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A Birkenhead man who started writing poetry while overcoming drug dependency has published his first anthology and been recognised with an award celebrating his creative journey.
Jaimie started writing as a form of self-expression while in rehab to express his thoughts and feelings which he found difficult to verbalise. Two years later, he has published his own anthology, What Ye Doin Today?
Back in 2025, at the Recovery Fest event, he was awarded the Inspiration Through Creativity Award. The event was organised by Wirral Council's Public Health team and partners from the addiction support community to celebrate recovery and the people who inspire others.
"Life has been amazing since getting out of rehab. I'm proud of myself," Jaimie told the Wirral View. "I still have doubts because of my past, but I can't change that. All I can do is focus on the future."
He added: "I like the person I am now. Even though I wake up at 5am, I'm buzzing and ready for the day."
Jaimie used local recovery services such as the Spider Project in Birkenhead to support his journey to kicking his drug habit. Currently, he attends creative writing sessions at Birkenhead Library run by the charity Writing on the Wall.
Of his poems, Jaimie said: "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," he said. "I don't like ending them on a negative note."
Since leaving rehabilitation two years ago, Jaimie has grown in confidence and performed his poetry on stage several times through opportunities provided by the Spider Project.
"The first time I performed, I was shaking, but it's getting easier every time," he said. "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," he said.
His advice to those battling addiction and who are in hard situations?
"Never give up," he said. "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."
