GambleAware Introduce Lived Experience Council for Short and Long-Term Future Strategy
Published on by Becky M.
GambleAware, a charity providing information and help for people with gambling-related problems and friends and family affected by others’ gambling, has introduced its Lived Experience Council, comprising of a group of people who have lived experiences of gambling-related harms.
Lived Experience Council
The Lived Experience Council builds on GambleAware’s short and long-term strategic developments. The first session of 10 members took place on Friday the 2nd of December 2022, where a new chair was elected to provide valuable advice to GambleAware activities, programmes, and strategic development.
The Lived Experience Council further enhances gambleAware’s commitment to its approach to gambling-related harm and were best placed to support communities who are the neediest. The charity is taking further steps in the fight against gambling-related harms in conjunction with the soon-to-be-published Governments White Paper on gambling reform.Chief Executive for GambleAware Zoe Osmond said, “Our new Council is further evidence of our proud commitment to engage with the gambling harms community. With the imminent publication of the White Paper and subsequent regulatory reform, this is a crucial time for GambleAware’s strategic development. It’s imperative that the voices of those with experience and expertise in this public health crisis guide our future path.“My heartfelt thanks to our new Council members, and we look forward to working with you all on our mission to prevent and tackle gambling harms.”
Chair Appointed
Ben Howard was appointed as chair for the new Council, he currently works as a peer supporter in helping people in their recovery from gambling-related harm. Ben is studying to become a counsellor and has always been passionate in the fight to tackle stigma and raise awareness of the damage caused by problem gambling harms.