In response to the evolving landscape of gambling harms in Great Britain, GambleAware, a prominent charity, has unveiled new intentions to cater to the growing and changing needs of individuals at risk. Central to this initiative is the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS), a network of third-sector organizations offering free and confidential support to those affected by gambling-related harm. Through a rigorous strategic review process involving various stakeholders, GambleAware has developed a robust Outcomes Framework and Delivery Model to enhance its services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Enhancing Support Structures:
GambleAware’s Chief Commissioning Officer, Anna Hargrave, underscores the importance of adapting commissioning strategies to address the escalating challenges posed by gambling harm. Against a backdrop of rising living costs and increasing vulnerability among certain demographics, the charity is committed to refining its prevention, support, and treatment programs. Leveraging insights gleaned from years of collaboration with partners and stakeholders, GambleAware aims to bolster its efficacy in mitigating gambling-related harms and fostering positive outcomes for those affected.
Regional-First Approach:
A notable shift in GambleAware’s approach is the adoption of a regional-first strategy encompassing England, Scotland, and Wales. This strategic pivot aims to facilitate targeted support initiatives tailored to the specific needs of diverse communities. By decentralizing service provision and fostering closer collaboration with local authorities and healthcare partners, GambleAware seeks to enhance accessibility and efficacy in delivering assistance to individuals at risk of gambling harm. This localized approach underscores the charity’s commitment to addressing the unique socio-economic and cultural factors influencing gambling behaviors across different regions.
Empowering Community-Based Organizations:
In parallel with its efforts to revamp service delivery models, GambleAware is actively engaging community-based organizations through initiatives like the Community Resilience Fund (CRF). Designed to empower grassroots entities not currently funded by GambleAware, the CRF represents a proactive step towards expanding the reach of support services. Through partnerships with learning organizations, GambleAware aims to harness the collective expertise and resources of community stakeholders in tackling gambling harms at the grassroots level. This collaborative approach underscores the charity’s recognition of the pivotal role played by local initiatives in fostering resilience and driving positive change within communities.
Impact Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:
Central to GambleAware’s strategic vision is a commitment to rigorous impact evaluation and continuous improvement. The GambleAware Evaluation team is actively soliciting Expressions of Interest for a learning partner to assess the effectiveness of the CRF and other initiatives. By leveraging robust evaluation frameworks and fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, GambleAware seeks to refine its strategies and interventions based on empirical evidence and stakeholder feedback. This iterative approach underscores the charity’s dedication to maximizing its societal impact and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to address gambling-related harms effectively.
GambleAware’s strategic initiatives reflect a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges posed by gambling harms in Great Britain. Through a combination of regional-first approaches, community engagement, and rigorous impact evaluation, the charity aims to enhance support structures and empower individuals and communities affected by gambling-related harm. By fostering collaboration and innovation across diverse stakeholders, GambleAware is poised to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those impacted by gambling harms.