Latest news with #HouseofTheVivienne
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others
The beautiful gesture The Vivienne's family has made to help others Chanel Williams, the sister of James Lee Williams and drag star The Vivienne, said that the popular performer would 'certainly be proud' of them for supporting people with drug addiction after their death Chanel Williams, sister of drag performer The Vivienne, has launched a drug support centre in memory of the beloved star (Image: Chanel Williams) The family of much-loved drag star and TV personality The Vivienne have launched a centre to support those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction in memory of the performer. James Lee Williams, who had been open about their past struggles with addiction, died in January at the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. Their family, led by sister Chanel Williams, have launched House of The Vivienne at Ty Enfys in James' hometown of Colwyn Bay as a lifeline for those battling addiction to honour their legacy. House of The Vivienne is described as a 'safe, inclusive space' offering free, confidential advice, guidance, and compassionate listening every Tuesday at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) in Colwyn Bay. 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,' said Chanel. 'There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help.' James had been open about their past struggles with ketamine (Image: Chanel Williams) Article continues below Chanel told BBC Radio Wales that the family felt "lost" after finding out that James, who won the first-ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, had died as a result of ketamine but were "passionate" about continuing their legacy by creating a space of "love, support and inclusivity". She said: "We were passionate about finding a place where we could continue James' legacy and make a difference, especially around addiction and breaking down that sigma. It's about giving people a safe space where they feel able to come in and have a safe place to talk and seek advice and support - that's essentially what House of The Vivienne is." Chanel added that she hopes by setting up House of the Vivienne and talking about James' death, they will help to break down the stigma surrounding ketamine use. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here "I do believe that stigma played a part in the reasons why my brother didn't talk more about falling back into addiction and his struggles in the time before that he passed so we need to remove that stigma," she explained. Chanel and her family, working in partnership with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance abuse charities, are beginning this campaign in their hometown of Colwyn Bay, with plans to expand nationwide. The Vivienne was the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK (Image: PA) The Vivienne, who grew up in the seaside resort before moving to Liverpool, found fame as a performer after winning the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They later made history as the only UK queen to compete on Drag Race All Stars in the US and the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice. Throughout their career, James didn't away from discussing their past ketamine addiction, using their platform to highlight its dangers and the hope of recovery. Ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with legitimate medical uses, has increasingly been misused as a recreational drug, particularly among younger people. Its dangers are often underestimated, experts say, but long-term use can lead to severe bladder damage, memory problems, and in some cases, death. 'James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went,' said Chanel. '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. 'Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here.' Chanel said that she believes her brother would be proud of the work they are during to raise awareness about addiciton. "I feel that The Vivienne as a trailblazing icon has left a legacy and the work that they did during their life - both my brother and The Vivienne - was always to make people smile, to help others and that continues through the House of The Vivienne. "I think I know that he would certainly be proud of myself and my parents for doing this and for helping people and continuing their legacy in this way and I hope that House of The Vivienne will make a difference." House of The Vivienne support sessions will take place every Tuesday at Ty Enfys community hub in James' hometown of Colwyn Bay (Image: Chanel Williams) Article continues below House of The Vivienne offers a warm, understanding space for anyone affected by addiction — whether to ketamine, alcohol, or other substances. Sessions run every Tuesday from 5pm–7pm at Ty Enfys on Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay. 'This is for anyone who feels alone,' Chanel added. 'James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. There is always hope.'
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
House of The Vivienne launches in Colwyn Bay in memory of star
House of The Vivienne, described as a 'safe, inclusive space' offering free, confidential advice, guidance, and compassion, launched at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) on Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 12. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to millions as The Vivienne - and her family. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to as The Vivienne (Image: Submitted) The space has been created to honour James's life and their courage in speaking about their own struggles, and their unwavering belief in helping others. The first-ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, James died in January this year at the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. It was a devastating loss for family, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community, and one that Chanel is determined will help spark awareness and change. The Vivienne and Chanel (Image: Submitted) 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,' said Chanel. 'There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help.' Chanel and her family, working in partnership with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance abuse charities, are beginning this campaign in their hometown of Colwyn Bay, with plans to expand nationwide. James and Chanel (Image: Submitted) The Vivienne, who grew up in the seaside resort and attended Rydal Penrhos before moving to Liverpool, became a household name after winning the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They later made history as the only UK queen to compete on Drag Race All Stars in the US. Throughout their career, James never shied away from discussing their past ketamine addiction, using their platform to highlight its dangers and the hope of recovery. 'James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went,' said Chanel. Ty Enfys (Image: Submitted) '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. 'Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here.' Ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with legitimate medical uses, has increasingly been misused as a recreational drug, particularly among younger people. Its dangers are often underestimated, but long-term use can lead to severe bladder damage, memory problems, and in some cases, death. House of The Vivienne offers a warm, understanding space for anyone affected by addiction - whether to ketamine, alcohol, or other substances. The doors to the safe space will open every Tuesday and a listening and understanding ear will be provided. Sessions will run from 5pm–7pm. 'This is for anyone who feels alone,' Chanel added. 'James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. "There is always hope.' For more information, email hello@ or follow the campaign on Instagram.
