Realworld Recovery was founded by Kevin C. Dooley. He was formerly a repeat offender and heroin addict. After achieving academic success in sociology, psychology and counselling, he has spent his time working with rehabilitation organisations, the homeless and those affected by addiction. Read more about his life here.
Feedback from Kevin’s recent talk to the British Society for Criminology
“It takes a lot to quieten a room full of criminologists, but Kevin Dooley’s impassioned speech at the British Society for Criminology Annual Dinner captured everyone’s attention. Kevin spoke from the heart, and from his own bitter experiences. At a time when politicians and criminal decision-makers seem disinclined to listen to evidence about the impacts of their policies, they could do well to listen carefully to Kevin. The first half of his talk left no-one in any doubt about the dire consequences of a childhood damaged by poverty, deprivation and violence, where the roots of crime and addiction lie.
The second half of his talk was a lesson to criminologists: first concerning the bitter personal struggles that fighting addiction and changing a life can entail, and that behind every conviction lies an often unheard human story. Secondly he addressed the need to speak out for more effective supports and interventions to help those making the decision to change. Kevin knows, he’s been there and done it, and he has much to contribute. As the outgoing President of the BSC, Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe said, following Kevin’s talk: “Kevin should inspire us all to make some noise” on behalf of a fairer society and a better criminal justice system. It is hard to disagree.”
Peter Squires
Professor of Criminology & Public Policy
University of Brighton
BSC President, July 2015
Watch some of Kevin’s recent film interviews here:
Comments on the tragic death of Charles Kennedy
Kevin’s interview on ‘legal highs’ for the international ‘Going Underground’ documentary
Kevin is:
- A speaker on justice, addiction and homelessness
- Expert spokesperson for national media
- Recovery coach and programme facilitator
- Author
Read more about his recent challenging talks he is giving to stakeholders in justice and addiction:
To book Kevin for either of these talks contact: Ian Glennie | ian@glennie.com | 07734 858121
His organisation, Realworld Recovery, provides:
- Integrated recovery programmes
- Solution focussed workshops for clients
- Training workshops for staff and family members
Speaker on justice, addiction and homelessness
Kevin is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, engaging justice, health and local authority professionals and students. He has developed and delivered lectures and workshops.
Expert spokesperson for national media
As a media consultant on addiction Kevin has appeared on BBC’s News at Ten, Channel 5 series Autopsy, guested on European and Spanish radio, and featured in The Independent Newspaper, Daily Record, Sunday Mail, Answers from Big Issue, InoMag, Flack Magazine and The Chase Magazine.
Real World Recovery Coaching
Kevin works one-to-one with service users as well as in groups in order to bring about real change and recovery from addiction. He is achieving outstanding results based on real insight and understanding of people going through the stress of addiction. See a summary of his approach here.
He has developed a range of programmes, which he delivers himself as well in partnership with other experienced programme facilitators, many of whom are also ex service users.
Author
Kevin is working on a number of books at the moment due for publication later this year. They include:
- A Cruel Healing – An autobiography
- Shop Crime – The crime that dare not speak its name
