New Central Media
“ I stood at the border, stood at the edge and claimed it as central. l claimed it as central, and let the rest of the world move over to where I was.”
―Toni Morrison.
Welcome to New Central Media
Elevating Lived Experience Voices
At New Central Media, our mission is to elevate and co-produce media with individuals who have lived experiences of drug addiction recovery and justice involvement. We aim to create a new centre of knowledge, community, leadership and change.
Why New Central Media?
Rather than write the usual ‘vision’ type statement which can often feel sterile, dry or corporate, I decided to be vulnerable, and creative and do something a little different. I hope this communicates the essence of why I am starting New Central Media.
One day I had an idea.
And after I’d overcome the fear.
I decided to start a media collective.
To level things up and
break down the walls.
So that those in the know
can help change the status quo,
and outdated structures
can no longer make anyone feel
‘othered’ or small.
Power and profit.
Patriarchy and hierarchy.
Individualism and elitism.
Competition and corruption.
Celebrity and coloniality.
You have got to fall.
So here is a media platform
unlike any other.
In this place you will see,
we have changed the rules,
so that:
Connection and collaboration.
Community and creativity.
Lovingly greet you right from the start.
We create media that makes community.
Turning pain to purpose.
Aces to assets.
Mess into a message.
What’s wrong into what is strong.
This media is here to remind you that your stories are central!
And don’t belong at the border.
They provide a map to others
of pathways to:
Hope and healing.
Change and transformation.
Restoration and reconciliation.
Contribution and participation.
Remember that your stories don’t just belong to you,
but also, somehow point to something more:
They are relevant to us all,
as they signpost us to how we can live another way.
Where our health becomes our wealth.
Where we are better than well.
Where our quality of life contains less strife.
And from this life of bliss.
The person that I am
can rise and flourish
`and nourish the creation of this new world order.
Where no one lives at the border.
Welcome to this new type of media: New Central Media.
Our Aims
Evidence Base
Elevate the voices of those with lived experience in drug addiction recovery.
Reduce Stigma
Create a professional platform that validates and shares these experiences.
Collaborative Platform
Bridge academic evidence with lived experiences in a co-produced manner.
Community Building
Develop content that fosters communities of practice.
International Recognition
Establish an esteemed platform for lived experience as a credible alternative to mainstream publishers.
Want to get involved?
Key Project: Race and Ethnicity Recovery Pathways Book
Empowering BAME Voices in Recovery
We are publishing a book that allows individuals with lived experience of drug addiction recovery from BAME communities to share their stories as paid authors. This project aims to:
Highlight Needs: Inform practice and policy with firsthand experiences.
Challenge Stigma: Reframe marginalised groups as leaders and knowledge producers.
Drive Change: Transform structurally biased recovery systems.
Key Project: Women's Recovery Pathways Book
Title: Women’s Recovery Pathways: Stories of Strength and Resilience
Summary: This is a transformative book that brings together the voices of women who have navigated the challenging pathways of drug addiction recovery. This collection of narratives highlights the unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs of women from diverse backgrounds. The book aims to:
Highlight Unique Challenges: Shed light on the specific issues faced by women in addiction recovery, including gender-based violence, societal stigma, and the role of family and community support.
Empower and Inspire: Provide a platform for women to share their stories of strength, resilience, and empowerment, serving as an inspiration to others on similar journeys.
Inform Practice and Policy: Offer insights into what is needed to improve recovery support services for women, with practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Challenge Stigma: Reframe the narrative around women in recovery, showcasing them as leaders and advocates for change.
By centering women's lived experiences, this book not only provides a critique of existing recovery services but also points towards more inclusive, gender-responsive approaches that can better support women in their recovery journeys.
Key Project: Prison Recovery Pathways Book
Title: Prison Recovery Pathways Book: Narratives of Recovery and Redemption in the Prison System
Summary: The book delves into the powerful experiences of individuals who have experienced addiction recovery within the prison system. This book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of incarceration and recovery, emphasising the transformative potential of lived experience. Key themes include:
Personal Redemption: Highlighting the personal journeys of recovery and redemption among incarcerated individuals, showcasing their resilience and determination to change.
Systemic Barriers: Examining the systemic challenges faced by individuals in prison, including limited access to effective treatment and the stigma associated with addiction and incarceration.
Innovative Programmes: Showcasing successful recovery programmes and initiatives within the prison system that provide hope and support for inmates.
Policy Implications: Offering policy recommendations to improve addiction treatment and recovery support within the prison system, advocating for a more humane and rehabilitative approach.
The book aims to humanise the experiences of incarcerated individuals, challenge existing stereotypes, and advocate for systemic changes that support recovery and reduce recidivism. Through powerful personal narratives, this book highlights the need for compassionate approaches to addiction recovery in the prison system.
Join Us in Creating Change
Whether you are a researcher, a person with lived experience, or simply passionate about our cause, there are many ways to get involved:
Collaborate: Partner with us on media projects.
Share Your Story: Contribute your experiences.
Support Us: Help fund our initiatives.
Donate
Donate
It all begins with an idea. But please help me turn the idea into a reality to share people’s stories as a collection of data and evidence of what works in recovery in each book. I am currently funding the project personally and so need your support. Together we can make all the difference. Please consider donating if you feel led to using the QR code below:
“We are at an exciting time to co-create a new centre.”
— Dr David Patton Associate Professor in Criminology