England star Paul Stewart on turning a secret trauma into a mission of hope
Crisis What Crisis with Andy Coulson · Andy Coulson
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Show Notes
Sensitive content: this podcast contains discussions of child abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
Paul Stewart is a former England footballer who played for Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool. But behind the success was a harrowing secret – years of unimaginable childhood abuse at the hands of a trusted coach. He shares his powerful journey from suffering to recovery – a story of pain, resilience but lasting hope.
After decades of silence, Paul found the courage to speak out, becoming a leading voice for safeguarding in sport. The trauma he endured led him to some dark places, but his story is one of survival and relentless advocacy. He co-founded the charity SAVE with fellow former players to support abuse survivors and launched the Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding programme, delivering vital education to organisations like the English Football League.
I hope you’ll agree that this episode is a tough but essential listen. Aside from his eloquence and bravery, Paul provides vitals lessons for those who have suffered trauma.
Paul's book 'Damaged: My Story - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damaged-My-Story-Paul-Stewart/dp/1910335738
Safeguarding Fundementals - https://safeguardingfundamentals.com
If you or anyone you know has suffered from child abuse and you wish to talk about it, please consider these resources:
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
NAPAC - 0808 801 0331
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