Making of an Addict: Breaking the stigma of addiction

Product Information

For the past year, James has been broadcasting his own one-man program called 'THe SHINNy SHOw LIVe' where he held honest and frank discussions about his own struggles and what he did to overcome them. To deal with it I count my blessings, think of my family,” he said. “I feel grateful for what I’ve got – think of my kids. Then I make a coffee and I’m ready to take on the day.” The former boxer eventually sought help for his issues and turned his life around in 2017. He now supports others with a recovery show online. Later on, Lucia Nield features in an exchange with a nine year Shinny played by Jensen Clarke as he drinks from a puddle! It sets the tone perfectly for what promises to be an honest and gritty drama. SHINNy represented Leeds Rhinos and his hometown club Salford Reds. After a career in rugby, he became a professional boxer. In his final bout, SHINNy boxed at the MEN Arena on the undercard of the legendary Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy bout.

SHINNy aims to reach individuals across the city region and beyond to help educate, engage and support people around mental health. If I can make a difference to just one person by sharing some positivity then I’ve achieved something,” he said. Expect plenty of laughs, shared life experiences and music updates. And he even gets passers-by involved. With Shinny, what you see is what you get. And he’s on a path to better mental health following years of difficulty.

We are almost at the final closure of the Salford Star but we write this article as a warning to others who may follow on the pitfalls of founding a genuine publication that aims to give the community a voice and hold public bodies up to account. IT'S a case of one down and many more to go for James 'Shinny' Davenport after his victorious return to the ring. He’s recognised daily for his ground-breaking work in helping people face their demons due to the frank and honest approach he takes to facing his own addiction. He’s also lived an incredible life and I’m hugely excited to be able to put that into film.” If more people were open about their mental heath struggles, he told us, there would be less suffering.

Shinny has a number of high profile fans. Tina Malone from Shameless and Happy Mondays star Bez feature in the video for the Christmas single – and he’s been on BBC Radio Manchester too. Founded by world-renowned tattoo artist Dan Watson and his good friend, well-known mental health advocate and social media influencer, James ‘SHINNy’ Davenport, each pair comes complete with a physical reminder to continue in a positive direction in life, giving people the mental tools they need to start their day in the right way. Initially, SHINNy took a light-hearted approach and had used his channel to promote his charity Christmas single Christmas No.1. Soon these broadcasts gained massive popularity. A key feature amidst the promotional work and humour was SHINNy's heart-on-the-sleeve openness when discussing his demons. These conversations became an integral aspect and the shows started to reach out to sufferers of anxiety, depression and addiction. Making of an Addict promises to be an interesting and important film. Certainly one to look forward to... Salford Star Live Editor, Ian Leslie, applauds SHINNy's 'heart-on-the-sleeve openness when discussing his demons', as he acclaims the 'actor, mentor, musician andformer sportsman' a worthy winner of this Star Award.You’d probably never guess that Shinny, a muscular bloke with a gold tooth and arms of impressive tattoos, wakes up every day and struggles with intense anxiety. He said: "It was great to get the victory because it feels like I haven't won for ages! With it being such a big bill I was a bit nervous at first and then I lost my gum shield so they had to delay the fight while we got another and that added to the nerves.