Former Arsenal star shares his 'inspiring' addiction story during Derry visit

The Old Library Trust’s ‘Community in Transition’ Project hosted an event at St. Cecilia’s College on Monday night that brought the conversation of addiction to the forefront with former Arsenal footballer and Skytv pundit Paul Merson, as part of their series of events to highlight stories of recovery.

A capacity audience listened intently as chair Glenn Hinds held an open, honest, and powerful conversation with special guest Paul Merson. The ex-international footballer shared his story on how addiction, through drugs, alcohol and gambling impacted his life and the lives of those around him.

The star recounted first-hand experience of battling alcoholism and gambling addiction to those in attendance and offered a relatable and authentic account that would resonate with many individuals facing similar challenges within our community.

IN PICTURES: An evening with Paul Merson - 'Addiction and Recovery'

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

The event, was part of a health and wellbeing initiative led by the Old Library Trust’s Healthy Living Centre in Creggan, partnered, and supported by the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum and funded by the Executive Office’s ‘Communities in Transition’ project.

Merson is a renowned football player and pundit, and an inspiring advocate for mental health and addiction awareness. As addiction remains a serious issue that often carries a stigma and misunderstanding.

Paul Merson's public narrative raises awareness and breaks down barriers associated with addiction, encouraging more people to seek the necessary help and support. Furthermore, his story educates others about the realities of addiction and instils compassion within our community.

Addressing the attendance, one quote from the now tv pundit described how just helping one person would make him very happy.

‘It's just that one person! If this hits home with just one person, then brilliant. Even when I wrote my books and everything like that, it's just to help one person. That's because I know that one person multiplies into 50, 60, 70 people with families, friends, etc.

CIT Partners and Support in conversation during Monday’s ‘Addiction and Recovery’ event at St. Cecilia’s College.

‘People always say, 'You're doing well, Paul, you're doing well!' but no one ever talks about my family, about my wife. You leave absolute devastation behind. 

‘When you stop, you have left wreckage and my wife is the one that has to pick it all up. She doesn't get the help and so it is important to get that across tonight to people here in Derry, and to understand that this is an illness. It's not a bad person trying to get good every week, you're an ill person who needs to get well very, very quickly! That’s the best message I can send out here tonight!’

The initiative aimed to support communities to become more resilient by addressing a key issue associated with poor physical and mental health – Addiction – an issue that has been highlighted within the local area with negative impacts on individuals and families.

Monday night’s event consisted of two parts. Firstly, OLT set the context for the evening by showcasing the work of the CIT project this year. This offered a unique insight into addiction with an open and honest conversation by community partners of project Glenn Hinds, Mark Gibney, Stevie Duddy (ARC), Darren Henderson (ARC) and Martin McLaughlin (Team Torres).

Those stories were reaffirmed by the powerful accounts of local people and glimpse into their journey to recovery and how the project has guided and supported them.

To tie the whole event together, Paul shared his story in hopes to raise awareness and break down barriers associated with addiction, encourage more people to seek the necessary help and support.

Julie White, CIT Programme Manager, pictured with Paul Merson, CIT partners and OLT staff members before Monday evening’s ‘An Evening with Paul Merson - Addiction and Recovery’ at St. Cecilia’s College, Derry. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Project Co-Ordinator of the project, OLT’s (Julie White) summed the evening up after the event stating: ‘We are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase the work CIT has been able to contribute to our local community. Tonight’s event provided a platform for local people to give their account of recovery.

‘This was empowered by having Paul Merson join us to share his powerful story of addiction and recovery. His experience and insights will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our community.’