GambleAware opens tender on the creation of a lived experience network

GambleAware has today released an invitation to tender for the design and creation of a ‘UK-wide network of people with lived experience of gambling harms’.

Establishing its new project initiative, GambleAware aims to provide an inclusive network which represents all people affected by gambling harms and the experience of addiction. 

The charity maintains that ‘there is no single, inclusive network which is representative of all people with lived experience of gambling harms. However, the meaningful involvement of those with lived experience is crucial at all levels of service delivery, research, policy and legislation formation’.

The programme, which will run entirely independently from GambleAware, will be carried out over an 18-month period and is expected to cost between £70,000 and £90,000. 

The project will work towards two key objectives: establishing a target operating model, and the setup and operation of said initiative.

For the former, GambleAware aims to create a ‘network that is representative, sustainable, accessible, diverse and accountable; designed collaboratively with communities of people with lived experience of gambling harms; and informed by evidence and best practice from other movements and sectors’. Meanwhile the setup and organisation aspect will focus on delivering the nationwide model.

GambleAware underlined the holistic benefits of its lived experience network, in providing a crucial level of support, whilst further helping welfare research, policy and legislation formation.

Prior to undertaking its project, GambleAware commissioned a short evidence review to identify key components and factors in developing support network infrastructure within other sectors.

GambleAware has published its guidance document for engaging and involving people with lived experience of gambling harms.

Prospective bidders are expected to outline plans for how they would engage with a range of communities that have been affected by problem gambling, drawing upon evidence of what has previously worked with other sectors, academic practice and literature.

The network will also set its own priorities and develop sufficient capacity, resources and membership so that it can meaningfully participate in and influence national debate and policy making.

This summer, the UK Gambling Commission launched its ‘Experts by Experience’ group,  marked as a key resource to broaden the Commission’s advice, recommendations and evidence with regards to its harm reduction policies and effective player protections.

Further national directives saw the NHS’ National Gambling Treatment Service, launch a lived experience group formed by GambleAware, to gain further insights on treatment and support of gambling harms and addiction.