News
From Diazepam to Doctorate
This week, we were delighted and honoured to welcome James Leonard, co-host of the Two Norries Podcast, to our annual School Assembly. James shared his powerful life story, reflecting on his experiences with addiction, incarceration, and his inspiring return to education.
With his signature northside wit, he delivered a moving and honest account of resilience in the face of adversity. Through recounting his story he gave a voice to the lived experiences of those from socially deprived areas and substance use disorders. He emphasized the crucial role small kindnesses of others, and those in authority, played in his transformation, noting that during tough times, daily human interactions can serve as "the fertilizer for the smallest and greatest of change”. James also highlighted the power imbalances between pharmacists and patients dealing with substance use disorders. Prof. Brendan Griffin remarked that a key takeaway for pharmacists and pharmacy students is the vital importance of listening and communicating effectively, moving beyond clinical knowledge, seeing the person before them and treating them with respect.
