and serious mental health problems with over 70% of those in treatment being affected, according to the country's largest recovery organisation. the bbc�*sjeremy cooke takes an in—depth look at mental health and drug addiction and is given exclusive access to a new approach. just to warn you, this programme contains graphic scenes of drug use. it is april 2021 and i am in north—west england meeting tony. covid rules apply. still got our masks on, mate. with a bit of like we will get to the end of this. thank you, we're hitting it off and thatis thank you, we're hitting it off and that is good news because for the next year or so i will be seeing a lot of him. when we're finished with this what would you like people to understand about you, folks like you, that we don't get at the

minute? ~ . , , .,, , ~ minute? we are “ust people “ust like eve bod minute? we are “ust people “ust like everybody else. i minute? we are just people “ust like everybody else. and, h minute? we are just people 'ust like everybody else. and, you _ minute? we are just people just like everybody else. and, you know, - minute? we are just people just like everybody else. and, you know, we| everybody else. and, you know, we are human beings and most drug addicts have a reason that they are addicted. for addicts have a reason that they are addicted. ., ., , �* ~ ., addicts have a reason that they are addicted. ., ., , �* ~' . , addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home. addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home- just— addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home. just across _ addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home. just across the _ addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home. just across the river - addicted. for tony, birkenhead is home. just across the river from | home. just across the river from liverpool. there are drug problems here, yes, but also an understanding of this inextricable link between addiction and mental health problems. this is a community with its own challenges but also its own answers. as i will be finding out. there is nothing wrong with this except for the c sharp key. tow; there is nothing wrong with this except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around _ except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around to _ except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around to his _ except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around to his flat. - except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around to his flat. he - except for the c sharp key. tony has invited me around to his flat. he is i invited me around to his flat. he is busy and i been roped in to help.

just lengthways. is busy and i been roped in to help. just lengthways-_ just lengthways. is the music ke board just lengthways. is the music keyboard needs _ just lengthways. is the music keyboard needs fixing. - just lengthways. is the music keyboard needs fixing. i - just lengthways. is the musici keyboard needs fixing. i want just lengthways. is the music i keyboard needs fixing. i want to find out what is at the root of tony's problems. he is 58 now but it all started when he was a teenager and his mum and dad both died. things happen, like bereavements of your parents or your mates when you are a teenager, that can send you into schizophrenia and that is what happened with me. does into schizophrenia and that is what happened with me.— happened with me. does this help ou? most happened with me. does this help you? most definitely, _ happened with me. does this help you? most definitely, ya. - happened with me. does this help you? most definitely, ya. tony's l you? most definitely, ya. tony's roblems you? most definitely, ya. tony's problems with _ you? most definitely, ya. tony's problems with schizophrenia - you? most definitely, ya. tony's problems with schizophrenia are linked to uncomplicated with heroin and he has been on it for more than three decades. in my cabin using too much heroin. i left it for a couple of weeks before i saw you and i can do that but i have let myself down, you know. i look at it that i am

self—medicating further than just getting high. it helps me to cope. do you think possibly, from your point of view, your mental health is better with the drugs than it would have been without?— have been without? definitely, ya. what would _ have been without? definitely, ya. what would have _ have been without? definitely, ya. what would have happened... - have been without? definitely, ya. l what would have happened... would have killed myself. _ what would have happened... would have killed myself. i— what would have happened... would have killed myself. i felt _ what would have happened... would have killed myself. i felt pretty - have killed myself. ifelt pretty low. have killed myself. i felt pretty low. ., . ., , ., have killed myself. i felt pretty low. ., . ., , , ., low. how much time do you spend on this fli . ht low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? _ low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? a _ low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? a lot _ low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? a lot of _ low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? a lot of time. - low. how much time do you spend on this flight alone? a lot of time. i - this flight alone? a lot of time. i slee on this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my _ this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my own. _ this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my own. i _ this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my own. i wake - this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my own. i wake up - this flight alone? a lot of time. i sleep on my own. i wake up on | this flight alone? a lot of time. i l sleep on my own. i wake up on my own. i'm not good with women. i've got no confidence so i'm just single. it is the best policy for me. ., , single. it is the best policy for me. ., y ., ., , me. your very tough on yourself, mate. me. your very tough on yourself, mate- you _ me. your very tough on yourself, mate. you consider _ me. your very tough on yourself, mate. you consider yourself - me. your very tough on yourself, mate. you consider yourself a . mate. you consider yourself a failure? ., mate. you consider yourself a failure? . , ., , mate. you consider yourself a failure? ., , ., , failure? yeah, yeah, definitely. you don't have to _ failure? yeah, yeah, definitely. you don't have to spend _ failure? yeah, yeah, definitely. you don't have to spend much _ failure? yeah, yeah, definitely. you don't have to spend much time - failure? yeah, yeah, definitely. you don't have to spend much time with i don't have to spend much time with tony to understand that his key worker, john, is a vitally important figure in his life.— figure in his life. when he was usin: figure in his life. when he was using the _ figure in his life. when he was using the crack— figure in his life. when he was using the crack the _

