GambleAware unveils new Lived Experience Council

GambleAware is set to launch a new Lived Experience Council as part of its efforts to help tackle gambling-related harm.

The council will be made up of up to 12 members of the public, including a chair, who will use their experiences of gambling-related harm to help support GambleAware develop policy and programmes in its work.

Members of the council will also have a rotating observatory and advising seat at all GambleAware board meetings.

The term of office for each council member will be two years, and it can be renewed once to take length of service to a maximum of four years.

To be eligible for a place on the council, applicants must be over than age of 18 and reside in England, Scotland or Wales.

They must also have lived experience of gambling harm and not have worked for the gambling industry.

Applicants should also be more than six months into their own respective recovery programmes.

The submission deadline for applications to the council is on Friday 24 June, with interviews to follow in July.

GambleAware will then name its initial batch of council members by the end of July.

The council will meet approximately four times a year, with council members receiving a daily subsistence allowance at £200 per day or £100 for a half day.

Additionally, any reasonable expenses incurred, such as accommodation or longer distance travel, can be claimed back.

Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, said: “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.

“I strongly encourage all those who are interested in being part of this new venture, to please get in touch.

“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,” she added.