GambleAware has partnered with Expert Link to create a network of people with lived experience of gambling-related harms.
The UK gambling charity GambleAware has teamed up with the research organisation Expert Link on a new initiative to design and create a nationwide network of people with lived experience of gambling-related harms.
The new support network
According to the announcement, Expert Link will design a wholly independent network that will operate across Britain and be representative of the entire British population with a focus on inclusion, diversity and equality.
Once the group has been formed, it will develop capacity and resources to provide meaningful contributions to the national debate and policymaking across the gambling sector.
The gambling charity will fund the initiative for 18 months with the aim of the network to become sustainable and independent. The initiative is also expected to identify and apply for its own funding sources in the long term.
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.”
Gambleaware signs grant for new lived experience group
In addition to working with Expert Link, the UK’s gambling charity has signed a grant agreement for a new special interest lived experience group called the “Affected Lived Experience Research, Treatment and Support Group”, or ‘ALERTS.”
The ALERTS group is solely made up of individuals with experience of treatment from the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS). The group will focus on scrutinising existing treatment services and provide system-wide advice and guidance from the perspective of people who have used the NGTS.
Initially, GambleAware will fund the group for a 12-month period where ALERTS will operate as an independent advisor to the charity 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.”
