The collaboration will see Expert Link work with GambleAware to co-design its nationwide program. 18 months of funding has been allocated for the network, which is intended to be made up of people with lived experience of gambling harm. However, it is hoped that the new group will become sustainable and completely independent, sourcing its own funding in the long term. 

Though Expert Link will be helping with the set-up process, the network will be driven by its membership, and have a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, in an effort to help represent those with lived experience who are from marginalised or underrepresented groups.

Indeed, according to GambleAware, Expert Link was selected because of its experience in working with marginalised communities, along with its knowledge of community mobilisation and network formation. 

Discussing the new initiative Research Director at GambleAware, Alison Clare, said:

“We hope this new group will serve as a single, inclusive network that is representative of all people with lived experience of gambling harms across Great Britain. 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 also facilitated the formation of a new special interest group, the Affected Lived Experience Research, Treatment and Support Group (ALERTS) – especially for those who have lived experience of harms associated with gambling and who have experience of treatment within the National Gambling Treatment Service.  

ALERTS will also be tasked with scrutinising existing treatment services, and advising bodies like GambleAware, the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), and the National Clinicians Network Forum. 

Regarding ALERTS, Commissioning Manager at GambleAware, 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 the National Gambling Treatment Service. 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.”

Staying with GambleAware, last month the charity announced that Zoë Osmond will be succeeding Marc Etches as CEO at the end of March 2021, and detailed £4.5M GBP in donations from major British gambling operators. 

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