Peter Lyndon-James. Photo: David Baylis
Camera IconPeter Lyndon-James. Photo: David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Shalom House founder steps down

Sarah BrookesThe Advocate

REFORMED meth addict Peter Lyndon-James has stepped aside as the day-to-day boss at Shalom House as he pushes for his controversial, faith-based rehabilitation model to be rolled out across Australia.

Mr Lyndon-James said he has been replaced by Shalom’s operations manager James Hoffman, also a self-confessed former meth addict and dealer, who becomes chief operating officer from today.

On his Facebook page, Mr Lyndon-James, who stays on as CEO, said he believed he had developed the most successful rehabilitation model in the world.

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Shalom House.
Camera IconShalom House. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I will be stepping back from Shalom significantly and I am unsure of what I will be doing from here in the future and will see what opportunities come my way,” he said.

“It’s been a long seven years watching Shalom start by mistake, yet develop into an organisation that is actually working at restoring the lives of men, women and families with a payroll turnover for staff of over $2 million.

“I believe we have developed the most successful model of rehabilitation in the country, if not the world.

“It’s just a shame the State Government won’t listen and refuses to even look at our program even though it far surpasses anything they have in place.”

An 80 per cent success rate has been regularly quoted for the Shalom program.

A State Government spokesman said claims Shalom had developed the most successful model of rehabilitation in the country had not been substantiated.

“The Mental Health Commission has asked, but is yet to receive any information or results of evaluation of the program,” he said.

The spokesman added there had been significant engagement with Peter Lyndon-James through the Meth Action Plan Taskforce.

“The chair of the Taskforce met with Peter Lyndon-James at Shalom House last year as part of a site visit,” he said.

“The Mental Health Commission has visited the service and received a briefing from Mr Lyndon-James on his program.”

A meeting at the Premier’s office has been earmarked for July.

Shalom House could not be reached for comment.

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