Elly Mortimer: Hepatitis C, Heroin & Harm Reduction - 30 Years of Public Health Experience

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Elly returns for her third appearance to share more than 30 years of insight from frontline harm reduction and public health work, with a particular focus on eliminating Hepatitis C across the UK.Elly explains how treatment has transformed from long, punishing year-long interferon courses with severe side effects to today’s short-course tablets that are over 96 percent effective. Drawing on decades of clinical, operational and commissioning experience, she breaks down how public health services respond to complex, evolving risks and why Hepatitis C continues to affect a far broader population than many assume.While often associated with injecting drug use, Hepatitis C also impacts people who have had tattoos abroad, unregulated cosmetic work, shared razors or toothbrushes, or undergone certain health procedures in other countries. Elly offers clear guidance on symptoms, risk factors and the long-term damage caused when the virus goes undiagnosed for years.We also explore the barriers that prevent people from completing treatment and how genuine co-production between service users, providers and commissioners is essential for improving outcomes. This conversation is relevant for healthcare professionals, students, commissioners and anyone wanting a clear, practical understanding of one of the UK’s most significant viral risks.In this episode:30 years of harm reduction and public health practiceThe evolution of Hepatitis C treatment: from interferon to 96%-effective tabletsHow Hepatitis C affects far more people than commonly understoodSymptoms, risks and why early diagnosis mattersBarriers to completing treatment and how services can remove themThe role of co-production in improving access and outcomesPublic health innovation, stigma reduction and community engagementSearch terms: Hepatitis C elimination UK, harm reduction podcast, public health stories, addiction recovery podcast UK, trauma and recovery, lived experience, substance misuse.#believeinpeople #believeinpeoplepodcast #believeinpeopleextraClick here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧  If this episode connected with you, please subscribe and review. It directly helps us reach more people affected by addiction, trauma and stigma. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com Believe in People is a platform for lived experience, recovery insight and honest conversation. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working on the frontline, this podcast exists to inform, challenge stigma and inspire change.If you or someone you know needs support with drugs, alcohol, housing, domestic abuse, or mental and physical wellbeing, free and confidential help is available via Change Grow Live:📩 Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” - Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)Listen & Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcasts🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler 🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson 🏢 Network: ReNew