An inspirational West Lothian man who survived sexual abuse and drug addiction is to tackle the issue of trauma in a hard-hitting TV show.
Aidan Martin, from Livingston, will front ‘Scotland’s Stories: Let’s Talk About Trauma’ which airs on STV at 7pm on Friday, November 4.
Aidan, who is also a published author, told the Courier that he hopes the programme inspires people and sends out a message of hope and recovery.
He admitted he’s turned down similar opportunities previously, but said the time was right to now tackle the topics for television.
He commented: “I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity to do this show. I’d been approached in the past by some filmmakers about the possibility of doing documentaries but it never felt like the right time or I didn’t get the right feeling about it but STV from the very beginning were great.
“From the first conversation, I knew it would be in safe hands and they had the idea of tackling a very difficult topic in both an authentic but delicate and very respectful manner.”
He added: “It’s linked to STV’s Children’s Appeal and the show is primarily about children and young people and how the impact of events in early life and impact the rest of your life.
“The show deals with obviously some very serious topics but I think the overriding message is one of hope. That was certainly the aim.
“There are organisations out there who provide help. There is a problem with trauma in this country but there’s also lots of amazing organisations who are working hard to help people. That’s really what I hope people take from the show.”
Aidan was also recently awarded a Lifetime Ambassador Award by West Lothian College, from which he graduated with HNC Social Sciences in 2014 and acknowledges as having played a huge role in turning his life around.
The college features in the programme and he said: “I really want to thank everyone associated with making the show possible. The producers and crew at STV were an absolute pleasure to work with.
“West Lothian College get a special mention in the show as well and they’ve really been amazing.”
As for the honour from the college, he commented: “I am proud and privileged to receive this award.
“West Lothian College is my second home and that relationship began when they literally gave me a life-changing and lifesaving opportunity in 2011.
“They were trauma informed before the phrase was commonly used. Now they are also trauma responsive. I am proud to be affiliated with what I believe to be the best educational institution in the land.
“I will forever represent this college and give back to the students because that is what the college has done, and still does, for me. Together we are creating positive change in our community.”
Jackie Galbraith, Principal of West Lothian College, added: “I was delighted to present Aidan with our Lifetime College Ambassador award.
“Everyone who works with Aidan is blown away by his passion, enthusiasm and capacity for helping others to understand the impact of trauma on people’s lives. We are very privileged that our students, staff and college benefit from this.”
Scotland’s Stories: Let’s Talk About Trauma airs on STV as part of the STV Children’s Appeal 2022 at 7pm on Friday 4 November.
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