More Than My Past

Alastair Campbell earned himself a formidable reputation in British politics as part of Tony Blair's New Labour government, for which he acted as spokesperson, campaign director and press secretary. Stalking that meteoric career, though, has been an ongoing battle with depression as well as recovery from alcohol addiction which hit rock bottom in the mid-eighties. If you want to know more, check out his latest book, 'Living Better', which is available now in hardback, e-book and on audible.

For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk

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Marie-Claire O’Brien's 14-month jail sentence was a shock to her system that resulted in an emotional breakdown – but also, the beginning of a new chapter in her life. After release, Marie-Claire used her experience to set up New Leaf, a West Midlands-based social enterprise which offers support to those facing the many challenges of life after prison. Her conversation with Jason focused on her time inside and how she’s since managed to channel her guilt into motivation for helping others turn their own lives around. We hope you’ll agree that Marie-Claire’s story is living proof of the importance of second chances.

For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk

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Jason speaks to Lennox Rodgers - an ex-offender who suffered physical, sexual and racial abuse as a child before being groomed into gangs for whom he worked as a pimp, enforced and drug dealer. Since deciding to go straight he's become a motivational speaker, co-founded the early intervention Charity 'Refocus' and published a book, 'Breaking Better', which is available now.

For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk

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Jason's guest on this extra special edition of More Than My Past is John, who was only released from prison in February of this year. John was inside both before and during COVID-19 lockdown, when prisoners were subject to unprecedented restrictions involving being locked in their cell for more than 23 hours a day. He was also released back in May of last year, but the temporary closure of many of the usual support services led him straight back to relapse and crime. John has been helped by The Forward Trust and the Nehemiah Project to finally break the 7-year cycle of re-addiction and re-incarceration that he was stuck in and is now using experience gained in HMP Brixton’s Clink restaurant to start a career as a chef – a profession which has helped so many ex-offenders move forward with their lives.

For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk

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This episode is all about prison release - and the thoughts, feelings and practicalities that go along with it. Our hosts film star Jason Flemyng and Forward Trust Executive Director of Recovery Julie Muir explore the topic with a selection of guests from Series 2 who have all come out and stayed out.

Leaving priaon can so often fill people with anxiety and uncertainty. Without the right support in place, re-offending can sometimes seem like the easiest option, especially when addiction is involved.

Julie and Jason chat to a range of guests on everything from the support services which help people to prepare for release, the challenges of leaving prison while still struggling with addiction, and the key ingredients for a successful return to life on the outside.

Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2’ for the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.

For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk

If you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/

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