Keynote Speaker
Andy May
From Addiction to Recovery
Andy May knows what it means to lose everything and to rebuild from the ground up.
For years, gambling was just a bit of fun. But over time, casual bets turned into a destructive addiction that took over Andy’s life. It led to secrecy, fraud and ultimately prison. In 2020, at rock bottom, Andy made the decision to take control and begin his recovery journey.
Now, more than five years free from gambling, Andy has rebuilt his life with honesty, courage and the support of others in recovery. In 2023, he trained as a Recovery Coach, allowing him to use his experience to help others find hope and healing.
Through Onward Shift, Andy shares his powerful story with people across the construction industry an environment where long hours, stress and silence around mental health often hide real struggles. His talks cut through stigma, spark honest conversations and show that no matter how far someone falls, recovery is possible.
Andy’s message is simple but unforgettable: you can always start again and you can build something stronger than before.
Podcast with Andy
In this powerful episode of Onward Shift, host Vishal Narbheram speaks with Katy Wilson from the charity Bet Know More and Andy May, who bravely shares his personal journey through gambling addiction, prison and recovery. Together, they uncover the hidden realities of gambling harm from the first bet to its emotional, financial and mental health consequences.
Katy discusses the importance of lived experience in shaping meaningful support services, while Andy’s story highlights the impact of addiction on relationships, identity and wellbeing. The conversation also explores how advertising and technology normalise gambling, particularly among younger audiences.
More than just a discussion, this episode is a call for awareness, compassion, and systemic change reminding us that recovery is possible through community, understanding, and the right support.
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