Betknowmore UK has demonstrated its continued commitment to championing lived experience with the launch of a new Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) to provide direction and expert advice, helping to shape short and long-term future plans.

As the charity embarks on its next strategic cycle, the personal insight, knowledge and empathic understanding from the LEAB will play an invaluable role in informing future goals as well as ensuring current services remain relevant and forward-thinking.

Betknowmore UK is a leading provider of gambling support and training services, embracing the insight and knowledge of ‘Experts by Experience’ combined with evidence-based approaches. As part of the National Gambling Support Network, we provide a range of services nationally, from Peer Support, Women-only support to Community Outreach Programmes.

The aim of the LEAB is to be a critical friend to the Board of Trustees and senior management team, ensuring the voices of lived experience of gambling harms continue to provide insightful and objective recommendations.

Andy May has been appointed chair by the LEAB, and he said, “Betknowmore has always had a commitment to listen to the voices, development and expertise that lived experience brings to achieving its mission to prevent and tackle gambling harms.

“Whilst there remains a wealth of lived experience within the day-to-day running of the charity, I hope this independent advisory board will complement what is already in place and help guide the organisation into the future.

“I’m very proud to be involved. We have some great people in place on the advisory board and we are all looking forward to the work and challenges ahead as we take things forward.”

Michelle Franklin, Robbie Nimmon and Dhruv Singh Tomar complete the LEAB, which is comprised entirely of people with lived experience of gambling harms, including those who have been affected by others people’s gambling.

All members will serve for two years, meeting every quarter, and members will also receive ongoing support in the form of wellbeing check-ins and regular 1:1 supervision with Betknowmore UK Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, Ben Howard.

Betknowmore UK Founder and CEO, Frankie Graham, said, “This Advisory Board is further evidence of our proud commitment to engage with the lived experience community and ensuring our approach remains collaborative and best placed to support the communities most in need.

“As we approach the end of the consultation period following the government White Paper, we are at a crucial time in our strategic development. It is imperative that the voices of those with experience and expertise guide our future path.

“I want to thank the members and we look forward to working with them on our vision to ensure that those harmed by gambling are empowered and able to live the lives they want to live.”

You can find out more about the Lived Experience Advisory Board members here.