GambleAware to fund gambling harm network
The British responsible gambling charity will co-design a network of people with lived experience of gambling harm.
UK.- The British responsible gambling charity GambleAware has teamed up with research organisation Expert Link to co-create a network of people with lived experience of gambling harms.
Expert Link will design an independent nationwide network that represents the full diversity in the population. The network will then aim to participate in and influence national debate and policy on gambling.
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GambleAware will fund the project for an initial 18 months, after which it intends for the network to be able to identify its own sources of funding to become sustainable independently.
GambleAware research director Alison Clare said: “We know there are other lived experience groups already out there doing good work in this area, and this new group will fill any gaps and reach those who are harder to engage with.
“Our ambition is to see this independent network grow and develop so that it can help inform all aspects of the gambling debate, from policy and regulation, to research, treatment and prevention.”
New group to advise on National Gambling Treatment Service
GambleAware has also signed an agreement to provide funding to a special interest lived experience group.
The Affected Lived Experience Research, Treatment and Support Group (ALERTS) comprises people who have experienced treatment from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS).
ALERTS will examine existing treatment services and provide advice and guidance on the entire system.
It will also aim to ensure that people with lived experience of gambling harms have a voice at the NGTS National Clinicians Network Forum.
GambleAware will provide funding for a 12-month pilot. ALERTS will operate as an independent advisor to GambleAware and the NGTS.
GambleAware commissioning manager Ruth Champion said: “In order for us to ensure that the treatment services we commission are what people want and need, but also effective in preventing and reducing gambling harms, we must ensure the voices of people with lived experience are heeded.
“The group is already contributing to existing work which builds on the peer support system which is available through NGTS. I welcome the establishment of this new group and look forward to working with them to develop further the treatment and support that people need for gambling harms.”
This week, GambleAware announced that John McCracken was stepping down from his role as director of commissioning for treatment services.
