Posted on: 29 January 2026
A new podcast, Breaking the Stigma, is giving voices to those in recovery, CNWL staff, and local partners to challenge misconceptions about addiction.
Hosted by Richard Reeves, who works locally in Hounslow supporting people affected by addiction, the series features a mix of inspiring guests, including graduates and current participants from CNWL’s Recovery Day Programme (RDP) in Hounslow.
ARC Hounslow is a free and confidential service for people who live in the London Borough of Hounslow. The service helps people break a cycle of addiction to substances such as heroin, cocaine, and new psychoactive substance as well as long term alcohol addiction.
Staff contributors on the podcast include:
- Shiv Sharma – RDP Manager and Group Facilitator Lead, who appears on the Mutual Aid episode.
- Stephen Buchanan – RDP Peer Support Worker, features on the Exit Strategies episode.
Listen on spotify here.
Richard reflected on the podcast launch:
"Being part of the podcast is one of the most incredible moments in my career. I love my job, but this has taken it to the next level. The aim of the podcast is to inspire, challenge preconceptions, laugh, and most of all get more people openly talking about addiction by ‘Breaking the Stigma’."
Claudine Pisani, Interim Sector Manager at CNWL ARC Hounslow said:
“There is more than one way of learning about a person’s recovery journey through addiction and understanding how stigma can really impact the journey. Through coproduction, this podcast enables everyone to listen, learn and reflect. I’m proud of everyone involved in this project and I everyone to listen in – it’s inspirational!”
Christoph, as a lived experience host on the podcast he said:
“My aim is to bring hope, faith and belief to those suffering from the power of addiction , and recognising that recovery really is possible.”
Looking ahead, Breaking the Stigma will release one episode per month this year, with extra episodes for Mental Health Week and Alcohol Awareness Week.
The podcast invites listeners to hear real stories, gain practical insights, and join the conversation around recovery.
Breaking the Stigma podcast is available to listen on all major platforms.
