Tony Attwood experienced addiction and served multiple prison sentences for a number of crimes before Judge Peter Ross sent him to rehab instead.

Now many years into recovery, Tony has set up a vital housing charity for ex-offenders. Peter was his chair of trustees.

Tony and Peter join actor Jason Flemyng and Forward Trust director Julie Muir to retell their remarkable story for the More Than My Past podcast.

You can also listen to the audio version of this interview by searching for More Than My Past in your podcast app. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of series 2 of the More Than My Past episode, hosts Julie and Jason are joined by Forward Trust Chief Executive Mike Trace to speak about the themes covered in the series and reflect on how our approach to addiction and crime might be improved. 

Guests from the series with lived experience are asked to sum up how they’d change things if they had the chance. Ideas include outlawing short term sentences, improving education around addiction, and treating offenders with empathy instead of a desire to punish.

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/  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.