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Lived Experience Community

What is the Lived Experience Community?

The Lived Experience Community is made up of those affected by gambling related harm. They help integrate real experiences into the work of both GamCare and the wider National Gambling Support Network (NGSN).

The community brings together a group of people with lived experience of gambling related harms, either from their own gambling or from someone else’s, to share insights and to help shape our services.

It’s a welcoming, diverse and inclusive space for people who have been supported by different organisations and services across the NGSN. They contribute to our ambition of continually improving how we support people affected by gambling related harms.

The Lived Experience Community actively take part in consultation and co-production across all areas of our work including support services, awareness campaigns and collaboration with other organisations who also work to support people impacted by gambling related harm.

Community members also have the opportunity (if desired) to share their story through online campaigns, in the media or at policy influencing events, where they would be fully supported by an experienced team.

Across the National Gambling Support Network, we strive to ensure that the voice of those with lived experience is at the forefront of everything we do.

Join the Community

Register your interest in being part of the Lived Experience Community.

If you would like to speak with a member of our lived experience team before completing the form, you can contact the team via email at [email protected]

Complete The Short Registration Form

More on the Community

How does it work?

The Lived Experience Community meets on a monthly basis throughout the year online. The meetings aren’t mandatory and alternate between being held at lunchtime or in the evening to make them as accessible as possible for everybody.

In our monthly meetings we are often joined by speakers from different organisations who share our ambitions to discuss parts of their work we might be able to support or talk about opportunities for us to collaborate.

We also use this space for us to discuss future opportunities and specific projects people may be able to support.

The finer details:

    • Pre-arranged online meetings on specific projects or programme of work
    • No minimum weekly or monthly time commitment required
    • Meetings aren’t recorded without consent and act as a safe space to meet people with similar shared experiences
    • A genuine opportunity to make a difference

Why have a Lived Experience Community?

We want to continually improve the services we provide at GamCare and across the National Gambling Support Network. Ensuring our services are relevant and effective for people who need help and support.

Gambling related harm can affect anybody, it’s crucial that we hear diverse experiences to help us improve our services and support more people in the future.

The Lived Experience Community is the best way for us to do this and provides a safe, supported and structured space to give people with lived experience a credible voice and platform within our organisation.

How can I join the Community?

Register your interest in being part of the Lived Experience Community here.

If you would like to speak with a member of our lived experience team before completing the form, you can contact the team via email at [email protected]

Reflections - A Lived Experience Newsletter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter written by and for the lived experience community. We will bring you stories, updates and opportunities from across the National Gambling Support Network straight to your inbox.

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We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.

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