Local DJ Matt Healey was invited to the IVY in London last week to pick up the prestigious inspired possibility award. Matt was chosen for this award because of the volunteering work he does at Turning Point in Herefordshire.
After writing an article on Turning Point in July 2023 for Your Herefordshire. Matt was invited to join the organisation to pass on his experience originally in more of a media capacity. He then passed his training and joined the organisation as a volunteer in January 2024, and has shown unwavering dedication and compassion the past 18 months.
Although he has zero personal experience with substance use, witnessing local people face addiction fuelled his strong compulsion to give back and support others.
One standout moment was when he helped someone he supported, experiencing a significant mental health crisis. Matt’s kindness, patience, and presence were crucial in de-escalating the situation which was incredibly serious and subsequently ensured the persons safety. His commitment to the values of Turning Point is evident in everything he does.
Matt told Your Herefordshire “It was an absolute honour to go down to London and pick up this award, and thankfully I didn’t get lost on the tube and end up somewhere near Dagenham!!. Joking aside It was a great day in the capital, and meeting the other winners was fantastic. I like to give back to the Herefordshire community where I can and help people who are less fortunate and I’m delighted to have been recognised for my efforts. In my speech I talked about the issues a rural county like Herefordshire has. The world at times can be a tough and mean place, especially with all the things that have happened the past five or so years with the pandemic and wars, it can be so easy to get sucked into bad habits. I want to say a big thank you to the Turning Point team in Hereford who have trained me and supported me since being a part of the setup there”
Turning Point told Your Herefordshire
“Food, laughter, tears, and stories that touched the heart! On Tuesday 8th July, we gathered at The Ivy in Victoria for something truly special: our 2025 Inspired by Possibility Awards celebrating the remarkable contributions of our peer mentors and volunteers.
Thirteen of our fifteen winners joined CEO Julie Bass and COO Clare Taylor for a lunch that was far more than a meal – it was a moment. A moment to stop, reflect, and honour those who use their own lived experience and personal time to walk alongside others. Those who offer trust, spark hope, and create change, simply by being there.
With a beautiful and ornate backdrop, the afternoon unfolded with stories that moved the room. We laughed together. We cried. And with each name read aloud, each prize presented, came a reminder of just how powerful lived experience can be when shared with honesty and heart.
Each of our winners, whether supporting others through recovery, mental health, learning disabilities or beyond, offers something you can’t teach empathy rooted in experience. Many give their time freely, as volunteers, yet the impact they have is immeasurable.
This celebration wasn’t just about recognising success – it was about gratitude. Gratitude for those who show up, who listen, who remind others that change is possible because they’ve lived it themselves.
Thank you to everyone who makes our peer mentor and volunteer community so special. You are the heart of what we do.
Once again huge congratulations to this year’s winners…
Andy Lane – Leicester
Anqa Awan – SASH
Bill Nevill – Connect, Wiltshire
Chanise Hay – SASH
David Fallows – Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Service, Ipswich
Debbie Shaw – Wakefield Alcohol Target Team
Jemima Bolton – Substance Misuse Team/ Central London Services
Lynne McKinnon – Whitney, Oxfordshire
Matt Healey – Herefordshire
Ross McKeating – Smithfield, Manchester
You can find out more about Turning Point here -> Herefordshire Recovery Service | Turning Point
