In the second episode Stephen and James discuss an issue they are both very passionate about when they meet with, Ignacio Labayen de Inza, CEO of the charity Contrilling Chemsex.
They cover topics such as
- What is Chemsex?
- How to help somebody struggling with Chemsex
- The interventions that controlling Chemsex do the community
- What it's like to have out recovered from Chemsex
For more information about the work Controlling Chemsex or if you or someone you know needs help:
Are the Gays OK?
Welcome to the “Are the Gays OK?” podcast, a show about mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by James Wilkinson and Stephen Griffiths.
We are 2 gay men wanting to honestly share our experiences in the hopes of destigmatising the world of mental health. We won’t shy away from difficult topics. we hope being vulnerable and sharing honestly we can contribute positively to the conversation surrounding mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Stephen Griffiths, Is a gay man, based in Manchester, with lived experience of addiction and recovery from substance abuse.
It was Stephens' own personal struggles with, growing up as an LGTBQIA+ person in the world and his subsequent battles with addiction that led to him becoming a therapist.
He has a keen interest in mental health and runs a private counselling practice offering counselling to primarily LGBT people and those suffering with addictions both behavioural and substance based.
www.swgcounselling.co.uk
James has lived in Manchester for 15 years and works in Digital Marketing.
He has a passion for DJing (DJ Dry Clarity), Video editing and all things media. Having volunteered at Gaydio in 2019/2020 presenting the exchange.
He has lived experience with mental health and is 3 and a half years sober.