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.
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.
11
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 explains how people are too often doubted, judged, or written off in services, how distress is misread as behaviour or non-compliance, and how bias, fear, and rigid systems can escalate harm. Drawing directly from Oliver’s story, this conversation challenges professionals to r...
10
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 across health and social care in England. This preview focuses on one critical question: why Tier 2 training matters , and why listening to people with lived experience is not optional, but essential for safety, dignity, and life itself. Paula explains why Tier 2 training mu...
28
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 mental health pressures, and the city’s ongoing triple flood threat . Recorded during a period of national uncertainty, Emma reflects on the cost of living crisis, social housing pressures, sewage and drainage issues, and the wider political culture that shapes how communit...
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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 on eliminating Hepatitis C across the UK. Elly explains how treatment has transformed from long, punishing year-long interferon courses with severe side effects to today’s short-course tablets that are over 96 percent effective . Drawing on decades of clinical, operational an...