GambleAware, an independent problem gambling advocacy group, has sent out a call for applications for their new Lived Experience Council, a new program intended to combat the negative effects of gambling by engaging with communities through ambassadors who have direct lived experience.
GambleAware is looking to establish and cultivate a community of persons who have firsthand awareness of the suffering that may be caused by UK gambling sites. As part of this effort, they have issued a call for applications to sit on the Lived Experience Council.
The organization is specifically looking for persons whose lives have been affected by the negative aspects of gambling, either through first-hand experience or through the gambling habits of their friend or relatives.
These council members will directly inform and advise GambleAware, as well as the board of trustees, using the information and insight they have earned through their experiences in the gambling industry.
Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, made the following statement in their announcement: “We are committed to meaningful and inclusive involvement of those with lived experience of gambling harms to ensure their voice is amplified across all areas of our work.”
“The new Council and community members will bring their unique insight, expertise, and knowledge to GambleAware and help us in creating a society free from gambling harms.”
The formation of the Lived Experience Council is a continuation of the work done by GambleAware, which aims to support and provide funding for community-based groups that focus on addressing issues related to gambling. The Lived Experience Council will be comprised of people who have personal experience with the effects of gambling.
GambleAware has in the past formed the ALERTS group, which is a parallel structure to the National Clinician's Network Forum, which is part of the National Gambling Treatment Service. This was accomplished via collaborative efforts with other community organizations.
Applicants for the Lived Experience Council will all be screened for and/or undergone treatment for problems related to gambling, which may or may not include compulsive gambling.
