GambleAware seeks new members for Lived Experience Council

Launched in December, the LEC comprises a group of people who have been impacted by gambling harms, with the charity to draw on their experienced to support its short- and long-term plans to combat gambling-related harm.

The LEC features up to 12 members, including a chair, with two seats currently vacant. The charity has now opened applications for those interested in joining the Council, with the aim of recruiting individuals that are disproportionately affected by gambling harms, currently underrepresented and from minority communities.

Applications are being encouraged from young adults within the 18-25 age group, Welsh residents, members of minority groups, individuals with a disability, and individuals from socially excluded groups.

“With the launch of two seats on the Lived Experience Council, I can’t express enough how fantastic it is to be involved in the strategic development of GambleAware, which brings together a range of voices from those with lived experience and those affected by another person’s gambling,” LEC chair Ben Howard said.

“We have made great strides since forming and are excited to engage and welcome two new members to assist us in this vital work going forward and we hope to see representation of all communities on the Council. 

“GambleAware are committed to the voices, development and expertise lived experience brings to achieving its mission to prevent and tackle gambling harms.”

The recruitment process comes after GambleAware earlier this month announced it would distribute £1.2m to 22 organisations across Great Britain through its Community Resilience Fund to support individuals and communities affected by gambling harms.

Launched last year, the initiative was developed in response to the cost-of-living crisis to help reduce health inequalities in the most disadvantaged communities.

Organisations were invited to submit their applications for a grant of up to £100,000, with GambleAware having announced £1.2m will be shared between 22 successful applicants.