Hartson to lead free gambling recovery workshop in Lerwick
A GAMBLING recovery workshop led by former Celtic striker John Hartson is set to come to Shetland later this week.
The free event at Lerwick Town Hall on Thursday, which does not require a ticket, will see Hartson talk about his own experiences with a gambling addiction.
He will also be joined by senior specialist therapist Tony Marini and Sarah Hartson for a conversation about gambling harm and what can be done to prevent it.
Hartson scored 109 goals in 201 appearances for Celtic, winning six major trophies, and also earned 51 caps for Wales.
He has spoken candidly about battling a severe gambling addiction during his playing days, which saw him lose tens of thousands of pounds.
The event is said to be “far more than a workshop”, being described as “an experience that opens eyes, starts vital conversations and creates a genuine cultural shift around gambling harm”.
“From the moment the session begins, a warm, no-judgement space is created where people feel able to open up, reflect and engage in conversations that are often avoided – but critically important,” the promotional information reads.
“These workshops don’t just raise awareness – they actively reduce stigma, strengthen mental health resilience, protect families and improve financial wellbeing across teams and communities.”
Councillor John Fraser, who has helped to bring the workshop to Shetland, said the workshop was open to everybody.
“It’s not a supporters event nor is it just for those affected by gambling,” he said.
“It’ll educate on how to see the signs of problem gambling in either yourself or someone else (family member, friend, colleague, employee).
“It’ll guide on how to help and appropriately signpost. It’ll help on how to signpost help for affected others.
“And it’ll help open the conversation and combat stigma.”
The John Hartson gambling recovery workshop is being held at Lerwick Town Hall at 7pm on Thursday 23 April.
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