Breaking The Stigma

In this episode, we will be getting into a deeper conversation about stigma, specifically public stigma. We aim to explore what public stigma is and how it manifests. We hope to highlight how it impacts people, as well as their friends, families, and services. We will also offer practical advice and actions, with compassion and non-judgemental care in mind. What is Public Stigma? This type of stig...

In this episode, we will be going into more depth about stigma and addiction, focusing specifically on self-stigma. We will explore what self-stigma is, where it comes from, hear lived experiences, and place a strong focus on discovery and support. Self-stigma occurs when a person internalises negative societal, cultural, or familial messages about their identity, emotions, actions, or mental heal...

In this episode, we introduce the brilliant Hounslow Heroes peer‑to‑peer naloxone project. We delve into what naloxone is, why it is so important, the added benefits it brings, and the exceptional work the Hounslow Heroes carry out every day. We are joined by three Hounslow Hero champions. First, we have the wonderful—and familiar from the previous episode—Carly Monks. Carly is not only a Hounslow...

In this episode, we delve into the topic of what addiction is, looking deeper into where it begins, exploring the physical and psychological elements of addiction, and how it is defined in the community (health vs. choice). We are joined by the wonderful Carly Monks — CNWL volunteer, Hounslow Hero, and SMART Recovery facilitator. Carly brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heart to the con...

In this episode, we explore what stigma is and the challenges it creates in day‑to‑day life, particularly for people experiencing addiction. The podcast was created to encourage open conversations about addiction and to address the elephant in the room — to break the stigma. We are joined by the brilliant Dr Bhags Sharma, Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist at the Hounslow ARC (Addiction, Recovery,...

In this episode, we embrace the new year with our first recording of 2026! You’ll hear our thoughts and ideas about the topic of shame and how closely it is connected to social exclusion and feelings of worthlessness. Shame has come up often in previous episodes and will more than likely surface again in the future. Today, however, we want to shine a light on it, bring it to the forefront of the c...

This is the fourth bitesize episode (Bitesize with a pinch of salt) connected to Episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by the wonderful Stephen Buchanan, Peer Support Worker at the Recovery Day Programme ARC Hounslow. I had the pleasure of watching Stephen’s journey from afar, from homelessness to peer support worker. In this episode we focus on Exit strategies and the importance...

This is the third bite size episode connected to Episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by Harpreet Samra, Harpreet has lived experience and has been a driving force in the Stigma campaign, including the design of these podcasts. Harpreet is a man of many talents and has much experience to share with you all. In this episode we focus on Lapse and relapse and the differences betwee...

This is our second instalment of our bite sized episodes, connected to episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we are joined by Shiv Sharma – Recovery Day Programme Manager and Group Facilitator lead at ARC Hounslow and within this episode, we talk about Mutual Aid. Mutual Aid comes in various shapes and sizes, and as highlighted it’s all about dipping your toe in the water and finding out which...

This is our first additional bitesize episode attached to episode 3 – Celebrations. In this episode we will focus on planning and preparation, how to plan ahead for an event, what options are available for you and consider the risks posed to attending or not attending. In this episode we are joined by Gurpreet Dhillon, fresh from attending recent events. Gurpreet shares his lived experience, which...

Episode 3 focusses on celebrations, events and the challenges faced for people in recovery or active addiction. The timing of the release of episode 3 would suggest our focus is with Christmas and New year, however this episode should be considered for all types of events, gatherings, anniversaries and birthdays throughout the year. Maintaining your well-being and recovery in today’s world has its...

Episode 2 focusses on language and its importance within addiction. We aim highlight how language can have a negative and positive impact on a person’s wellbeing and confidence. We discuss how we learn language, its meaning and how we can develop our self-awareness. Using the right words can reduce stigma, whilst poor choice of language can make people who use or have used alcohol and other drugs...

In this episode, we introduce our Anti Stigma campaign, including what we want to achieve and why we are doing this. You will also learn about us as hosts! This campaign is all about Addiction, focusing on drugs and alcohol specifically. We aim to drive honest conversations, bring real lived experience to the fore front of the conversation and improve awareness and understanding. I believe this po...