Policy Episodes

Policy has a profound impact on addiction treatment, recovery access, and stigma reduction. This category examines the role of legislation, funding, and systemic challenges in shaping the addiction and recovery landscape. Episodes explore international models, such as decriminalization and harm reduction policies, alongside local advocacy efforts to improve resources and access to care. Through conversations with policymakers, advocates, and experts, the podcast highlights the importance of systemic change in addressing the root causes of addiction and creating pathways for recovery.

In the UK, drug policy is primarily framed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which classifies drugs into three categories (Class A, B, and C) based on their perceived harm. The policy includes approaches that range from criminal justice interventions to public health strategies aimed at reducing harm and providing support for addiction recovery.
April 10, 2025

65 | Woody Albrow: Butane, Breakdown & Belief – A Journey Through Trauma & Transformation

Matt speaks with Woody, the National Connecting Communities Lead at Change Grow Live , who shares a candid account of his journey through addiction, recovery, and professional development. Woody reflects on the early signs of...

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Dec. 20, 2024

57 | Sarah Hicks: Gaslighting, Grief & Generational Pain – Surviving Trauma & Reclaiming Life

In this in-depth two-part episode, Matt sits down with Sarah Hicks for a raw and reflective conversation that spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief, and recovery. Sarah opens up about her early experiences wit...

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Dec. 20, 2024

58 | Sarah Hicks: Assault, Advocacy & The Fight To Change Systems – Violence Against Women

In the second part of this powerful two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, justice, and recovery. Sarah shares her experience of surviving sexual assa...

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March 8, 2024

#40 - Grand Dame Carol Black: UK Drug Policy, Recovery Pathways, Addiction Workforce Challenges, Mental Health Integration & Trauma Informed Care

Matt welcomes back Professor Dame Carol Black for her second appearance on the Believe in People Podcast. Dame Carol, recently awarded the prestigious Grand Cross, the highest level in the order, and is awarded rarely and rec...

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Aug. 23, 2023

#28 - Elly: Harm Reduction, Crack Use, Snowballing, Safer Injecting, Cannabis, Ketamine & Drug Myth Busting

Matt and Elly embark on an exploration into the realm of harm reduction. With nearly three decades of invaluable experience in the Drug & Alcohol sector, Elly provides insightful perspectives that shed light on the complexiti...

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July 21, 2023

#26 - Andy Train: Embracing Body Image, Catfishing, FOMO, Addiction, The Living Statue World Championships, InterPride & Pride in Hull

Matt talks to Andy Train , Creative Director & Vice Chair of Pride in Hull, an InterPride Global Advisory Council Member for the British Isles, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the current The Living Statue World ...

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Jan. 31, 2023

#18: Emma Hardy MP: Stigma, Addiction, Education, Parliament, Endometriosis & Poverty Premium

Matt is joined by Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle. Emma candidly discusses her background in teaching to becoming politically active in 2011 and using her profile and influence to tackle stigma. Emma and Matt discuss: Stigma, addiction, recovery and education in Hull.The RE:Uniform campaign, reverse advent calendar and poverty premium.Emma's involvement with Endometriosis and Menopaus'ull.Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episo…

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Dec. 2, 2022

#16 - Mark Moody: Addiction, Recovery, Stigma, Scotland, The Heroin Epidemic & Being CEO of the UK's largest Drug & Alcohol Charity

Matt is joined by Mark Moody, CEO of the UK's largest Drug & Alcohol Charity, Change Grow Live . Mark candidly discusses his rise from an entry level position with only 40 people in the organisation all the way to being respo...

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Oct. 11, 2022

#12 - Di: Service Management, Hull, Hostels, Community, Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

Matt talks to Di, Hull's Drug & Alcohol Service Manager. Di gives a candid account of managing Hull's Drug & Alcohol Service and talks about her 35 years in the sector and a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Click here to ...

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Aug. 11, 2022

#09 - Professor Dame Carol Black: An Independent Review of Drugs, Stigma, Treatment & Recovery

In Episode 9 Matt talks to Professor Dame Carol Black. In 2019 Dame Carol was commissioned by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake a 2-part independent review of drugs, to inform the government’s thinking on what more can be done to tackle the harm that drugs cause. Part one was published on 27 February 2020 and provides a detailed analysis of the challenges posed by drug supply and demand, including the ways in which drugs fuel serious violence. Part tw.…

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