From Struggle 2 Strength Podcast

Send us Fan MailFrom The Shed: This is our newest episode, bit of a different feel to it! Trying to work out how to change the name but if that doesnt work we will continue to do what we are doing! Enjoy...Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined again by David 'Haggis' McCormack, a resilient individual whose life journey from the depths of despair to empowerment is truly inspiring. Born and raised in Glasgow, David faced numerous challenges growing up in care and struggling with addiction.This is a really heavy episode, some of the content may be upsetting. Dave is a brave soul who has opened up and bared his all in this weeks episode.Reach out, speak out and you own your own power. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Episode Title: "Still Here: Suicide Prevention, Survival & Hope with Clare Chambers"In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Mike & Dave sits down with Clare Chambers, a senior suicide prevention therapist at James’ Place in Liverpool. Clare brings a wealth of lived and professional experience to the conversation from her 23 years as a probation officer to her current role supporting men in suicidal crisis.A survivor herself, Clare openly shares her journey of living with Bipolar Disorder and how her own suicide attempt led to a life-changing career pivot into counselling. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and radical empathy.Clare also reflects on her involvement in the Baton of Hope Manchester tour alongside former guest Frankie Feeney, offering an inside view into one of the UK’s most impactful suicide awareness movements.This episode is a deep dive into what it really means to save lives, not just clinically, but human-to-human.🔗 Themes: Suicide prevention, lived experience, mental health support, professional reinvention, trauma-informed care, peer connectionSupport the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this episode you will realise Mike knows nothing about politics, especially American Politics, and Dave is probably a bit better than me on the matter!? We are just catching up and saying hello, so please come and join us for some conversation about the world and how we feel about it. Raw and Organic as always.  Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailMike & Dave ft Terry the Turtle, are having a catch up as we have not done a recording for a few weeks with lots going on in life an things! Big thanks as always to our sponsors, subscribers and supporters! We really appreciate you all and send our love as always. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThis week your host's Dave and Mike talk about the current situations we seem to be seeing around the UK. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are joined again by David 'Haggis' McCormack, a resilient individual whose life journey from the depths of despair to empowerment is truly inspiring. Born and raised in Glasgow, David faced numerous challenges growing up in care and struggling with addiction.This is a really heavy episode, some of the content may be upsetting. Dave is a brave soul who has opened up and bared his all in this weeks episode.Reach out, speak out!Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailMike and Dave get together for a check in and a good old catch up! Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThis week we have Andy Bishop aka Bish, what an inspiration he is and we hope you get as much as we have from this epic episode. Below is a bit of info on ManGang Uk which Andy started and continues to build. How it startedManGang was founded by a man who struggled with poor mental health all of his adult life. Feeling the experience was something no one wanted to talk about, it was bottled up for a long time through fear of judgement.After losing a friend to suicide in 2017, he set out to break the stigma that led his friend to feeling so isolated and alone. Our aim is to tell men all across the country that they needn’t be alone.There is support out there for people who feel they have no one, and we are here to supply it.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailAdam Backhouse a 26 year British Army veteran, suffered both physical and mental injury whilst serving. Using sport as a path to recovery, he went on to represent Team UK at the 2023 Invictus Games.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailNikki's StoryMy reasons for starting Scotty’s Little Soldiers are very personal. On the 2nd June 2009 my husband, Lee, left our home to do his tour in Afghanistan. Lee was a Corporal in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment and loved his job. He loved being part of a team and he really believed he was making a difference by being in the Army. On the 10th July 2009 my world was totally turned upside down when I had the knock at the door that every Army wife dreads, and I was told that Lee had been killed. My world fell apart. I was lost and even though I had amazing friends and family around me, I just felt completely alone. I didn’t know how I was going to carry on without Lee in my life.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThis week we are joined by Joe, who bravely shares his story of how he came from the brink of death to living his best life today. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this weeks episode Dave, Mike & Terry are discussing the power of talking. This topic is a regular subject that comes up with all our guests and Dave and Mike are always talking about the importance of reac ing out and talking to those we feel most familiar with. Also Waffling Walkers is happening on 18th May 2024 @ 1000hrs in Sefton Park starting at the cafe in the centre of the park, come down and have a little walk and a hot drink at the end. This will be for anyone to attend, there is no particular situation this group is aimed at, it is just a chance for people to meet and build a nice community. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThis weeks episode we have Joey Graham, Joey shares his story of his journey with depression and discusses the importance of reaching out before it is too late. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailMeet Liam (VAZ) Vale Just a normal lad breaking down negative barriers in his life showing that with some positive influences and having a network to reach out to helped him turn his struggles into strengthSupport the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan Mail@Wesbpoetry - Spoken Word, creative and a beautiful human being.This week Wes shares his journey with no stones left unturned, his message of hope and strength is truly remarkable, brave and humbling. