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

This funding will support Surrey County Council’s Bridge the Gap program over the next two years, providing crucial aid to women facing gambling harm, as well as other challenges such as mental health issues, domestic abuse, and the risk of homelessness.  

The Bridge the Gap initiative will offer specialist, long-term trauma-informed outreach to approximately 16 women annually. Additionally, around 30 women with a history of gambling harm will receive ongoing recovery support, facilitated by peer support workers with lived experience.  

The program will also develop a Surrey-wide recovery-focused peer support network, ensuring sustained assistance and community backing for those in need, helping them overcome obstacles to recovery.  This initiative will also support the council wide strategic approach to addressing gambling related harms.

Former sports coach Nat Adams, 54, from Camberley, played a key role in securing the £300,000 grant from Gamble Aware.  

After a near-fatal car accident left her with mobility issues, Nat turned to online gambling during her recovery and said it affected every part of her life, including her mental health and family relationships, while leaving her homeless. She has since transformed her life and now helps others overcome the effects of gambling harms and is strongly advocating for more face-to-face support meetings in Surrey. 

“The effects of gambling can be devastating, with a suicide occurring every day in the UK as a result of gambling,” Nat said.  

“Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, gambling lacks sufficient support, often forcing people to travel long distances for face-to-face support groups. Anyone can develop a gambling addiction – I’ve seen retired nurses gamble away their pensions and individuals lose substantial inheritances in a short time.  

“I know of women that need support, counselling, and housing, I’m currently in emergency Bed and Breakfast accommodation.”  

Nat expressed her excitement about the project’s funding success. “We were up against 154 other bids and were one of 24 winners,” she said. “We are looking forward to supporting women as they take the next step in their recovery journey.”  

Bridge the Gap will collaborate with Gamcare and the mental health team within Surrey County Council’s Public Health Service to maximise referral opportunities and raise awareness.   

Collette Le Van-Gilroy, Senior Programme Manager for Bridge the Gap, said: “The award from Gamble Aware is a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by women in Surrey. By partnering with Gamcare we aim to provide comprehensive support that meets both the immediate and long-term needs of these women.  

“Our goal is to create a resilient, recovery-focused community network that empowers women to overcome their challenges.”  

Bridge the Gap is an alliance of 11 community-based Voluntary and Community Social Enterprises (VCSE) organisations. The specialist trauma-informed outreach service is designed to support individuals experiencing multiple disadvantages across Surrey. 

Anyone concerned about their gambling, or that of a loved one, can find free and confidential support by searching GambleAware or contacting The National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. For more information on Gamcare visit GamCare – The leading provider of support for anyone affected by gambling harm in Great Britain.

For more information on Bridge the Gap:

Visit our website: Changing Futures – Bridge the Gap | Healthy Surrey

Email: [email protected]

See our video: Changing Futures – Power of Co-production (youtube.com)