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.
Paula McGowan OBE: Autism, System Failure & Oliver’s Legacy - Addiction and Care Reform
Jan. 29, 2026

Paula McGowan OBE: Autism, System Failure & Oliver’s Legacy - Addiction and Care Reform

Paula McGowan OBE joins Believe in People for a full, in-depth conversation about her son Oliver, whose death led to the introduction of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training across health and social care in England. Paula ex...

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Believe in People EXTRA: Oliver McGowan Training - Why It Protects Lives
Jan. 23, 2026

Believe in People EXTRA: Oliver McGowan Training - Why It Protects Lives

This short episode of Believe in People Extra shares an exclusive preview from our upcoming full conversation with Paula McGowan OBE , whose son Oliver’s death led to the introduction of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training ...

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Emma Hardy MP: Ketamine, Mental Health & Flood Crisis - Community Recovery in Hull
Sept. 8, 2025

Emma Hardy MP: Ketamine, Mental Health & Flood Crisis - 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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Elly Mortimer: Hepatitis C, Heroin & Harm Reduction - 30 Years of Public Health Experience
July 27, 2025

Elly Mortimer: Hepatitis C, Heroin & Harm Reduction - 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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