Sean’s journey of healing and hope

By Darren J. Prior

A Ballymun native and founder of an organisation working across schools, prisons, and the corporate world has expressed his hope to Northside People that 2026 will be a year to scale up his work to more schools and prisons.

Sean Kinsella, founder of Sean Kinsella – Lived Experience, grew up in Ballymun and became addicted to heroin at the age of 14.

“I went from being homeless in Ballymun at fourteen through addiction and prison, to recovery and purpose.”

Now in recovery, Sean (pictured above) works with people and organisations to build resilience, clarity and capacity.

“I help people in high-pressured environments to be better, better energy, better purpose, better outlook.

“I do that through my own skillset and lived experience of the life I’ve managed to come through.”

Looking back on his journey through homelessness, addiction and prison, Sean says:

“I think I’m very fortunate that I had an inner resilience and drive that never left me.

“Even on the streets, in hostels, sick or injecting, I never gave up fighting. I always had hope for the future.”

He also credits key people in his life:

“My Mam was an amazing human being who taught me love and kindness.

“And when I was 15, I met Fr. Peter McVerry, he took me into his home when nobody else would open the door. That changed everything.”

Today, Sean supports people and teams through resilience workshops, trauma-informed coaching, leadership support, and talks in schools, prisons, and youth services.

Much of his work focuses on burnout, recovery, and finding purpose again.

“My passion is to work in organisations, schools, and prisons, anywhere that’s under pressure or dealing with difficult realities.

“I try to bring a fresh perspective, purpose and a bit of hope, to change how we treat people.”

In 2026, Sean will pilot two major programmes:

The Thrive Intervention Programme: Early intervention and emotional wellbeing tools for young people in DEIS schools.

I Am Not Going Back: A programme in partnership with the Irish Prison Service, designed to support people transitioning from prison and break the cycle of reoffending through lived-experience-led mentoring and identity rebuilding.

“If your team is stretched or you’re burned out, I offer a free 30-minute intro call to explore how I can help.”

For more, visit www.SeanKinsella.org.

Asked about life running his own business today, Sean says:

“I don’t like being too busy.

“That’s one of the things I try to get across to people, to make sure they don’t forget how to improve their own quality of life by filling their own cup.”