figure in his life. when he was using the crack the impact - figure in his life. when he was| using the crack the impact that figure in his life. when he was - using the crack the impact that you had on _ using the crack the impact that you had on your— using the crack the impact that you had on your mental health, how manic you went, _ had on your mental health, how manic you went, everything is to get you a hell of— you went, everything is to get you a hell of a _ you went, everything is to get you a hell of a lot— you went, everything is to get you a hell of a lot more than it is now. john— hell of a lot more than it is now. john knows_ hell of a lot more than it is now. john knows that getting tony stable and settled is a long—term commitment. and settled is a long-term commitment.— and settled is a long-term commitment. ., �* ., , _ commitment. know you're happy in our own commitment. know you're happy in your own skin- _ commitment. know you're happy in your own skin. i _ commitment. know you're happy in your own skin. i have _ commitment. know you're happy in your own skin. i have had _ commitment. know you're happy in your own skin. i have had to - commitment. know you're happy in your own skin. i have had to be, i l your own skin. i have had to be, i have had no _ your own skin. i have had to be, i have had no choice. _ your own skin. i have had to be, i have had no choice. they - your own skin. i have had to be, i have had no choice. they make . your own skin. i have had to be, i i have had no choice. they make you wonder where he is going with it. it depends how tony wakes up on what day. he's got adhd, he has got paranoid schizophrenia. underlying, i think he is artistic as well but he has never had that looked into. john keeps across the medication tony gets from his psychiatric nurse for his schizophrenia. he also just get him. to for his schizophrenia. he also 'ust aet him. ., ,., ., for his schizophrenia. he also 'ust aet him. ., ., i. get him. to something that you shouldn't be — get him. to something that you shouldn't be doing. _ get him. to something that you shouldn't be doing. john - get him. to something that you shouldn't be doing. john is - get him. to something that you shouldn't be doing. john isjust| get him. to something that you - shouldn't be doing. john isjust one shouldn't be doing. john is 'ust one small art shouldn't be doing. john is 'ust one small part of — shouldn't be doing. john is 'ust one small part of a h shouldn't be doing. john is 'ust one small part of a drug h shouldn't be doing. john isjust one small part of a drug support - shouldn't be doing. john isjust one | small part of a drug support network here that includes nhs services and specialist recovery services and voluntary organisations. and then there is the mental health side, it is crucial. in weatherall, 72% of

the opiate users and 84% of the alcoholics were in treatment here are also living with serious mental health conditions. that is why i have come to seejoe. you health conditions. that is why i have come to see joe.- health conditions. that is why i have come to see joe. you can see it in yourself — have come to see joe. you can see it in yourself sometimes _ have come to see joe. you can see it in yourself sometimes when - have come to see joe. you can see it in yourself sometimes when you're l in yourself sometimes when you're looking _ in yourself sometimes when you're looking in— in yourself sometimes when you're looking in the _ in yourself sometimes when you're looking in the mirror. _ in yourself sometimes when you're looking in the mirror. [5— in yourself sometimes when you're looking in the mirror.— looking in the mirror. is the manager— looking in the mirror. is the manager here. _ looking in the mirror. is the manager here. it _ looking in the mirror. is the manager here. it might - looking in the mirror. is the| manager here. it might look looking in the mirror. is the - manager here. it might look like a coffee bar and it is a coffee bar. but the game. the spaces also, an nhs funded a&e for those in mental health crisis. you nhs funded a&e for those in mental health crisis.— health crisis. you can't do nothing riuht. health crisis. you can't do nothing right- you — health crisis. you can't do nothing right- you do _ health crisis. you can't do nothing right. you do loads _ health crisis. you can't do nothing right. you do loads right, - health crisis. you can't do nothing right. you do loads right, mate. l health crisis. you can't do nothing i right. you do loads right, mate. you do amazing- — right. you do loads right, mate. you do amazing- i'm _ right. you do loads right, mate. you do amazing. i'm not— right. you do loads right, mate. you do amazing. i'm not strong - right. you do loads right, mate. you do amazing. i'm not strong enough i right. you do loads right, mate. you | do amazing. i'm not strong enough to fiuht. can do amazing. i'm not strong enough to fight- can you — do amazing. i'm not strong enough to fight- can you keep — do amazing. i'm not strong enough to fight. can you keep yourself - do amazing. i'm not strong enough to

fight. can you keep yourself safe? - do amazing. i'm not strong enough to fight. can you keep yourself safe? i l fight. can you keep yourself safe? i think. you think— fight. can you keep yourself safe? i think. you think so? _ fight. can you keep yourself safe? i think. you think so? the _ fight. can you keep yourself safe? i think. you think so? the idea - fight. can you keep yourself safe? i think. you think so? the idea is - think. you think so? the idea is that anyone _ think. you think so? the idea is that anyone can _ think. you think so? the idea is that anyone can come _ think. you think so? the idea is that anyone can come through i think. you think so? the idea is - that anyone can come through these doors, no questions asked. no delays. doors, no questions asked. no dela s. ~ ., ., �* ., ., delays. well done, mate. i'll go and net ou delays. well done, mate. i'll go and get you approved- — delays. well done, mate. i'll go and get you approved. the _ delays. well done, mate. i'll go and get you approved. the last - delays. well done, mate. i'll go and get you approved. the last thing - delays. well done, mate. i'll go and get you approved. the last thing we | get you approved. the last thing we want someone _ get you approved. the last thing we want someone waiting _ get you approved. the last thing we want someone waiting an _ get you approved. the last thing we want someone waiting an hour- get you approved. the last thing we want someone waiting an hour to i get you approved. the last thing we want someone waiting an hour to to see someone — want someone waiting an hour to to see someone. without— want someone waiting an hour to to see someone. without the - want someone waiting an hour to to see someone. without the space i want someone waiting an hour to to l see someone. without the space they would _ see someone. without the space they would he _ see someone. without the space they would he going — see someone. without the space they would he going to _ see someone. without the space they would be going to a&e _ see someone. without the space they would be going to a&e and _ see someone. without the space they would be going to a&e and waiting i would be going to a&e and waiting six or— would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven — would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven hours. _ would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven hours. it— would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven hours. it is— would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven hours. it is a - would be going to a&e and waiting six or seven hours. it is a safe i six or seven hours. it is a safe place — six or seven hours. it is a safe place they— six or seven hours. it is a safe place they can _ six or seven hours. it is a safe place they can come - six or seven hours. it is a safe place they can come and i six or seven hours. it is a safe place they can come and have| six or seven hours. it is a safe. place they can come and have a six or seven hours. it is a safe i place they can come and have a tea or coffee _ place they can come and have a tea or coffee but — place they can come and have a tea or coffee but ultimately _ place they can come and have a tea or coffee but ultimately we - place they can come and have a tea or coffee but ultimately we want i place they can come and have a tea or coffee but ultimately we want to| or coffee but ultimately we want to id or coffee but ultimately we want to go and _ or coffee but ultimately we want to go and see — or coffee but ultimately we want to go and see them, _ or coffee but ultimately we want to go and see them, they— or coffee but ultimately we want to go and see them, they need - or coffee but ultimately we want to go and see them, they need to- or coffee but ultimately we want to| go and see them, they need to feel like they— go and see them, they need to feel like they are — go and see them, they need to feel like they are being _ go and see them, they need to feel like they are being heard _ go and see them, they need to feel like they are being heard and - like they are being heard and listened _ like they are being heard and listened to _ like they are being heard and listened to. i— like they are being heard and listened to.— like they are being heard and listened to. ., ., g; :: :: . , , like they are being heard and listened to. ., ., ;;:: :: . , , ., listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of tea a da . listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of tea a day- ask _ listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of tea a day. ask most _ listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of tea a day. ask most people - listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of tea a day. ask most people here i listened to. i am on 30th 40 cups of| tea a day. ask most people here that the will tea a day. ask most people here that they will tell — tea a day. ask most people here that they will tell you _ tea a day. ask most people here that they will tell you link _ tea a day. ask most people here that they will tell you link between - they will tell you link between mental health and substance abuse is real. ~ ., ., ., ,