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn 2009, in Afghanistan, David's world changed: a suicide bomber devastated his vehicle, taking a friend and causing David grievous injuries.Post-2013 military discharge, his mental battles escalated. An Everton Football Club leaflet became a beacon of hope, transitioning him from participant to leader in a project aiding veterans. Showcasing his resilience, David was Vice Captain for Team GB at the Invictus Games. Today, he's not merely a survivor but an emblem of perseverance, exemplifying the enduring human spirit and guiding others through adversity towards hope.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn April 2014, David was a wealth management professional who was due to start working for a new company, after being headhunted for his skills and experience.On Easter Sunday he was hit by a speeding vehicle. This would change David, and his young families lives, forever.The incident resulted in horrendous injuries, including a catastrophic brain injury and multiple fractures. David was also blinded in one eye.David joins us to talk about his recovery and how he has used his experience to help others who are learning to live with a brain injury. David is passionate about helping others and has established a peer-support group to help others get as much normality back into their lives as possible.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailJohn "Fenners" Fendley: A Journey Beyond Soccer AMThis episode sheds light on John "Fenners" Fendley's illustrious career and personal journey, exploring his battle with mental health, the essence of fatherhood, and overcoming life's challenges.In this compelling episode, we peel back the layers of John "Fenners" Fendley, a name synonymous with Sky Sports' Soccer AM, yet there's so much more to his story than the bright lights of television. Beyond his two-decade-long association with one of the most beloved football shows in the UK, Fenners' life story unfolds with profound experiences encompassing grief, depression, anger, imposter syndrome, and fatherhood, against the backdrop of a societal struggle with the grave issue of suicide. Join us as we journey through the highs and lows of his life, gaining unparalleled insights into the man behind the charisma.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailHi my name is Paul Garrigan, I am a Human Performance and Development Practitioner, my expertise is directly centred towards supporting men to reach their true potential. My field of expertise covers Breath science, Somatic trauma release practices, Individual, ancestral and collective trauma, human performance and leadership. Being able to support men to go to the depths of where they need to go in order to create sustaining transformation in their life is my gift. Helping men to see and unlock the potential and power they have within, and begin to embody their unique gifts and talents, is magical for me to be a part of and witness. It is my wish and my blessings that all men collectively engineer and create a life of inspiration and love excellence.Here is Paul's website! https://www.pactmantality.com/Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailRobbie uses his experiences to connect with and support veterans facing similar challenges. His work at Tom Harrison House embodies compassion and understanding, drawing from his journey to inspire and aid those on their path to recovery. Robbie also discusses how music and Dj'ing is a huge part of his life, and how that has been a massive part of his journey.Robbie's story, shared on the 10th episode of 'From Struggle 2 Strength', is not just a testament to personal triumph but a powerful message of hope, illustrating how the depths of struggle can forge unbreakable strength and purpose. Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailAlfie sadly lost his own father to suicide in 2017. This was the beginning of Alfie’s story. He and his mum, Allison, discovered there was a lack of support available across the country for children. Support tailored specifically for children currently remains absent nationwide.The core mission of Alfie’s Squad is to raise funds to establish a much-needed support group for children bereaved by suicide. Alfie’s Squad embarks on a journey to provide these young individuals with a safe space to heal, connect, and find solace in the company of peers who share similar experiences.Through fundraising efforts and community engagement, Alfie’s Squad strives to create a meaningful impact in the lives of children affected by suicide. Alfie has so far raised more than £30,000 to help support other children deal with family bereavement through suicide.We invite all children bereaved by suicide to join our squad.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailDive into Stephen Wynne's rollercoaster journey in our latest "From Struggle 2 Strength" episode. A former Everton hopeful, Wynne faced the harsh reality of being cut from his boyhood team. This blow sent him spiralling into a world of financial woes and personal struggles. But Wynne's story is more than a tale of loss. It's a narrative of fierce resilience and remarkable turnaround. Shifting gears, he stepped into academia and later joined Everton's charity arm, impacting lives far beyond the football field. In this episode, Wynne opens up about his challenging transition, his community work, and the lighter side of football life.Tune in for an inspiring tale of grit, redemption, and life after football with Stephen Wynne.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we are honoured to host David 'Haggis' McCormack, a resilient individual whose life journey from the depths of despair to empowerment is truly inspiring. Born and raised in Glasgow, David faced numerous challenges growing up in care and struggling with addiction. Seeking a fresh start, he moved to Liverpool to embark on a college course and build a new life. However, fate took an unexpected turn when the global pandemic struck, plunging the world into lockdown. David found himself battling both physical and mental health issues, reaching his heaviest weight of 22 stone 10lbs. Despite attempts with Slimming World, he continued to grapple with his well-being. Living in supported housing during the initial lockdown, David's struggles intensified. The turning point came when, in the midst of a mental health crisis, he attempted to end his life. It was the people of Liverpool who intervened and prevented the tragedy from unfolding. Through the support of former featherweight boxing world champion Derry Mathews' gym in Liverpool, he found a lifeline. Two daily workouts, dietary changes, and a determined spirit led to a remarkable transformation, shedding over six stone and bringing his weight down to 16 stone 7lbs.