The Better Together Podcast

Can you teach something that is lived? In this episode, Áine is joined by Martha Griffin and Liam McGowan to explore the deeply human side of how peer support is learned, taught, and lived. Together, they reflect on the role of lived experience, curiosity and academic learning in shaping peer support practice.This episode sits within the wider story of Better Together, sharing life experience stories, offering different perspectives, and creating space for connection and meaning.We are here to support you 365 days of the year, if you’d like to join the community, you can find out more and become a member or become a member at better-together.ie.If you are in need of immediate support, you can contact Samaritans on 1161123 or text HELLO to 50808 for free, 24/7 support in Ireland.

In this episode, Laura is joined by Ciara Glynn and Lisa Archibald to explore the possibilities of peer support. A growing movement, a way of working, and a way of being in relationship.Together, they reflect on their pathways into peer support, what feels hopeful in the current landscape in Ireland, and the tensions that naturally arise as grassroots values meet expanding systems. They discuss the multiple expressions of peer support, how this work has shaped them personally, and what they imagine might become possible in the years ahead.This episode sits within the wider story of Better Together, sharing life experience stories, offering different perspectives, and creating space for connection and meaning.We are here to support you 365 days of the year, if you’d like to join the community, you can find out more and become a member or become a member at better-together.ie.If you are in need of immediate support, you can contact Samaritans on 1161123 or text HELLO to 50808 for free, 24/7 support in Ireland.

In this episode, Carmel sits down with Sean Blake for an honest conversation about identity and the importance of not having to figure things out alone. The conversation opens out into reflections on self-worth, stigma and the many forms recovery can take. This episode is part of the wider story of Better Together, sharing life experiences, offering different perspectives, and creating space space for connection and meaning.We are here to support you 365 days a year, if you’d like to join the community, you can find out more at better-together.ie.If you are in need of immediate support, you can contact Samaritans on 116123 or text HELLO to 50808 for free, 24/7 support in Ireland.

In this Christmas Day special, members of the Better Together community come together to share honest reflections on what this time of year is like in recovery. We talk about navigating family, managing overwhelm, finding self-compassion and letting go of expectations.This episode was recorded in the hope of offering a sense of company and connection on Christmas Day — wherever you’re listening from.Better Together is here 365 days a year. If you’d like to join the community, you can find out more and become a member at better-together.ie.*If you are in need of immediate support, you can contact Samaritans Ireland on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808 for free, 24/7 support.

In this episode, Áine and Ciara reflect on how mutual support and meaningful relationships have shaped their journeys within Better Together.Ciara shares how she found the community during a time of feeling lost and how the consistency, care, and celebration she found here helped her reconnect with her inner strength.Áine, who first joined through a course placement, speaks to the personal impact of the community - how being part of Better Together has brought a sense of belonging, confidence, and shared purpose.Together, they explore how connection grows when we show up for one another and how everyone has something to give.As always please follow the podcast and share it out to you network.SocialsFacebook, Instagram, Linked In, YouTube, Google Maps

In this episode, Alan and John reflect on their journeys through recovery and the deeper discoveries that came along the way.Alan shares how the last two years have challenged and changed him, from returning to education to finding steady ground in daily connection and support. For him, knowing there’s always someone to talk to, without judgment, has brought real hope.John opens up about feeling isolated in his low moments and the courage it took to step into something new. From taking a leap of faith on a weekend retreat to building genuine friendships, he shares how community helped him rediscover a sense of belonging.This is a conversation about pushing through fear, holding space for growth, and finding yourself  - not just recovering from the past, but discovering what’s possible.

In this episode, Gráinne and Ciara reflect on their journeys toward connection and how finding Better Together gave them hope and helped them feel less alone.Ciara shares how she first came to the community through mental health services, unsure if it would be the right space for her. But what she found was a reminder that everyone’s path is different - and that there’s room for all experiences.Gráinne opens up about feeling isolated and how surprising it was to find genuine connection in an online group. She describes the warmth, understanding, and flexibility of Better Together as something she never expected - “like a big hug.”Together, they talk about the freedom to show up as you are, the power of being known and remembered, and how belonging can become a turning point.

In our very first episode, we’re taking it back to where it all began.Laura, Manager of Better Together, sits down with Jim, Development Worker for the South East Regional Drug & Alcohol Taskforce, who first planted the seed that would grow into the community we know today.Together, they reflect on how Better Together came to life, how it's grown over time, and what it has come to mean for the people involved.This isn’t just the story of a service -  it’s the story of connection, collaboration, and a shared belief in the power of peer support.