real. wine, logo, anything i could aet me real. wine, logo, anything i could get me hands _ real. wine, logo, anything i could get me hands on, _ real. wine, logo, anything i could get me hands on, really. - real. wine, logo, anything i could get me hands on, really. that i real. wine, logo, anything i could| get me hands on, really. that was five years. — get me hands on, really. that was five years. six _ get me hands on, really. that was five years, six months _ get me hands on, really. that was five years, six months and - get me hands on, really. that was five years, six months and four i get me hands on, really. that was l five years, six months and four days ago and counting. he five years, six months and four days ago and counting.— ago and counting. he has been off the drinks on _ ago and counting. he has been off the drinks on stand. _ ago and counting. he has been off the drinks on stand. sometimes i the drinks on stand. sometimes ou're the drinks on stand. sometimes you're strong — the drinks on stand. sometimes you're strong enough _ the drinks on stand. sometimes you're strong enough to - the drinks on stand. sometimes l you're strong enough to volunteer and make the coffees, support others in crisis but he is still working on his recovery. i in crisis but he is still working on his recovery-— his recovery. i suffer a lot with ptsd and _ his recovery. i suffer a lot with ptsd and i _ his recovery. i suffer a lot with ptsd and i were _ his recovery. i suffer a lot with ptsd and i were self _ his recovery. i suffer a lot with ptsd and i were self harming. | his recovery. i suffer a lot with | ptsd and i were self harming. i his recovery. i suffer a lot with i ptsd and i were self harming. i had nightmares — ptsd and i were self harming. i had nightmares and stuff like that. don't — nightmares and stuff like that. don't sleep very well. i get help. is don't sleep very well. i get help. is the _ don't sleep very well. i get help. is the stuff— don't sleep very well. i get help. is the stuff in your past that has been difficult and now booze and now recovery? been difficult and now booze and now recove ? ., _, , . , recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i — recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i think _ recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i think it _ recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i think it is _ recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i think it is hard - recovery? now recovery, which is hard but i think it is hard for i hard but i think it is hard for anybody. _ hard but i think it is hard for anybody, do you know what i mean. but there _ anybody, do you know what i mean. but there is— anybody, do you know what i mean. but there is nothing easy about it. thank— but there is nothing easy about it. thank you — but there is nothing easy about it. thank ou. ., ~ but there is nothing easy about it. thank you-— but there is nothing easy about it. thank you-_ keep - but there is nothing easy about it. i thank you._ keep yourself thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try — thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to _ thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to get _ thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to get back _ thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to get back to _ thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to get back to us - thank you. thank you. keep yourself safe and try to get back to us if- safe and try to get back to us if you can, all right. i

safe and try to get back to us if you can, all right.— safe and try to get back to us if you can, all right. i was drinking every single _ you can, all right. i was drinking every single night. _ you can, all right. i was drinking every single night. i _ you can, all right. i was drinking every single night. i came i you can, all right. i was drinking every single night. i came herel you can, all right. i was drinking l every single night. i came here is you can, all right. i was drinking i every single night. i came here is a 40-year-old — every single night. i came here is a 40-year-old man— every single night. i came here is a 40—year—old man who _ every single night. i came here is a 40—year—old man who just - every single night. i came here is a 40—year—old man who just didn't i every single night. i came here is a i 40—year—old man whojust didn't know where _ 40—year—old man whojust didn't know where to— 40—year—old man whojust didn't know where to go _ 40—year—old man whojust didn't know where to go roh— 40-year-old man who 'ust didn't know where to go— where to go. rob is another who arrived here _ where to go. rob is another who arrived here in _ where to go. rob is another who arrived here in crisis. _ where to go. rob is another who arrived here in crisis. for- where to go. rob is another who arrived here in crisis. for the i where to go. rob is another who i arrived here in crisis. for the team it is all about making that first crucial connection, especially with men who can find it hard to ask for help. men who can find it hard to ask for hel. ., men who can find it hard to ask for hel. . ., , men who can find it hard to ask for hel. ., ., , ., , men who can find it hard to ask for hel. . ., , . , .,�* help. part of my family don't understand _ help. part of my family don't understand or _ help. part of my family don't understand or parts - help. part of my family don't understand or parts of i help. part of my family don't understand or parts of my i help. part of my family don't i understand or parts of my circle of friends don't understand how ill i was, how close i was, do you know what i mean? and this pasted, they got it. they understood when i'm sat at home crying in the shower on own. they get it. find at home crying in the shower on own. they get it— they get it. and something the sim - le they get it. and something the simple can _ they get it. and something the simple can save _ they get it. and something the simple can save lives, - they get it. and something the simple can save lives, you i they get it. and something the i simple can save lives, you really believe that, don't you? i simple can save lives, you really believe that, don't you?- simple can save lives, you really believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? if— believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? if this _ believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? if this wasn't _ believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? if this wasn't here, - believe that, don't you? i am here, i retire? if this wasn't here, i i i retire? if this wasn't here, i wouldn't be. simple as that. just... the human — wouldn't be. simple as that. just... the human touch. _