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives'
A fresh lifeline for individuals battling drug and alcohol dependency has been established in tribute to beloved drag performer and television star, The Vivienne. House of The Vivienne is characterised as a "safe, inclusive space" providing free, confidential support, guidance, and empathetic listening every Tuesday at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) in Colwyn Bay. The initiative is spearheaded by Chanel Williams, sibling of the late James Lee Williams - recognised by millions as The Vivienne - alongside her family, and has been established to commemorate James's life and their bravery in discussing their personal battles, plus their steadfast commitment to supporting others. The inaugural champion of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, James passed away in January this year aged 32, following cardiac arrest triggered by ketamine consumption. It represented a crushing blow for relatives, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community, and one that Chanel is resolved will help generate awareness and transformation. "Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK," said Chanel. "There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help." Chanel and her relatives, collaborating with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance misuse charities, are launching this initiative in their home town of Colwyn Bay, with ambitions to roll out across the nation. The Vivienne, who was raised in the coastal town before relocating to Liverpool, shot to fame after claiming victory in the inaugural series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They subsequently made history by becoming the sole UK contestant to feature on Drag Race All Stars across the pond. During their career, James remained candid about their former ketamine dependency, utilising their profile to expose its perils and demonstrate that rehabilitation was possible. "James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went," said Chanel. "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. "Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here." Ketamine, a potent anaesthetic with valid medical applications, has become increasingly abused as a recreational substance, especially amongst young people. The risks are frequently undervalued, yet prolonged consumption can result in serious bladder complications, cognitive issues, and occasionally, fatality. House of The Vivienne provides a welcoming, compassionate environment for anyone impacted by dependency - whether on ketamine, alcohol, or alternative substances. Meetings take place weekly on Tuesdays between 5pm–7pm at Ty Enfys on Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay. "This is for anyone who feels alone," Chanel added. "James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. There is always hope." For further details, email hello@ uk or follow the campaign on Instagram.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
House of The Vivienne launches in Colwyn Bay in memory of star
House of The Vivienne, described as a 'safe, inclusive space' offering free, confidential advice, guidance, and compassion, launched at Ty Enfys (Rainbow House) on Abergele Road in Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, August 12. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to millions as The Vivienne - and her family. The group is led by Chanel Williams, sister of the late James Lee Williams - better known to as The Vivienne (Image: Submitted) The space has been created to honour James's life and their courage in speaking about their own struggles, and their unwavering belief in helping others. The first-ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, James died in January this year at the age of 32, following a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. It was a devastating loss for family, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community, and one that Chanel is determined will help spark awareness and change. The Vivienne and Chanel (Image: Submitted) 'Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,' said Chanel. 'There's still a stigma around ketamine use, and that's costing lives. We want to break that stigma and create a place where people feel safe to say: I need help.' Chanel and her family, working in partnership with The Sanctuary Trust, Adferiad, and local substance abuse charities, are beginning this campaign in their hometown of Colwyn Bay, with plans to expand nationwide. James and Chanel (Image: Submitted) The Vivienne, who grew up in the seaside resort and attended Rydal Penrhos before moving to Liverpool, became a household name after winning the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019. They later made history as the only UK queen to compete on Drag Race All Stars in the US. Throughout their career, James never shied away from discussing their past ketamine addiction, using their platform to highlight its dangers and the hope of recovery. 'James brought sparkle and joy wherever they went,' said Chanel. Ty Enfys (Image: Submitted) '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. 'Whether you're using, in recovery, or worried about someone you love, you are welcome here.' Ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic with legitimate medical uses, has increasingly been misused as a recreational drug, particularly among younger people. Its dangers are often underestimated, but long-term use can lead to severe bladder damage, memory problems, and in some cases, death. House of The Vivienne offers a warm, understanding space for anyone affected by addiction - whether to ketamine, alcohol, or other substances. The doors to the safe space will open every Tuesday and a listening and understanding ear will be provided. Sessions will run from 5pm–7pm. 'This is for anyone who feels alone,' Chanel added. 'James would want you to know you matter, your life matters, and there is help. "There is always hope.' For more information, email hello@ or follow the campaign on Instagram.
