When England’s most capped footballer, Peter Shilton CBE, and his wife Steph set out to create Shiltons’ Silverlining, they were not simply launching another charity. They were responding to a growing public health crisis with a deeply personal, insight-led solution – combining lived experience, professional expertise and national influence to support those affected by gambling harm.
From the outset, Stephens Scown’s Charity team – led by Corporate and Charity law specialists Laurie Trounce and Olivia Miller – worked alongside Peter and Steph as trusted advisers to help bring that vision to life. Acting pro bono, the team provided strategic legal support at a formative stage, translating a deeply personal mission into a legally robust, future-ready organisation capable of delivering long-term impact.
As part of a specialist charities practice advising organisations across their full lifecycle – from incorporation and governance to funding, regulatory compliance and commercial arrangements – the team brought both technical expertise and real-world sector insight. With several members of the team also acting as charity trustees, they understood first-hand the operational and governance realities charities face.
A mission shaped by insight – and a gap in support
While Peter’s 45-year struggle with gambling and subsequent recovery is well documented, the creation of Shiltons’ Silverlining was equally driven by Steph’s professional background and frontline experience.
Having worked in the NHS for 27 years and spent several years in the third sector, Steph has seen first-hand the systemic gaps in treatment, aftercare and family support. A pivotal moment came when figures revealed that 496 suicides in England in 2024 were directly linked to gambling harm.
For Steph, this reinforced a stark reality: not enough is being done.
She had also witnessed repeated relapse among those receiving support, often without meaningful long-term care. Families, she explains, are too often “the forgotten victims” – left without a safe, confidential space to address the emotional and financial consequences.
Her clinical and regulatory experience has been instrumental in shaping a model designed to deliver high standards of care, compliance and accountability from the outset.
Shiltons’ Silverlining was created to change that.
The power of profile – and purpose
Peter’s role as one of England’s most recognisable football figures brings a unique and influential platform to the initiative. His openness about addiction has challenged assumptions around who gambling harm affects and has helped bring the issue into mainstream conversation.
Together, Peter and Steph have spent years supporting charities, campaigning for reform and contributing to national policy discussions. Increasingly, they were encouraged to lead a charity of their own.
This organisation is the result – shaped not only by their journey, but by the many individuals, families and experts they have worked with along the way.
A “silver lining” in the darkest moments
The name reflects the isolation and stigma Steph experienced, particularly as the partner of a high-profile public figure. Speaking out was not always straightforward, and the burden of silence added to the challenge.
The concept grew from conversations with other affected families and a shared need for hope – a “light at the end of the tunnel” during the darkest periods.
That ethos underpins everything the organisation does.
Turning vision into a viable organisation
With a clear mission and growing momentum, the next step was to translate that vision into a structure capable of delivering meaningful, long-term support.
Charities and social enterprises face a wide range of legal, operational and strategic considerations – from governance and funding to regulatory compliance and reputation – all of which required careful alignment at this early stage.
Working in close partnership with Steph and Peter, Stephens Scown guided the full charity formation process – from drafting a constitution that captured both the lived experience underpinning the charity and its intended outcomes, to navigating Charity Commission requirements with clarity and precision.
This involved more than process. The team advised on the most appropriate charitable structure and governance framework, balancing flexibility for future growth with the need for strong oversight from the outset. Rather than relying on a standard template, the constitution was carefully tailored to reflect the charity’s unique combination of lived experience, clinical insight and advocacy.
They translated complex regulatory requirements into a clear, workable framework aligned with the founders’ vision, while anticipating future needs such as partnerships, funding models and potential national expansion. Drawing on expertise from across the firm, they also delivered a joined-up approach that ensured governance, regulatory and commercial considerations aligned from day one.
Through efficient project management and a collaborative approach, the team expedited registration, securing swift approval and enabling Shiltons’ Silverlining to begin its work at a critical moment.
A new model of support – and why it matters now
Shiltons’ Silverlining offers a distinctive and comprehensive approach:
- Free, lifelong membership, removing financial barriers to support
- Immediate access via self-referral, capturing individuals at the point of need
- Support for families and affected others, who can seek help independently
- Integrated partnerships, including NHS primary care and specialist debt management providers
- A focus on long-term recovery and relapse prevention, not short-term intervention
Central to this model is a firm belief that those affected by gambling harm – often already facing financial crisis – should never have to pay for support.
Backed by expert partnerships and designed with both professional insight and real-world experience, the approach aims to deliver joined-up, high-quality care that does not allow individuals to “fall through the cracks.”
A critical moment: World Cup 2026
The charity launches at a time of heightened risk. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, gambling activity is expected to rise significantly, driven by widespread advertising and increased public engagement.
Steph is candid: this could be one of the most exciting tournaments in years – but also one of the most challenging for those at risk.
Steph Shilton’s message is clear:
- Enjoy the tournament, but gamble within your means
- Set clear limits and boundaries
- And if you are struggling, seek support and don’t suffer in silence
The organisation aims to play a crucial preventative role while continuing to advocate for a stronger public health approach to gambling harm.
Turning vision into reality
Stephens Scown’s role extended beyond process to shaping a structure capable of supporting the charity’s long-term ambitions.
Drawing on expertise across Corporate and Charity law, the team carefully structured the charity’s objects to cover mental and physical health, education, research and financial resilience – ensuring the organisation is equipped to grow, develop partnerships and maximise its impact over time.
This approach reflected not only technical expertise but a clear understanding of how charities operate in practice, balancing governance, funding and service delivery considerations to support sustainable impact.
Steph highlights the importance of this support:
“I don’t think we would have got it off the ground without you. There were hours and hours of work from Laurie and Olivia. The application really reflected both the lived experience and the outcomes we want to achieve – and that made a difference.”
She also emphasises the team’s personal investment:
“They really understood it. Olivia had a strong grasp of gambling disorder from the outset, and as Laurie got deeper into it, you could see how passionate she became. They weren’t just doing a job – they were invested in making a difference.”
A client perspective
Peter Shilton CBE said:
“Steph and I approached Stephens Scown Solicitors for legal support in applying to register a new charity… The team were absolutely superb, giving so much attention to detail and were highly efficient. We were given a five-star service – they were so focused, totally committed and highly professional.
“We are so grateful for all the work they have done and will be forever grateful – they are definitely a part of the beating heart of this new charity.”
Values-led legal support in action
Laurie Trounce said:
“It has been a privilege to support Steph and Peter in establishing Shiltons’ Silverlining at what is such an important moment for awareness around gambling harm. From the outset, it was clear that this organisation is rooted in genuine experience and a determination to make a real difference.
“Our role was to translate that vision into a strong legal foundation – ensuring it could launch quickly, operate effectively and grow its impact over time. As a values-led firm, supporting this work reflects our commitment to social impact and community wellbeing.
“With major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, its work is both timely and vital.”
A shared ambition
For Steph and Peter, the goal is clear: to create a service that supports people not just in crisis, but for life – reducing relapse, rebuilding relationships and ultimately saving lives.
For Stephens Scown, supporting Shiltons’ Silverlining reflects a broader commitment to using legal expertise as a force for good.
Together, this collaboration has transformed personal experience into a lasting legacy – one that offers hope, support and a genuine silver lining to anyone who may feel there isn’t one.