Gambling is something that is advertised, sponsored and known of very well - and is appearing almost everywhere these days. Yet the harms and the consequences of it as an addiction are only more recently getting some of the attention that is much needed. We hear from Sian's journey through recovery from gambling addiction, exploring the similarities between gambling and other addictions and discussing some of the ways that gambling is becoming more and more prevalent in every day life. If you or someone you know is being affected by gambling, please visit some of these resources below for more help: National Gambling Support Network (The National Gambling Support Network - GambleAware) Beacon Counselling Trust (Beacon Counselling Trust) Gambler’s Anonymous (Gamblers Anonymous – England, Wales & Ulster) NHS Northern Gambling Service (Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service) Adferiad (Adferiad Mental Health and Addiction Support Services) Gordon Moody Association (Gordon Moody - Tackling Gambling-Related Harm) GamCare (GamCare - Founder of the National Gambling Helpline)   Note: Apologies on the slight distorted microphone on this episode! Hopefully it doesn't detract from the message too much :)

We are joined on this episode of The Recoverist by Babs, who discusses her experiences as a mother supporting her son through addiction and recovery. Giving detail on how it was for both of them on the journey through addiction and the beautiful road into recovery. Babs' journey also leads on down her own path of supporting others in recovery through the support group Life is a Gift, where she continues to offer her incredible help and explains how she goes above and beyond in many instances to those who may need it. To find out more about Life is a Gift visit here: https://www.wirralinfobank.co.uk/Services/7898 Or check the Wirral Ways timetable here:https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/wirral-ways/timetable 

Richie joins Dan to talk about his journey through Narcotics Anonymous and the role that fellowship has played in his recovery. Discussing his journey through addiction and into recovery and how NA helped him. They explore the 12-step programme, the power of peer support, and how NA has provided structure and community in Richie's life. From first walking through the doors to becoming part of a recovery community, Richie shares his journey of finding recovery through mutual aid.

Dan welcomes Katy to share her powerful story of addiction and recovery, exploring their impact on her life. Katy opens up about her lived experience, exploring how addiction affected not just her own life but the lives of those closest to her. They discuss the road of addiction, overcoming the stigma and challenges in early recovery, navigating family dynamics throughout, and the vital role that community plays in having a strong and long-lasting journey to a fulfilling life in recovery. It's a moving conversation about connection, growth, and embracing a new life working helping others with their journey.

In this episode of The Recoverist, Dan is joined by Jo Moore to explore a topic that's often misunderstood - ketamine use and recovery. Jo shares her personal experiences from working in the field of rehabilitation in Birchwood and Kaleidoscope, and sheds light on the complexities surrounding this particular substance. They discuss the challenges of seeking help, the stigma attached, and the path to recovery. It's an honest conversation that tackles misconceptions while highlighting the importance of understanding a particularly lesser-known but ever increasingly prominent substance.

We kick off Season 2 by reflecting on the incredible journey of The Recoverist's first season alongside Rachel (Lived Experience Network lead & Training Manager at Wirral Mind) and Jacob (Volunteer Lead at Wirral Ways and Social Engagement Officer with Public Health) who both have huge roles within making the podcast a reality. Together, they look back at the stories shared, the impact made, and the conversations that have resonated most with listeners. They discuss what they've learned, the feedback they've received, and share their hopes for the road ahead including discussing how the launch event went and some of the questions asked by the audience. It's a heartfelt look behind the scenes of a podcast that's already making waves in the recovery community.

Jayne joins Dan in this episode where they explore the alternatives to recovery services. Jayne shares her inspiring story of self-detoxing and finding her recovery in mutual aid. They also discuss wellbeing initiatives such as yoga and mindfulness. Jayne also shared her experiences as a volunteer within the recovery sector and how this has led her to a paid job. Guests: Jayne – Individual with Lived Experience and AA fellowship userThemes: Lived Experience, Alcohol, AA, 12 Step Programmes, Personal Story, Mindfulness, Yoga, Self-Detox, Relationships, Volunteering Show notes:More information on AA: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ More information on Volunteering with Wirral Ways: https://changegrowlive.org/careers-volunteering/volunteering 

Dan is joined by Pete, a Senior Practitioner at Wirral Ways. Pete talks about his own recovery journey and what led him into his current role working with individuals who are misusing Over the Counter Medication and Prescription Medications. Pete talks about the innovative project that he’s leading on as well as language changes they’ve implemented to try and tackle some of the stigma associated with asking for help. Guests: Pete – Wirral Ways Over The Counter & Prescribed Medications Senior Practitioner and individual with Lived ExperienceThemes: Lived Experience, Benzos, Alcohol, Z-Drugs, OTC Medication, Prescribed Medication, Recovery, Innovative Work, 12 Step Programmes, Recovery Services, Personal Story Show notes:More information on NA: https://online.ukna.org/ 

In this episode of The Recoverist, Dan is joined by Laura, an artist and art therapist. Theyspend time talking about the power of art within recovery as well as self-expression and the partthat plays within wellbeing. Exploring the role of creativity in life and recovery, delving into personal stories and experiences that have been shaped by addiction and how playfulness, art, creation all play a part in healing. Guests: Laura – Art TherapistThemes: Art Therapy, Recovery, Creativity, Expression, Mental Health  

In our second pilot episode of The Recoverists, Dan is joined by Damien, Wirral Ways’BRIC (Building Recovery in Communities) Lead. Damien talks about his own struggles and how he found himself working within the Recovery Community. They also talk about the Discovery Academy, a 12 week day rehabilitation programme that Damien created. Our very own host, Dan, has actually completed the programme himself and talks about his experiences of it. They also touch on Nightingales Café, the ‘beating heart of the Recovery Community in Birkenhead’. Guests: Damien – Wirral Ways BRIC Coordinator and individual with Lived ExperienceThemes: Recovery, Recovery Services, Day Rehab Programmes, Personal Story, Lived Experience, Spirituality, Recovery, Recovery Services, Nightingales Café Show notes:More information on Nightingales Recovery CIC: https://nightingalesrecovery.org.uk 

Join Dan as he chats to James and Sharon in the first ever episode of the Recoverist. James and Sharon are members of the Wirral Lived Experience Network (LEN) and are both in recovery. They talk about their experiences of opening up to family members and their own recovery. They shed light on the powerful work of the Spider Project, an abstinence based creative therapies service based in Birkenhead. They share their personal stories of recovery in this pilot episode and how they overcome their addictions, becoming the people they are today. They also talk about stigma and the impact that this can have on people accessing services.   Guests: James & Sharon – LEN Members and individuals with Lived Experience   Themes: Personal Story, Lived Experience, Creative Outlets, Recovery, Spider Project, Recovery Services, Family, Relationships   Show notes:More information on the Wirral Lived Experience Network: https://wirralmind.org.uk/services/lived-experience-network/wirral-lived-experience-network-for-drug-and-alcohol-misuse/ More information on the Spider Project: https://www.spiderproject.org.uk/