2024 British Podcast Award Winner & 2025 Radio Academy Award Nominated Podcast

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.
Sept. 8, 2025

Emma Hardy MP: Ketamine Harm, Mental Health, Flood Risk and Community Recovery in Hull

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Emma Hardy MP returns to the podcast to discuss some of the most urgent challenges facing Hull and the wider UK – including rising ketamine harm , worsening...

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July 27, 2025

Elly Mortimer: Harm Reduction, Hepatitis C Elimination and 30 Years of Public Health Experience

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Elly returns for her third appearance to share more than 30 years of insight from frontline harm reduction and public health work, with a particular focus o...

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April 10, 2025

Woody Albrow: Addiction, Spiritual Recovery and Leading with Lived Experience at Change Grow Live

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Matt speaks with Woody Albrow , the National Connecting Communities Lead at Change Grow Live, who shares an open and deeply personal account of his journey ...

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Jan. 31, 2025

Paul Haley: Heroin & Crack Cocaine Recovery, Lived Experience Leadership and Driving National Change

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Paul Haley shares his extraordinary journey from the depths of heroin and crack cocaine addiction to a position of national leadership within Change Grow Li...

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Dec. 20, 2024

Sarah Hicks (Part One): Addiction, Coercive Control, Grief and Reclaiming Life After Trauma

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Matt begins the first part of a deeply personal two-part conversation with Sarah Hicks , whose story spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief a...

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July 26, 2024

Ambrose Brown: Hep C, Heroin & Hope – Prison, Peer Support & The Micro-Elimination Mission

Matt sits down with Ambrose, a leading voice in the recovery community, for a powerful conversation tracing his journey from severe substance misuse to health, purpose, and advocacy. Ambrose candidly shares his experience wit...

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March 8, 2024

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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