The Good Shepherd Wolverhampton Podcast

Episode 8: ”Wolverhampton has taught me so much.”

In our next podcast we welcome long-serving local MP Pat McFadden on to tell his story about how and why he got into politics, becoming an adopted Wulfrunian, his thoughts on the Good Shepherd and hopes for the future of Wolverhampton.

Pat is joined by Chris, a former Good Shepherd service user who is now a volunteer, who shares his own experiences of homelessness and Paul, a Housing First support worker who is part of the team providing help and support across the city. 

Episode 7: ”The Tranquility of Art.”

In the second of our 'Art takeover' episodes looking at the importance of the art classes run by the Good Shepherd, we are joined by professional artist Chris Manley, who has been one of the main drivers behind the project.

Chris joins fellow art supremos Leanne and Steve in talking about why art can be so important, the 'Discarded' photography project and the forthcoming exhibition at the Light House Media Centre.

ADVISORY: One use of explicit language.

Episode 6: ”I‘d be lost without art.”

Darren and Leanne have received various support from the Good Shepherd charity over recent years and are now giving back with their contributions to the art and photography class.

In the first of two 'art takeover' podcasts, they are joined by Good Shepherd key worker Kate Penman, who has organised the 'Recovery is for Everyone' exhibition which opens at the Light House in Wolverhampton this week.

Darren tells his story in conversation with Leanne and Kate about how art has helped his recovery.

Episode 5: ”I‘ve finally got something to live for.”

Back in March of last year, at the start of the pandemic, Matthew Waterhouse was a long-term heroin and crack cocaine addict, was begging on the streets of the city centre, suffering severe mental health problems and describes his mere existence as a ‘horror show’. 

Having been part of the 'Everyone In' initiative where he was put up at Redwings Hotel, Matt was taken onto the Housing First project working with Raminder Dhir from the Good Shepherd.

The transformation, as he explains in this podcast, has been nothing short of remarkable.

  

Episode 4: Suffering In Silence

For our latest podcast, in association with the Heart of England Community Fund, we were joined by local MP Stuart Anderson, who tells his fascinating and often difficult story around his journey into politics. Stuart is also joined by Good Shepherd staff member Kate, and former service user but now volunteer Leanne, both of whom are heavily involved in our art and photography group. All three bravely talk about the mental health struggles they have experienced during their lives, and why it is so important not to suffer in silence. 

Episode 3: "The best thing that happened to me was being arrested."

Paul Huggett was a top golfer who went to America on a scholarship. Then he fell into addiction and was later diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a virus which infects the liver and can be life threatening if untreated. Now though, a simple test and treatment process can cure the infection and Paul works as a peer mentor for the Hepatitis C Trust. This is his incredible story.

Episode 2 The Potential In The Person

In the second episode of the Good Shepherd podcast, we were delighted to be joined by Tom Hayden and Sunny Dhadley. Tom is the Head of Operations at the Good Shepherd, who recently marked three years leading the charity.  Sunny, whom for many years had a leadership role with SUIT in Wolverhampton, is now a leading voice in the world of social leadership, a renowned public speaker and consultant, and senior advisor to the NHS around health and justice.  In a very wide-ranging podcast the two discuss their own life experiences, thoughts on how best to help people during recovery and why everyone should always be given the chance to achieve.

Episode 1: Changing Pain Into Purpose

For the first ever Good Shepherd podcast, Paul Berry speaks to Steve Dixon, the pioneering CEO of Changes UK charity supporting people through recovery, and Steve Hughes, a member of staff at the Good Shepherd. 'The Two Steves' deliver a no-holds-barred and emotional account of their respective journeys through addiction, and how they are now using their experiences to help others. With thanks to support from the Heart of England Community Foundation's 'Doing Things Differently' fund.

ADVISORY: Rare use of explicit language.