In this episode, Zak and Jules sit down with Ian Thomas to talk about his experience of the care system, and his journey from care to addiction, prison and recovery.

In part two of this incredible conversation, Ian tells Zak and Jules about the turning point in his life that helped him start his recovery journey, and talks about the work he does now he’s out of jail.

If you’re struggling with your mental health and you need support today, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123 any time of the day or night. If you are watching this on a content hub laptop, please visit the Health and Wellbeing link at the top of your screen for more information about mental health support or speak to a Listener in your jail.

Please know that you are not alone, you matter and there are people out there who can help you.

The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1646949340

Organisations mentioned:

The Rees Foundation: https://www.reesfoundation.org/ Number to call Mon-Fri 9-5: 0330 094 5645

The Forward Trust https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/

The Care Leavers Covenant https://mycovenant.org.uk/

The Care Leavers Association https://www.careleavers.com/

Other organisations that you may find helpful:

Support with Your Mental Health:

CALM – https://www.thecalmzone.net/

CALM helpline – 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm-midnight)

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org/

Samaritans helpline – 116 123 (24 hours)

MIND – https://www.mind.org.uk

MIND Infoline number – 0300 123 3393 (provides an information and signposting service. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays.)

SHOUT – text for free any time on 85258 – https://giveusashout.org/

NHS Mental Health Services – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/menta...

Together – https://www.together-uk.org/

Turning Point – https://www.turning-point.co.uk/servi...

Rethink – https://www.rethink.org/

If you’re a woman, these orgs can help direct you to a women's centre which is a great place to find all kinds of support:

Women In Prison – https://womeninprison.org.uk/

Advance/Minerva – https://www.advancecharity.org.uk/


Support with Addiction and Recovery:

Humankind – https://humankindcharity.org.uk/drug-...

Breaking Free/Change Grow Live – https://www.changegrowlive.org/

Kaleidoscope – https://kaleidoscope68.org/

Turning Point – https://www.turning-point.co.uk/suppo...

Nelson Trust – https://www.nelsontrust.com/

We Are With You – https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/

Apps:

Lower My Drinking – https://www.lowermydrinking.com/postcode

Drink Coach – https://drinkcoach.org.uk/download-dr...

NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drin...

Contact us:

If anything you’ve heard in today’s episode that has helped you, or if you just want to get in touch, please do.

💬 DM us: @afterprisonpod on Instagram and Twitter

📧 Email us: [email protected]

✉️ Write to us: Life After Prison, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF

🖥️ Website: https://lifeafterprisonpod.com/