
UPCOMING EVENTS
OUR IMPACT:
We're here to give hope to those dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Our events bring people together to hear real stories and solutions from those who've been through it.

MEET THE TEAM

Jay Barnard: Founder - E2RF / GRC Project - Co-Founder
E2RF Founder, Executive Director and International Lead, Jay Barnard is Canadian born and 18 years in recovery. Sharing his journey from addiction to purpose on a TEDx talk, becoming a Celebrity Chef, catering for hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, William Shatner - Star Trek, Rapper Snoop Dog and more. Founder of HYPE Recovery, developing his online program in 2021, hosting The Empower 2 Recover Live Events since 2022. Jay is an inspiration, lived experienced speaker and a driving force behind creating E2R events and Programming. Sharing his journey, he is dedicated to empowering people to overcome trauma, mental health challenges, and addictions across Canada and the world. 2025, co-creating The GRC Project - The Global Recovery Community Online Ecosystem, coming in 2026.

Carl Heath: E2RF Volunteer
E2RF Volunteer, born in the UK, Carl Heath is a former sportsman coach and mentor with over 35 years experience, playing semi-professional soccer, boxing amateur and professional, working alternative learning for over 28 years, developing programs, putting on world record events. He is a self published author ‘Activating Flow’, lived experienced speaker, co-creating, managing and building E2R live events with Jay Barnard across Canada. Founder of The EnergyWize University Of Life, based in the UK, Carl is launching his online programs and services across the world. 2025: Volunteer of The GRC Project, co-creating the Global Recovery Community Online Ecosystem with Jay Barnard.

Brooke Robichaud: Co-Founder - E2R Branding - 2022
As part of the team Brook Robichaud created the brand in 2022 of E2R, logo's, website designing, the digital media, building the social media and launched Empower 2 Recover across Canada. Working with Jay Barnard and Carl Heath, Brooke is a lived experienced speaker, helping to host E2R live events.

Heidi & Belinda - The No Matter What Happens Project
Heidi and Belinda have been onboard the E2R Foundation since 2024, supporting E2R events across Canada with promotional designs and digital media. Cofounders of The No Matter What Happens Project, in honour of their niece, they are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from mental health challenges and addictions. Partnering with The E2R foundation to create 'Bridgewater's Battle for Recovery, April 2025.

Tom Herstad - Community Director
Tom Herstad is an entrepreneur, author, community advocate, and Board Member and Community Director with Empower2Recover. He brings a strong background in business, marketing, partnerships, and community leadership to his work helping expand Empower2Recover’s reach.
Tom is passionate about bringing businesses, municipalities, community leaders, and people with lived experience together to break the stigma surrounding recovery and mental health.
Through partnerships, fundraising, and community events, Tom works to create meaningful conversations, build connections, and help make recovery visible, supported, and celebrated.