wouldn't be. simple as that. just... the human touch. take _ wouldn't be. simple as that. just... the human touch. take it _ wouldn't be. simple as that. just... the human touch. take it easy, i wouldn't be. simple as that. just... i the human touch. take it easy, mate. im ortant the human touch. take it easy, mate. important stuff- _ the human touch. take it easy, mate. important stuff. i'm _ the human touch. take it easy, mate. important stuff. i'm in _ the human touch. take it easy, mate. important stuff. i'm in birkenhead i important stuff. i'm in birkenhead spending yet getting to know tony. schizophrenic, addicted to heroin, so much more than that. of course, tony with plenty of baggage but it is not all bleak. do you want a hand with these ones as well? today, we are out in town. as soon as we get them out it is going to start raining again, you know that? a street showcase of his photography. it has been both a passion and therapy. after setting up, a chance to catch and when tony said dublin, what he means is using heroin. how are you doing, mate? i’m what he means is using heroin. how are you doing, mate?—

are you doing, mate? i'm still dabbfinu are you doing, mate? i'm still dabbling but _ are you doing, mate? i'm still dabbling but i _ are you doing, mate? i'm still dabbling but i haven't - are you doing, mate? i'm still dabbling but i haven't been i are you doing, mate? i'm stilli dabbling but i haven't been as are you doing, mate? i'm still- dabbling but i haven't been as good as this for years, you know. it is taking a while to get off the cocaine. a pact that in nearly a year ago now. it was a year in september. beginning in september last year i stopped. 50. september. beginning in september last year i stopped.— last year i stopped. so, of the crack that _ last year i stopped. so, of the crack that is _ last year i stopped. so, of the crack that is a _ last year i stopped. so, of the crack that is a relief _ last year i stopped. so, of the crack that is a relief because i last year i stopped. so, of the i crack that is a relief because that was a thing that actually was threatening tony's life. he is still on heroin but tony's mental health has come a long way since the really bad times. . , has come a long way since the really bad times. ,, , ., ,., ., has come a long way since the really bad times. ,,, ., ., bad times. spent about a decade in and out of psychiatric _ bad times. spent about a decade in and out of psychiatric units - bad times. spent about a decade in and out of psychiatric units all i and out of psychiatric units all over the country. i kept running away from birkenhead, i would book from here to oxford. did away from birkenhead, i would book from here to oxford.— away from birkenhead, i would book from here to 0xford._ it i from here to oxford. did you? it took me five _ from here to oxford. did you? it took me five days, _ from here to oxford. did you? it took me five days, six _ from here to oxford. did you? it took me five days, six days i from here to oxford. did you? it took me five days, six days and | from here to oxford. did you? it. took me five days, six days and five nights. i learned to sleep in the daytime and walk at night because it's too cold to sleep at night, evenin it's too cold to sleep at night,

even in summer.— it's too cold to sleep at night, even in summer. tony has told me len of even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time _ even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time that _ even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time that he _ even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time that he wants - even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time that he wants to - even in summer. tony has told me plenty of time that he wants to get of all nonprescription drugs and it would be great to see him get a fresh start away from the heroin and away from the stigma that goes with it. i away from the stigma that goes with it. i ., ~ away from the stigma that goes with it. . ., ~ ., it. i get called 'unkie and crackhead _ it. i get called 'unkie and crackhead and h it. i get called junkie and crackhead and all- it. i get called junkie and crackhead and all that i it. i get called junkie andl crackhead and all that and it. i get called junkie and - crackhead and all that and what it. i get called junkie and _ crackhead and all that and what can you say, because it is true? i am. but it is not right recorded but at the end of the day, that is what i am. ., . the end of the day, that is what i am, ., ., ., the end of the day, that is what i am. ., ., ., ., ., ., am. you are a good man, i mean that. thank you. _ am. you are a good man, i mean that. thank you. take _ am. you are a good man, i mean that. thank you, take care. _ am. you are a good man, i mean that. thank you, take care. that _ am. you are a good man, i mean that. thank you, take care. that is - thank you, take care. that is lovel , thank you, take care. that is lovely. isn't _ thank you, take care. that is lovely, isn't it? _ thank you, take care. that is lovely, isn't it? that - thank you, take care. that is lovely, isn't it? that is - thank you, take care. that is lovely, isn't it? that is the i lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest — lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest i _ lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest i got _ lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest i got to _ lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest i got to a - lovely, isn't it? that is the nearest i got to a sunset. l lovely, isn't it? that is the | nearest i got to a sunset. it doesn't get. he spends a lot of time on a flat on his own and he says a lot of people give him compliments and i don't think people giving compliments about much in his life so it is nice to hear him saying, yeah, photograph, nice picture. it is good for him. the lesson i'm getting from birkenhead is that none of this is easy, but it is worth the

effort. at this project they have been at it for decades. here, there are activities and support to fill the hole that is left when the drugs and the booze are history. and there is growing recognition of the vicious circle that thinks mental illness and substance abuse. pick an file illness and substance abuse. pick any file you _ illness and substance abuse. pick any file you want _ illness and substance abuse. i ta; any file you want of the membership. every single file, under the section on mental health had depression, anxiety, all kinds of mental health issues. every single one. literally every single one. and the need became apparent of people coming through the door more and more in crisis. more so than ever. we felt we needed to do something about this, really. said we needed to do something about this. really-— this, really. said they did to do something- _ this, really. said they did to do something. business _

this, really. said they did to do i something. business manager, caroline, founded the mental health crisis cafe with an ethos that anyone would be welcome. that stigma and fear ofjudgment as a barrier to people coming through these doors in the first place, isn't it? at the make they carry thatjudgment the first place, isn't it? at the make they carry that judgment with them and then they worry they will have that, that that label is going to be continued. 50 it is really important get it right when they first come through the door. on a sunday afternoon in september... i'm interrupting your lunch. i'm back with tony. the arrow was going back, why is that? how does that work? do they go back in time from the future? often, when i catch up with him, he seems to be having a good day. he seemed to like the company.

