In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Ross shares an extraordinary journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy following the suicide of his father - a traumatic event that deeply shaped his mental health and identity.

Struggling to cope with overwhelming grief, Ross turned to alcohol and cocaine to numb the pain, leading to multiple suicide attempts and a period of profound crisis. A pivotal moment of clarity during hospitalisation marked the beginning of his recovery journey, rooted in sobriety, honesty and the lifesaving impact of peer support.

Through his involvement with Andy’s Man Club, Ross rediscovered purpose by helping create spaces where men can speak openly, confront trauma, and support each other without judgement. His story highlights the social conditioning of masculinity, the emotional cost of silence, and the healing power of community-led recovery.

This conversation also examines the moment Ross met the paramedic who saved his life - a full-circle encounter that reinforced the value of second chances and the profound ripple effect of choosing to stay.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide, addiction and mental health crises.

In this episode:

• Suicide bereavement and its long-term emotional impact
• Alcohol and cocaine misuse as coping mechanisms for grief
• Multiple suicide attempts and the moment everything changed
• Hospitalisation, sobriety and reclaiming purpose
• The role of Andy’s Man Club in community-led men’s mental health support
• Masculinity, emotional resilience and breaking the silence
• Meeting the paramedic who saved his life
• Why peer support can transform recovery

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, addiction or overwhelming emotions, please contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit Andy’s Man Club to find a local group.

Search terms: suicide bereavement recovery, men’s mental health podcast UK, addiction recovery stories, lived experience, peer support groups, trauma and recovery, cocaine addiction

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This podcast is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone.

If you want to change your direction, grow as a person, and live life to its full potential, Change Grow Live is here to help you. We’re here for you if you need help with challenges including drugs or alcohol, trouble with housing, domestic abuse, or your mental and physical wellbeing. Change Grow Live services are free and confidential. Click the link below to refer yourself to your local service.

https://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service

📩 Podcast Contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” by Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)

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