Understanding and Addressing Gambling Challenges in the LGBTQ+ Community

Join us for this webinar to explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and gambling harm, aimed at breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals accessing services and making treatment more inclusive and approachable, particuarly for young people.

We will raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who struggle with gambling harm, while also highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and inclusion within our communities. We will delve into how this subject impacts individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their specific needs and experiences.

Through insightful discussions with our panel of experts and personal stories from those with lived experiences, we hope to promote understanding, offer resources, and inspire positive change in addressing gambling harm within the LGBTQ+ community.

The panel:

Dr Reece Bush-Evans is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Bournemouth University. He has expertise in gambling-related behavioural change and personality research. He also has recognised research experience in gambling harm among marginalised communities and personality characteristics with online gambling behaviour.

Ash Jones is a pluralistic counsellor based in South Wales. Ash has a keen interest in working with Gender, Sex and Relationship diversity (GSRD) and understands the impact of identity and shame issues in relation to forming addictive habits. Alongside his work as a gambling addictions therapist, Ash is currently studying a Masters in the Psychology of Prejudice & Discrimination at UWTSD.

Ruth Birch is the Operations Manager-Veterans Community Worker in Cymru / Wales. Ruth joined the Army in February 1987. Both Ruth and her partner at the time were interrogated by the SIB and although no evidence could be found, her partner was sent on a 6 month tour to Cyprus to split them up. Ruth will share her personal journey as a gay woman in the armed forces, discussing the challenges she faced and the adversity she overcame.

Danielle is a transgender woman who experienced gambling harm as a young person but has now been in recovery for almost 7 years. She utilises her own lived experience to support individuals affected by gambling. Danielle worked on the Young People’s Gambling Harm Prevention Programme for nearly 4 years before transitioning into a new role at GamCare as a Lived Experience Coordinator.

Brought to you by the English Gambling Education Hub and ARA Recovery 4 All.

https://egeh.org/ https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/

Free, confidential advice & support for anyone affected negatively by gambling in Wales and the South West.