the model starts at that period of time. and he enjoys bamboozling me with quantum physics and other deep science staff. you like a tiny gap between that and absolute zero. what i don't get to see if the everyday hard grind of his life, sometimes, when he's having a moment, he sent an e—mail. when he's having a moment, he sent an e-mail. ., , when he's having a moment, he sent an e-mail-_ i'm _ when he's having a moment, he sent an e-mail._ i'm looking i an e-mail. read my... i'm looking forward to — an e-mail. read my... i'm looking forward to dying. _ an e-mail. read my... i'm looking forward to dying. i'm _ an e-mail. read my... i'm looking forward to dying. i'm done - an e-mail. read my... i'm looking forward to dying. i'm done with . an e-mail. read my... i'm lookingl forward to dying. i'm done with this world. the wars, religion causing more problems than it solves. you might remember saying that. there is no such thing as god, there is no such place is heaven or hell. that's true. no such place is heaven or hell. that's true- no one _ such place is heaven or hell. that's true. no one cares _ such place is heaven or hell. that's true. no one cares what _ such place is heaven or hell. that's true. no one cares what will - such place is heaven or hell. that's| true. no one cares what will happen to me. true. no one cares what will happen to me- they — true. no one cares what will happen to me- theyiust _ true. no one cares what will happen to me. they just want _ true. no one cares what will happen to me. theyjust want me _ true. no one cares what will happen to me. theyjust want me off- true. no one cares what will happeni to me. theyjust want me off drugs. i don't care think there is much to say except i will try to stay off drugs from now on, to the detriment of my life. you have told me that

before. you take drugs because you like taking them. the?r before. you take drugs because you like taking them.— before. you take drugs because you like taking them. they make me feel better than the _ like taking them. they make me feel better than the feeling _ like taking them. they make me feel better than the feeling i _ like taking them. they make me feel better than the feeling i get - like taking them. they make me feel better than the feeling i get when . better than the feeling i get when i'm straight. the things that's gone on in my life. but i'm straight. the things that's gone on in my life-— on in my life. but the worst thing about this. _ on in my life. but the worst thing about this, the _ on in my life. but the worst thing about this, the worst _ on in my life. but the worst thing about this, the worst thing - on in my life. but the worst thing about this, the worst thing you . on in my life. but the worst thing i about this, the worst thing you say, someone will find me. i can't put my neighbours to the ordeal of seeing a dead body so i can't even and myself without doing harm to others. that’s without doing harm to others. that's riiht. i'm without doing harm to others. that's right- i'm going _ without doing harm to others. that's right- i'm going to — without doing harm to others. that's right. i'm going to bed _ without doing harm to others. that's right. i'm going to bed now. - without doing harm to others. that's right. i'm going to bed now. i - right. i'm going to bed now. i cannot stop _ right. i'm going to bed now. i cannot stop crying. _ right. i'm going to bed now. i cannot stop crying. i - right. i'm going to bed now. i i cannot stop crying. i remember. right. i'm going to bed now. i - cannot stop crying. i remember. that was a deep — cannot stop crying. i remember. that was a deep depression _ cannot stop crying. i remember. that was a deep depression i _ cannot stop crying. i remember. that was a deep depression i got - cannot stop crying. i remember. that was a deep depression i got into. - was a deep depression i got into. that's... that's what's wrong with me, yeah. do you feel suicidal? no, not at the moment. do you feel suicidal? no, not at the moment- that _ do you feel suicidal? no, not at the moment. that you _ do you feel suicidal? no, not at the moment. that you have _ do you feel suicidal? no, not at the moment. that you have your - do you feel suicidal? no, not at the - moment. that you have your moments, don't ou? moment. that you have your moments, don't you? that's _ moment. that you have your moments, don't you? that's how _ moment. that you have your moments,

don't you? that's how i _ moment. that you have your moments, don't you? that's how i felt _ moment. that you have your moments, don't you? that's how i felt on - moment. that you have your moments, don't you? that's how i felt on that - don't you? that's how i felt on that niiht. don't you? that's how i felt on that night. sometimes _ don't you? that's how i felt on that night. sometimes it's _ don't you? that's how i felt on that night. sometimes it's hard. - don't you? that's how i felt on that night. sometimes it's hard. all - don't you? that's how i felt on that| night. sometimes it's hard. all your life becomes as around taking drugs. you don't know anything else. essen; you don't know anything else. every time i talk to _ you don't know anything else. every time i talk to you, _ you don't know anything else. every time i talk to you, i _ you don't know anything else. every time i talk to you, i think _ you don't know anything else. every time i talk to you, i think you - you don't know anything else. every time i talk to you, i think you are 100% honest with me. your truth ioo% honest with me. your truth todayis ioo% honest with me. your truth today is not necessarily usual truth tomorrow, things change.- tomorrow, things change. things chan . e tomorrow, things change. things change for _ tomorrow, things change. things change for me. _ tomorrow, things change. things change for me, you _ tomorrow, things change. things change for me, you know. - tomorrow, things change. things change for me, you know. you i tomorrow, things change. things i change for me, you know. you have caught me in melancholy attitudes and that shocked me there. i'm mentally ill and that is a fact. i wouldn't deny it. i'm good at looking normal and be normal but at the base level, i'm just, you know, i struggle to hang onto reality sometimes.—

