Surrey: Grant to help women with gambling addictions

Women in Surrey struggling with gambling addiction could soon benefit from a new initiative, thanks to a £300,000 grant.

The funding from GambleAware is expected to support Surrey County Council’s (SCC) Bridge the Gap programme for two years, as it provides aid to women facing gambling harm, as well as other challenges such as mental health issues, domestic abuse, and the risk of homelessness.

The initiative will offer specialist, long-term outreach to about 16 women annually, with other women with a history of gambling harm also set to receive ongoing recovery support.

Nat Adams, who was part of the working group which drew up the funding bid, said: “Anyone can develop a gambling addiction – I’ve seen retired nurses gamble away their pensions and individuals lose substantial inheritances in a short time.”

After a near-fatal car accident left her with mobility issues, 54-year-old Ms Adams from Camberley turned to gambling during her recovery, which affected her mental health and relationships, and left her homeless.

She has since transformed her life and is strongly advocating for more face-to-face support meetings in Surrey.

A council spokesperson said: “While evidence indicates that more men gamble than women, the gender gap is narrowing, with recent data suggesting that rates of participation in gambling activities are equal.

“Research to date has shown that women experience gambling and gambling harms in different ways from men, but far less has been known about the gambling experiences of British women.”

Bridge the Gap is an alliance of 11 community-based voluntary and community social enterprises organisations.

It is set to collaborate with support service GamCare and the mental health team within SCC’s public health service.

Bridge the Gap’s senior programme manager Collette Le Van-Gilroy said: “Our goal is to create a resilient, recovery-focused community network that empowers women to overcome their challenges.”

Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can find free and confidential support by searching GambleAware, or by contacting the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. 

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