Family Of The Vivienne Launch Drug And Alcohol Support Group
Image: Image: World Of Wonder
The family of Drag Race UK season one winner The Vivienne have launched a drug and alcohol support group in their honour.
Led by the sister of The Vivienne the group aims to give hope “to anyone who feels alone.”
House Of Vivienne
James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, tragically passed away in their home in January this year at the age of 32.
It was later revealed they had died through an “unnatural cause of death.”
Friends and family later released details the star had died “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest,” choosing to reveal the cause in order to raise awareness of substance abuse within the community.
Since then the family have continued to speaking publicly about The Vivienne and their life, including working with World Of Wonder on the upcoming documentary Dear Viv, due out on August 28.
Now Chanel Williams, sister of The Vivienne is working with the rest of the family to launch The House Of Vivienne sessions.
The sessions will take place weekly on Tuesdays at the Ty Enfys coffee shop in Colwyn Bay, Conwy county and offer support for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
“This is for anyone who feels alone,” Chanel said in a statement.
“James would want you to know you matter, your life matters and there is help. There is always hope.”
“James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went,” she said.
“But they also knew the darkness of addiction. That’s why House of The Vivienne isn’t just about telling people to stop – it’s about meeting them where they are, without judgement, and showing them there’s a way forward.”
The House Of Vivienne will focus on providing a safe and inclusive space for those in need and is working with the Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad and other substance abuse charities.
The Vivienne spoke openly about their addiction issues during their time on Drag Race and had been through a lengthy period of sobriety prior to their relapse.
You are not alone. If you and need support, you can contact:
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- LGBTQ+ Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578
- NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
- Alan Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Mensline 1300789978
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015
- QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527
- 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander line) – 13 92 76