i struggle to hang onto reality sometimes. �* . ,, ., _,' sometimes. and back at the coffee shop which — sometimes. and back at the coffee shop which is _ sometimes. and back at the coffee shop which is also _ sometimes. and back at the coffee shop which is also birkenhead's - shop which is also birkenhead's mental health crisis centre. and mental health crisis centre. and eo - le mental health crisis centre. and people just _ mental health crisis centre. and people just need _ mental health crisis centre. and people just need something to with, they are _ people just need something to with, they are here. it people just need something to with, they are here-— people just need something to with, they are here-_ i i they are here. it can help canted? i came straight _ they are here. it can help canted? i came straight from _ they are here. it can help canted? i came straight from a&e _ they are here. it can help canted? i came straight from a&e and - they are here. it can help canted? i came straight from a&e and i - they are here. it can help canted? i came straight from a&e and i did i they are here. it can help canted? i. came straight from a&e and i did not have a _ came straight from a&e and i did not have a positive experience there. i was discharged after quite a serious overdose _ was discharged after quite a serious overdose a — was discharged after quite a serious overdose a couple of days in hospital _ overdose a couple of days in hosital. . overdose a couple of days in hospital-— overdose a couple of days in hosital. , ., ., , ., hospital. listening to roxy and others here... _ hospital. listening to roxy and others here... it _ hospital. listening to roxy and others here... it feels - hospital. listening to roxy and others here... it feels like - others here... it feels like conventional mental health services are stretched to breaking point and i'm thinking that's why the nhs has decided to fund this place. already in its first six months, it has seen more than 300 people. this in its first six months, it has seen more than 300 people.— more than 300 people. this is robabl more than 300 people. this is probably the _ more than 300 people. this is probably the single _ more than 300 people. this is probably the single of - more than 300 people. this is probably the single of the - more than 300 people. this is. probably the single of the more substantial help that have had my whole _ substantial help that have had my whole life and it is not even, it is not clinicah _ whole life and it is not even, it is not clinical. it is not, ok, this is how— not clinical. it is not, ok, this is how you — not clinical. it is not, ok, this is how you deal with your problems, it is, how you deal with your problems, it is. 0k. _ how you deal with your problems, it is. 0k. how— how you deal with your problems, it is, ok, how can we guide you through

it? setting _ is, ok, how can we guide you through it? setting small goals that might not even — it? setting small goals that might not even seem like a girl. i don't think_ not even seem like a girl. i don't think that — not even seem like a girl. i don't think that i — not even seem like a girl. i don't think that i would have made it past that night— think that i would have made it past that night of being nand for a second — that night of being nand for a second time. without having the space _ second time. without having the space i— second time. without having the space. i don't think i'd survive. the _ space. i don't think i'd survive. the weeks _ space. i don't think i'd survive. the weeks after, i don't think, i would _ the weeks after, i don't think, i would have _ the weeks after, i don't think, i would have survived, the family issues — would have survived, the family issues i— would have survived, the family issues. i don't think i would have survived — issues. i don't think i would have survived my— issues. i don't think i would have survived my own mind. when you chronic— survived my own mind. when you chronic illnesses people say, you need _ chronic illnesses people say, you need to— chronic illnesses people say, you need to get help more, it is like, where _ need to get help more, it is like, where do — need to get help more, it is like, where do you go, though? this place is wonderful. it is fantastic. carry u . is wonderful. it is fantastic. carry u- to is wonderful. it is fantastic. carry up to yesterday's _ is wonderful. it is fantastic. carry up to yesterday's conversation? i is wonderful. it is fantastic. carry| up to yesterday's conversation? a day to calm things down, yeah. up to yesterday's conversation? a i day to calm things down, yeah. not eve one i day to calm things down, yeah. everyone i have met you has addiction issues but every day brings more of the link between mental health and substance abuse. this place is making a difference.

isaid, i said, hey! isaid, hey! what's i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so roud to i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so proud to be — i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so proud to be managing _ i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so proud to be managing a _ i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so proud to be managing a service - i said, hey! what's going on. i'm so proud to be managing a service like! proud to be managing a service like this and it is making such an amazing impact on peoples lives. you come here but they got a drink issue and rather than picking they will be coming here. come here rather than self harming. this is a place where people can go and feel safe and be heard and ijust all over the country, to be honest. cani can i take your saturation, the oxygen levels?— can i take your saturation, the oxygen levels? can i take your saturation, the ox en levels? ., , , oxygen levels? back with tony, it is a bi da . oxygen levels? back with tony, it is a big day- have _ oxygen levels? back with tony, it is a big day. have you _ oxygen levels? back with tony, it is a big day. have you gained - oxygen levels? back with tony, it is a big day. have you gained some i a big day. have you gained some weiaht, a big day. have you gained some weight. tony? — a big day. have you gained some weight, tony? is— a big day. have you gained some weight, tony? is rated _ a big day. have you gained some weight, tony? is rated a - a big day. have you gained some weight, tony? is rated a six - a big day. have you gained some i weight, tony? is rated a six month check in with _ weight, tony? is rated a six month check in with their _ weight, tony? is rated a six month check in with their doctor. - weight, tony? is rated a six month i check in with their doctor. however thin . s check in with their doctor. however things been. _ check in with their doctor. however things been, tony, _ check in with their doctor. however things been, tony, since _ check in with their doctor. however things been, tony, since we - check in with their doctor. however things been, tony, since we last. things been, tony, since we last met? _ things been, tony, since we last met? h— things been, tony, since we last met? �* ., things been, tony, since we last met? �* . ., , , , things been, tony, since we last met?_ tony i met? a vital top still very tony wants to stay _ met? a vital top still very tony wants to stay on _ met? a vital top still very tony wants to stay on the _ met? a vital top still very tony i wants to stay on the prescription methadone and unfair others that he says keep him stable. the methadone

