Inspired by my own journey with mental health, I founded Girls Talk, our own safe space where we share, listen and support each other.

So get cozy and join me. Adjua Burr for some much-needed girls' talk.

In the 21st century, the opioid epidemic has claimed more than one million lives.

The way we've treated addiction in the States and around the world clearly isn't working.

That's why I'm very happy to have Sarah Laurel, the Executive Director of Savage Sisters,

a non-profit organisation based in Philadelphia that work to provide housing, rehabilitation and

dignity to those in active addiction. When I came across Savage Sisters, I was struck by Sarah's

ability to meet people where they're at. No judgment, only respect and love. Sarah, welcome to

girls talk. I'm so happy. I cannot even begin to say how excited I've

been at the prospect of having you on the podcast, Sarah. So thank you so much. Obviously, I know

what Savage Sisters is, but I would love for our amazing community to know. So could you please tell us a bit about how Savage Sisters came to be?

So Savage Sisters nonprofit is a harm reduction and housing nonprofit in Philly.

We have nine sober living homes.

All of our residents get free trauma therapy, kickboxing yoga, and Reiki as forms of therapy.

And then we have street-based outreach.

And we also have a drop-in center offering showers and wound care to our friends who are experiencing

substance use or homelessness in the Kensington community.

I live and work in Kensington and it started, it actually started in 2017 about six years

ago when I got into recovery.

So you're, wait, you got sober in 2017?

I did.

And then I had a brief relapse in 2019.

...