Gambling harm prevention charity GambleAware has confirmed the launch of the Lived Experience Council, a collection of people who have experienced gambling harm who will support the body’s future strategies.
People with both direct and indirect experience of gambling-related harm make up the Lived Experience Council, with the move coming as the charity looks to focus on its commitment to a collaborative approach to helping UK communities.
The council will contribute to the development and delivery of GambleAware’s initiatives, programs, and overall strategy.
“Our new council is further evidence of our proud commitment to engage with the gambling harms community. With the imminent publication of the white paper, and subsequent regulatory reform, this is a crucial time for GambleAware’s strategic development,” said GambleAware Chief Executive Zoë Osmond.
Member Ben Howard was elected as chair during the council’s first meeting on 2 December. Other members of the council include Gambling Lived Experience Network Co-Founders David Quinti and Mark Conway, as well as Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust Head of Delivery for Education Sam Starsmore.
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s wife Steph Shilton is also set to join the council.
GambleAware issued a call for council members in June of this year.
