The Coordinator of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) Community Addictions Service was approached by our Service User Improvement Group, SoHope, with a creative and meaningful idea: to develop a podcast that would give voice to the lived experiences of those engaging with our service. The group felt that a podcast would be a more impactful and accessible platform than traditional materials like leaflets — a way to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and allow both staff and service users to share their stories.
There was recognition that our service users’ voices are often unheard, and the group wanted to create something that reflected our service’s person-centred, recovery-focused approach, while also helping others — both within and beyond our service — to better understand what we do.
The task was to develop and deliver a podcast, ensuring it was a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive process.
The podcast needed to be co-produced with staff and service users, authentically represent the experiences of those involved, and adhere to trauma-informed and consent-based practice throughout.
It also needed stakeholder engagement to facilitate planning, and coordination with the Trust’s communications team to ensure the podcast was technically and professionally produced.
It began by bringing together members of SoHope and the Trust’s communications staff for an initial co-design session.
Together, we agreed on the purpose, themes, and structure of the podcast, grounded in shared values of respect, empowerment, and honesty.
Next, we identified multidisciplinary staff to consider their involvement and identify service users who might want to contribute. After forming a group of three staff and three service users, and having individual conversations with each participant to build rapport, explore their comfort levels, and discuss what they might contribute to the podcast. Service users were given choice and control over how and what they shared, including experiences of our treatment programme, aftercare support groups, and involvement in SoHope.
We co-developed a clear consent process, ensured anonymity when requested, and upheld trauma-informed support throughout.
We also facilitated a preparatory workshop to trial the podcast format and build participants’ confidence before the final recording — supported closely by our Trust communications team.
The podcast was a success. It provided a powerful and accessible platform to showcase the work of our service and amplify service user voices.
Staff involved reported a renewed sense of pride in their roles and described the process as validating and uplifting.
Service users expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute and described it as a way of “giving back” and helping others.
Beyond our service, the podcast has helped humanise our work and challenge stigma, promoting greater understanding among other services and potential service users. It has also demonstrated our commitment to genuine co-production and meaningful involvement.
For staff involved in the project, it reaffirmed the importance and impact of service user involvement. We were humbled by the openness, courage, and integrity of those who shared their stories, and proud that the project promoted recovery, hope, and connection in such a creative and respectful way.
