Poetry helps Jaimie transform his life after drug dependency
A creative writing session changed everything for Jaimie.
It started as a way to express his feelings while overcoming drug dependency, but it unlocked a talent for poetry. Just two years later, his anthology What Ye Doin Today? has been published while his journey was recognised at Recovery Fest 2026.
Organised by the Public Health team at Wirral Council and partners from the addiction support community, the event held at Birkenhead Market celebrated recovery and the people who inspire others. Jaimie received the Inspiration Through Creativity Award.
Jaimie faced difficult times during a period of drug dependency. But with support from recovery services in Wirral, including the Spider Project in Birkenhead, he has transformed his life.
Today, he is happier and more confident than ever and has a renewed sense of purpose – with the power of poetry being a big reason.
I wasn't expecting to win the award at the start of Recovery Fest. Someone told me to stay until the ceremony instead of leaving early, so I had a feeling something might happen.
Life has been amazing since getting out of rehab. I'm proud of myself. I still have doubts because of my past, but I can't change that. All I can do is focus on the future.
I like the person I am now. Even though I wake up at 5am, I'm buzzing and ready for the day.
Jaimie began writing poetry as a form of self-therapy, helping him express thoughts and feelings he found difficult to talk about openly.
He first started writing while in rehabilitation and continued developing his skills through the Spider Project. He also attends creative writing sessions at Birkenhead Library run by the charity Writing on the Wall.
Many of Jaimie's poems draw on his own experiences and reflect on some of the most challenging periods of his life. Despite tackling difficult subjects, his work carries a message of hope and resilience.
They're really just stories. A lot of them are about love, whether that's loving yourself or the support you get from family and friends. I don't like ending them on a negative note.
I never run out of things to say because the poems are about my life. I used to have imposter syndrome because I don't use big words, but people seem to connect with what I write.
Since leaving rehabilitation two years ago, Jaimie has continued to grow in confidence. Through opportunities provided by the Spider Project, he has performed his poetry on stage several times.
The Spider Project has really encouraged me. The first time I performed, I was shaking, but it's getting easier every time. When I performed at Recovery Fest, I felt much more comfortable.
If my poems help even one person, I'll be chuffed. It means they know they're not alone, because I know what guilt feels like.
Jaimie says his family are proud of how far he has come and hopes his story shows that recovery is possible, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Never give up. I've seen people in really difficult situations who were written off but came through it. I never gave up and neither did my family. Accept the help, keep moving forward, stay positive and enjoy life. I love my life now.
Anyone looking for advice, information or support can visit Wirral Ways to find out more about the services available across the borough: wirralways.org.uk