is prescribed? — says keep him stable. the methadone is prescribed? yeah, _ says keep him stable. the methadone is prescribed? yeah, yeah. _ says keep him stable. the methadone is prescribed? yeah, yeah. for- says keep him stable. the methadone is prescribed? yeah, yeah. for tony, l is prescribed? yeah, yeah. for tony, that is the problem. _ is prescribed? yeah, yeah. for tony, that is the problem. you're - is prescribed? yeah, yeah. for tony, that is the problem. you're always i that is the problem. you're always told me drugs to self medicate the schizophrenia and when he stops there is trouble. . schizophrenia and when he stops there is trouble.— schizophrenia and when he stops there is trouble. , have you been experiencing _ there is trouble. , have you been experiencing any _ there is trouble. , have you been experiencing any voices - there is trouble. , have you been experiencing any voices or - there is trouble. , have you been experiencing any voices or you i experiencing any voices or you haven't— experiencing any voices or you haven't been feeling paranoid? no, not recently. _ haven't been feeling paranoid? no, not recently, no. _ haven't been feeling paranoid? no, not recently, no. the _ haven't been feeling paranoid? no, not recently, no. the blood - haven't been feeling paranoid? no, not recently, no. the blood test - haven't been feeling paranoid? no, | not recently, no. the blood test are lookin: not recently, no. the blood test are looking pretty _ not recently, no. the blood test are looking pretty good- _ not recently, no. the blood test are looking pretty good. tony _ not recently, no. the blood test are looking pretty good. tony has - not recently, no. the blood test are looking pretty good. tony has been | looking pretty good. tony has been preparing for more than a week and has managed to stay off the heroine and it has not been easy. i was straiaht, and it has not been easy. i was straight. i _ and it has not been easy. i was straight, i gave _ and it has not been easy. i was straight, i gave up— and it has not been easy. i was straight, i gave up smoking - and it has not been easy. i —" straight, i gave up smoking weed, everything i start. it felt good to be straight and have a clear head but, the same time, everything else in my life all came into focus and it was murder. it was horrible. bottom line, things have gone 0k it was murder. it was horrible. bottom line, things have gone ok for top tony's support package continues unchanged and for him that mean stability. the doctor him off the heroine but there is not much

progress. it is december, christmas is coming but for tony that does not change much. is coming but for tony that does not change much-— is coming but for tony that does not change much. although want to do is to u- m change much. although want to do is top up my metre- — change much. although want to do is top up my metre. the _ change much. although want to do is top up my metre. the constant - change much. although want to do is top up my metre. the constant in - change much. although want to do is top up my metre. the constant in hisi top up my metre. the constant in his life are drugs. _ top up my metre. the constant in his life are drugs, schizophrenia... - top up my metre. the constant in his life are drugs, schizophrenia... and i life are drugs, schizophrenia... and loneliness. carries your self—esteem? loneliness. carries your self-esteem?— loneliness. carries your self-esteem? y . . loneliness. carries your self-esteem? g , , , self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because — self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because i — self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because i don't _ self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because i don't have _ self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because i don't have a _ self-esteem? my self-esteem is quite low because i don't have a partner. - low because i don't have a partner. it is just something i have low because i don't have a partner. it isjust something i have had to learn to live with that i'm not going to have a partner. ever. or you can do is life is grin and bear it. this is my sister's wedding. tony often tells me about his family and now he has found some old sinner films. ., . , and now he has found some old sinner films. . , , , , ,, ., ,

films. that is my sister. she was ten when i _ films. that is my sister. she was ten when i was _ films. that is my sister. she was ten when i was born. _ films. that is my sister. she was ten when i was born. can't - films. that is my sister. she was ten when i was born. can't helpl ten when i was born. can't help thinkin: ten when i was born. can't help thinking things _ ten when i was born. can't help thinking things could _ ten when i was born. can't help thinking things could have - ten when i was born. can't helpi thinking things could have been ten when i was born. can't help - thinking things could have been very different for him and tony says his sister and two brothers have had successful and fulfilling lives but tony's mental health and addiction have cost him any chance of the kind of family relationships that he would like. and any chance of a career. the observation i would make as you are so talented and so intelligent and that is manifestly true that some were in society the contribution that you could be making with all your skills talents is considerable. it is making with all your skills talents is considerable.— is considerable. it is not, it is not. i is considerable. it is not, it is not- i can _ is considerable. it is not, it is not. i can sound _ is considerable. it is not, it is not. i can sound clever - is considerable. it is not, it is not. i can sound clever and i is considerable. it is not, it is| not. i can sound clever and all is considerable. it is not, it is - not. i can sound clever and all that but give me a job and i wouldn't be able to do it. i'm so clumsy. i knock things over, spill things, drop things, i break things. day after day, doesn't stop. i'm incredibly clumsy. i couldn't hold a job somewhere. february now and tony is on the

move. this is different. i've not seen him look like this. he's edgy, it feels like he's on a mission. back at the flat, it is clear where he has been and what he has brought home. do you want a cup of tea, cake and some heroin? it}; home. do you want a cup of tea, cake and some heroin?— home. do you want a cup of tea, cake and some heroin? oz heroine. not the averaie and some heroin? oz heroine. not the average afternoon _ and some heroin? oz heroine. not the average afternoon break. _ and some heroin? oz heroine. not the average afternoon break. no, - and some heroin? oz heroine. not the average afternoon break. no, not- and some heroin? oz heroine. not the average afternoon break. no, not at i average afternoon break. no, not at all. give me a moment. i'vejust been looking forward to getting high. been looking forward to getting hiih. ., been looking forward to getting hih, ., ., �* been looking forward to getting hiih. ., ., �* , been looking forward to getting hiuh. ., y , high. you don't mind me seeing you doin: it? high. you don't mind me seeing you doing it? you _ high. you don't mind me seeing you doing it? you limit _ high. you don't mind me seeing you doing it? you limit i'm _ high. you don't mind me seeing you doing it? you limit i'm not- high. you don't mind me seeing you doing it? you limit i'm not ashamedi doing it? you limit i'm not ashamed of it. if! doing it? you limit i'm not ashamed of it. if i was ashamed of it i would not do it, i would be able to live with myself but to me, it is a means to an end. what is the end? getting my brain to where it needs