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThe James Greenop FoundationOn the 22nd October 2013 we lost our son James in a tragic road traffic accident at the tender age of 10. It was decided very early that rather than people sending flowers we wanted them to donate to a cause that was close to our hearts and in turn at least something positive may come out of such a tragic accident. Once this was decided there followed a spontaneous collective outpouring of kindness and generosity in which people from all over the world sent in donations and in just over 3 weeks we raised £11,000 for the Wirral Autistic Society. Now the Rainbow Resource Centre has a room dedicated to our boy called James’ Den. This is a family sensory room which people and families with autism are able to access as part of the already amazing support that is given by Wirral Autistic Society and Autism Together. This is one of the many projects that we continue to support and hope that by establishing our Foundation we hope to continue helping others in a spirit befitting the memory of James. Despite his brief time with us, James’ small feet have left a deep impression and everyone who knew him testifies to the joy, laughter, and love he radiated. James was above all generous and caring. By giving to others, just as he always did, the Foundation will ensure that James will have as much impact in death as he did in life. Thank you for your support James’ family and friends.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailJacquie is a formidable force for change! In the depths of her pain during her adolescence, Jacquie committed to seeing the world through the eyes of fairness, justice and transformation. It wasn’t until she discovered an organisation called Clearmind International, and helped bring it to the UK, that Jacquie was able to bring her passion for change fully into life.Jacquie is known for a series of UK firsts;Creating the UKs first multicultural and combined HIV Treatment, Prevention and Support CentreCreating the UKs first static permanent dry bar, The BrinkCreating the UKs first recovery marchDeveloping and creating the clinical programme and governance for the UKs first military specific addiction treatment centreCreating the UK’s first ever recovery choir.Jacquie has won many national and international awards and has received British Empire Medal from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016.All the organisations that Jacquie has managed throughout her career have also gone on to win highly prestigious awards and honours for their standards and rigorous commitment to high quality service delivery .Today Jacquie is head of service for Damien John Kelly House a recovery living centre for 17 men recovering from drug and alcohol issues. She has also recently gone freelance to provide private therapy, organisational support and supervision, workshops & personal development and celebrancy at funerals, weddings and baby namings. And even nearly 20 years on from bringing Clearmind to the UK, Jacquie still acts as an ambassador for its courses and workshops.Her background is social work, therapy and leadership & management, through qualifications, trainings and lived experiences with John Moores University, Clearmind International, Northern Lights Trust, One True North, Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy and AEDP International.Jacquie has a huge story and part of her continued successes in transforming lives and communities is that she weaves her own story into the healing of others.No wonder “formidable force” is how she is described and why she has called her latest project just that. Her FORMIDABLE FORCE website will be launched in Spring this year.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThis weeks podcast is the first half of our mini series named 'Meet the Hosts', starting with our very own Mike Bateson. Joining the Army at a tender age of 16, Michael quickly distinguished himself, becoming the youngest soldier in the NATO liberation of Kosovo in 1999, steering the mighty Challenger 1 battle tank. From military distinction, he transitioned to academia, securing a BA (Hons) & MA in Photography, and later explored construction, with travel adventures dotting his journey. Life seemed mapped out until addiction's sinister grip upended everything. Homelessness and despair led him to the UK's sole rehabilitation centre for veterans in addiction. There, amid the darkest hours, hope rekindled. Today, reunited with his loving wife and two children, Michael's sobriety is anchored in a profound revelation: true freedom lies in authenticity. Embracing this newfound wisdom and immense gratitude, he is committed to giving back, honouring the universe that offered redemption.🙏Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailIn this gripping episode of our podcast, we sit down with the inspirational Sarah, who bravely opens up about her transformative journey. Growing up, Sarah experienced a seemingly idyllic childhood, filled with warmth and positivity. However, her life took a drastic turn when she found herself in an abusive relationship. This harrowing experience, while deeply challenging, played a pivotal role in shaping Sarah into the resilient and empowered individual she is today. As she recounts her story, Sarah sheds light on the nuances of her experiences, the lessons learned, and the strength she discovered within herself. Her candid discussion offers a profound insight into the complexities of personal growth and the power of overcoming adversity. Join us as Sarah shares her compelling story, providing hope, encouragement, and a powerful message of resilience to all who listen.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailThe speaker, who was raised to suppress their emotions, had been struggling with PTSD and suicidal thoughts due to the loss of their daughter in 1990 and their brother in 2009. They had isolated themselves and were researching suicide methods. However, their life changed when they were referred to James' Place. The welcoming and non-clinical environment of James' Place made them feel safe and comfortable enough to open up about their problems. Through therapy, they were able to regain their self-esteem and control over their thoughts. They also received a safety plan and were directed to other helpful services. The speaker credits James' Place for their improved outlook on life, and they are now looking forward to their first holiday abroad at the age of 61.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the inaugural episode of "From Struggle 2 Strength," a podcast where resilience is not just a word, but a journey. In this opening episode, your hosts Dave Curtis and Mike Bateson, with Techy Reece, lay the foundation for a series dedicated to exploring the incredible stories of individuals who have turned their struggles into strengths.Support the showhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2256674/supporters/new