Lisa Nicholson - Director 

Founder of Lived Lives Consultancy, over the past two decades, I’ve supported people facing some of life’s toughest challenges and stigma, and I know how transformative it can be when support is done right.

With over 18 years’ experience across mental health, addiction, trauma, and family work, I also bring insight as someone who has lived through and worked alongside communities affected by HIV, Domestic violence, addiction and mental health issues. I’m a BACP-accredited integrative counsellor, hold membership with several other professional bodies including the Addiction Professionals network, BABCP,  NCBP and Creative counsellors. 

I’ve delivered training and consultancy for frontline staff, designed trauma-informed programmes for young people, families, different groups and led innovative projects in prisons, rehabs, and other communities. Whether I’m mentoring a young person, coaching a professional, or speaking to a room full of people, my aim is the same: to help others believe that change is possible and give them the tools to make it happen.

At Lived Lives, we combine real insight with evidence-based practice — because the people we work with deserve both.

Paula Harrison - Director

I am an experienced Operations Manager with over 20 years in the third sector, specializing in the criminal justice system and substance use. My career has also seen me work at a national level with the Armed Forces Charity, as well as within disability services and mental health. Throughout my career, I’ve held senior positions overseeing volunteer development and managing primary care contracts.

I hold a Law degree (LLB Hons) and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Penology, Criminology, and Management at Cambridge University. In my current role, I have successfully established a training centre, accrediting courses for service users. I also oversee prison contracts for a voluntary sector provider, managing operations across 21 prisons. I lead initiatives in quality assurance, learning and development, and will soon spearhead a national project focused on service user involvement and co-creation.

Alistair Eagles - Director 

Following a successful corporate career in the shipping industry I have joined Lived Lives as a Non-Executive Director and Volunteer. I am keen to pass on my experience as a Dad of dealing with a young person in addiction. Addiction is a family disease that has impacts right across the whole family. Addiction is still such a taboo subject, and by speaking openly about it I hope that I can pass on my knowledge to help others.

As a parent gaining knowledge about addiction from someone with lived experience was crucial. I learnt not only about addiction but I also learnt what I should do as a parent to ensure that I didn’t love my addict to death. 

I hope to bring my business knowledge, sense of humour and lived experience to Lived Lives and Beacon to help others navigate a pathway through the chaos. Above all I want to show that no matter how challenging the situation, there is always hope.