to be. ~ . getting my brain to where it needs tobe. . , to be. which is? element peaceful and understood, _ to be. which is? element peaceful and understood, all— to be. which is? element peaceful and understood, all the _ to be. which is? element peaceful and understood, all the thoughts. to be. which is? element peaceful. and understood, all the thoughts and troubling schizophrenia. this was going to be my last day with tony and i had some more questions for him but he is pretty high now distracted. i think it will have to wait till tomorrow. next morning, we are back on an even keel and here is what i want to know. decades into a drug habit, how come you are still alive? ,., ., drug habit, how come you are still alive? , ., , ., alive? good question. it is a lotte . alive? good question. it is a lottery- a — alive? good question. it is a lottery- a bit _ alive? good question. it is a lottery. a bit it _ alive? good question. it is a lottery. a bit it is _ alive? good question. it is al lottery. a bit it is probability. alive? good question. it is a i lottery. a bit it is probability. it is only like that i'm still here. nobody is dangerous? element of course i do, yeah, yeah, it could kill me. it could kill me. this was going to be the year that tony got off the illegal drugs. that hasn't happened. but he stayed off the

crack cocaine and his mental health is pretty good. i crack cocaine and his mental health is pretty good-— is pretty good. i would not be have it was not for _ is pretty good. i would not be have it was not for people _ is pretty good. i would not be have it was not for people like _ is pretty good. i would not be have it was not for people like john - is pretty good. i would not be have it was not for people like john and | it was not for people likejohn and the doctors and that have looked after me so i appreciate that. i would like to thank them for all the effort they put in. you know, i haven't been the easiest of patients to deal with. because of my illness. with someone like tony, what does success actually look like? is mental health is better and i think, for him. _ mental health is better and i think, for him. as— mental health is better and i think, for him, as long as he is not using all day— for him, as long as he is not using all day every — for him, as long as he is not using all day every day, he's not selling any of _ all day every day, he's not selling any of his— all day every day, he's not selling any of his belongings, his wife isn't _ any of his belongings, his wife isn't unravelling in front of him, i think— isn't unravelling in front of him, i think he — isn't unravelling in front of him, i think he is— isn't unravelling in front of him, i think he isjust staying in his life the way— think he isjust staying in his life the way it— think he isjust staying in his life the way it is now a doubt only that, he seems _ the way it is now a doubt only that, he seems a — the way it is now a doubt only that, he seems a bit more happier in his life now _ he seems a bit more happier in his life now i— he seems a bit more happier in his life now. ~ ., ., , ., , ~ life now. i know what people think about me when _ life now. i know what people think about me when they _ life now. i know what people think about me when they see - life now. i know what people think about me when they see these - life now. i know what people think. about me when they see these clips but i am 0k. about me when they see these clips but i am ok. i won't rob you. you are safe with me. regardless of being paranoid schizophrenic, you're

not in any immediate danger. you know, i not in any immediate danger. you know. i have _ not in any immediate danger. you know, i have learned so much over the past year, these labels we use, drug addict, schizophrenic, whatever, they don't tell you about the real person. the person living with all of that. tony is intelligent. he is perceptive. but he is also very vulnerable. you know what, thisjourney he is also very vulnerable. you know what, this journey has shown me that recovery is different for everyone and it is finding the right path for the right person at the right time. you can follow more of my year in birkenhead in an extended version which is available on the bbc iplayer. addiction: the road to recovery. if the issues raised in this film have affected you, details of organisations offering you information and support are available on the website.

the weather looks fairly quiet through this weekend. a lot of dry weather. some sunny intervals however, it has been a little bit more cloud bubbling up over recent hours. we have seen in parts of southwick and pty beer is well on the satellite picture. now it is not cloudy everywhere. we do have sunny skies with us to southern and western wales. barely a cloud in the sky here in cornwall and across parts of south—west in the info we see today's highest temperatures reaching around 20 degrees. there will be a few isolated showers around. not many of these but across

north—east scotland there are one or two and eastern england, one or two. new to the north sea in recent days for many of us. typically mind about 15-18 but for many of us. typically mind about 15—18 but may be a 20 into parts of south—west england and as we had to leave in the cloud will melt away so you should have some late day sunshine. overnight, variable cloud. in turns of quite chilly for the time of year. temperatures six or 7 degrees. similarweather time of year. temperatures six or 7 degrees. similar weather setup. we've still got these brisk and chilly north or north—westerly winds. the air is getting a tad colder as well. many of you will start off with some sunshine before the cloud start to bubble up across the cloud start to bubble up across the we head into the early afternoon but this time, a greater chance of seeing a few showers around through sunday. scotland, england and wales. northern ireland should stay dry and you will notice the temperatures easing down a few degrees. probably

filling on the cool side. in the may sunshine comes out, well, the strength in that. it probably won't feel too bad. into the early part of next week, the pressure is going to move on from the north—east with it some pretty cool air and we will see showers become really quite widespread. on monday, the heavier showers will be across scotland, northern england, probably north wales and northern ireland, too. some hail and thunder mixed in with these. furthersouth, not so some hail and thunder mixed in with these. further south, not so many showers. one or two heavy ones around in temperatures, just i! around in temperatures, just 11 degrees in aberdeen and stornoway. 13 in glasgow. cooler than it has been and as we head into tuesday and wednesday that every of the pressures they moving so there will be widespread showers notjust a cross, northern ireland, though showers again will be quite heavy and thundery in places with some hailstorms mixed in, perhaps the weather turning a little bit drier towards the end the week. that is your latest weather. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines: people travelling abroad are facing disruption at airports, stations and on the roads, as the half—term getaway begins. more conservative mps publicly declare they have no confidence in the prime minister, after sue gray's report into lockdown parties in downing street. outrage as authorities in texas admit police were wrong to delay storming the school classroom, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. the information i was given turned out, in part, to be inaccurate and i am absolutely livid about that. latin america reports its first case of monkeypox, as the world health organization warns the number of infections will continue to rise.