In September 2025, we launched Pathways of Hope, a comic co-created with the recovery community, Humanising Healthcare, and University of Glasgow medical students. This project aimed to amplify lived experiences of substance dependence and recovery through visual storytelling – making complex realities accessible and human-centred.
Since its release, the comic has sparked incredible momentum. Our reflections on the process and its impact were featured in BJGP Life, highlighting how arts-based approaches can transform healthcare education and policy conversations. There is an exhibition at the University of Glasgow of the comic book pages at the School of Health and Wellbeing till January 2026.
The ripple effects continue: NHS England and the Scottish Government have indicated they will use Pathways of Hope as a resource within their substance use and recovery materials. This recognition underscores the power of creative methods to influence systems and support change.
Looking ahead, co-authors Dr Lynsay Crawford and Dr Nic Dickson are honoured to present at the Pathways from Homelessness Conference in London (18–19 March 2026). We will contribute to the lived experience plenary, sharing insights on co-production, ethics of care, and the role of visual inquiry in shaping inclusive health narratives.
These developments affirm what we have always believed: when communities lead the conversation, policy and practice listen. Pathways of Hope is more than a comic – it is a catalyst for dialogue, empathy, and systemic transformation.
We will continue exploring partnerships, creating accessible formats, and documenting the journey. If you are interested in using the comic in your teaching, research, or policy work, get in touch – we would love to collaborate.
