the prestigious Capsicum Culinary Studio, where she developed a profound appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of nutrition in overall well-being. Her passion for helping others led her to further her education and obtain a certification as an addiction counselor through ALLCEUs, recognized by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). This certification underscores her commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion and expertise.

In her role as Non-Executive Chairman at Design for Living, Pavitra chairs all Board meetings, ensuring the organization adheres to its Board charter. She plays a crucial role in setting and reviewing the strategic direction, mission, and values of the Design for Living Group of Treatment Centers. Her leadership is instrumental in guiding the organization towards its goals, fostering an environment that prioritises effective treatment and holistic recovery.

Pavitra's multifaceted background and her dedication to service make her an invaluable asset to Design for Living. Her ability to blend her culinary expertise with her knowledge of addiction counseling allows her to contribute to innovative approaches in treatment and recovery. Pavitra Sicard's leadership and vision continue to inspire and drive the organisation towards making a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.