"What is happening in these young people's lives that makes escaping reality more appealing than experiencing it?" I recently read an article in The Guardian about children as young as 13 years old being treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital for serious bladder damage caused by ketamine use. YES, THIRTEEN YEARS OLD! Children who should be enjoying their childhood, discovering who they are and dreaming about their futures are instead suffering devastating consequences due t

"Reflections on nearly another year of delivering drug prevention talks " Delivering talks across the 2025/26 academic year has been rewarding, emotional, and full of moments I will not forget. It has also forced me to confront something I have always believed but never quite been able to prove at this level: when young people feel truly seen, heard, and understood, change goes from being a distant fantasy to something that feels tangible and possible. Not guaranteed. Not i

"Focusing on the first day rather than the worst day" I’ve recently celebrated 8 years being sober, but setbacks, grief, and adversity...

"It starts with a wound" They wanted a neat answer. A simple reason. But it’s never that simple. I don’t think I understood the reasons...

"The worst thing was that the drugs made me feel great to start with" I never heard anyone in school saying they “can’t wait to grow up...

" EVERYTHING FELT MUNDANE AND MEANINGLESS" I’ve lived it. Addiction isn’t just about making bad choices. It’s not about weak willpower or...

"Teenagers who engage with drug-related content online are more likely to experiment with substances themselves." Social media is a...

“Saying “kids will be kids” isn’t just dangerous, it’s dismissive” I hear it all the time: “Kids will be kids.” I've said it myself....

"Vaping Devices; also known as e-cigs, mods, pens, tanks..." Vaping has exploded in popularity among young people, often seen as a...

"Let's make prevention a priority - because the best intervention is the one you never have to make." Every young person deserves the...

Keynote Speaker - Inspire Justice Award 24 "Here’s to second chances, hope, and the courage to start again." Seven years ago, I was lost....