Tony Adams appointed as new chair of national addiction and recovery charity The Forward Trust
Photography by Philip Haynes
Tony has been in recovery from addiction for 28 years and has spoken openly about his dependency to alcohol, which blighted his career and led to a short prison sentence.
Tony will replace David Bernstein, who is stepping down after 10 years as Chair.
Towards the end of his professional football career in the year 2000, Tony founded the Sporting Chance Clinic. The clinic has helped hundreds of other professional sportspeople who experience issues with addiction. He has also built a successful company – Six Mental Health Addiction – that provides mental health and addiction support to Business employees.
He is an ambassador for the Taking Action on Addiction and More Than My Past campaigns which are led by The Forward Trust, aiming to tackle stigma around addiction and experience of the criminal justice system.
The announcement of Tony’s appointment comes on the run up to Addiction Awareness Week 2024 (30th November – 7th December), the national campaign raising awareness of addiction and promoting recovery, which is led by The Forward Trust.
Speaking of his appointment, Tony said:
“As an Ambassador of The Forward Trust for the last 20 years, I have seen at first-hand the amazing work they do and have always been a vocal supporter of the programmes and support they provide. Their work with ex-offenders and specifically the scourge of addiction is one particularly close to my heart as a recovering addict and ex-offender. I am proud, honoured and excited to have been given the role of Chair of Trustees. I know that, together with The Forward Trust’s board, we can continue the incredible work of the former formidable chair David Bernstein, and steer and lead this fantastic charity to an incredible future.”
Outgoing chair, the Honorable David Bernstein, added:
“I am delighted that Tony Adams has agreed to succeed me as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Forward Trust. My ten years serving in that role has been one of the things I am most proud of in my personal journey of recovery, and I am confident that by handing on that responsibility to Tony, the charity will be in safe hands. Tony shares an unwavering commitment to the mission of this remarkable organisation – to help anyone in trouble, whether with addiction or in the criminal justice system, turn their lives around and find recovery. I know that under his leadership, The Forward Trust will continue to help countless individuals and their families rebuild worthwhile and fulfilling lives.”
In welcoming the news, Forward’s CEO Mike Trace said:
“I have seen the inspirational impact Tony has had on a wide range of people when he shares his story. I am looking forward to working with him to take this life-affirming message to new audiences in the coming years.”
About The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust empowers people to break the cycles of addiction or crime to move forward with their lives. Since 1991, we have been working with people to build positive and productive futures. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change, as celebrated in our More Than My Past and Taking Action on Addiction campaigns. Our services have supported thousands of people to make changes to create better lives with jobs, family, friends and a sense of community.
Forward are a national organisation, with services located in England and Wales. Forward now have over 70 separate service delivery projects, with more than 20,000 clients per year supported by 800 staff and 200 volunteers. We are proud that around 30% of our workforce have lived experience of the issues we seek to address.
About Tony Adams
Regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Arsenal and England football history. However, Tony’s successful sporting career was blighted by alcoholism and controversy off the pitch during the 1990s. This included a 4-month prison sentence in 1995 for drink driving.
Tony’s long association with the Forward Trust began in 1996 after he attended a family support day at Clouds House, a residential rehabilitation clinic in Wiltshire which is run by the charity. Later that year, Tony’s recovery journey started.
Tony shares his story for the More Than My Past campaign here.
About David Bernstein
David has had a long and distinguished career in the civil service, as a lawyer and on the boards of a small food importing company and a private investment company.
He has been in recovery from addiction for over 30 years and has served as chair of the Board of Trustees of the Forward Trust for 10 years.
David shares his story for the More Than My Past campaign here.