Volunteer Week celebrates the extraordinary contributions of those who dedicate their time to supporting others. Hear from one of our Online Peer Supporters and Team Leaders about their journey with GamCare and learn how you can make a difference as a volunteer.
Our Online Peer Support Service launched in March 2024, with 17 amazing volunteers now part of our team and growing. We are extremely grateful to our volunteers for their hard work and dedication in providing support to those affected by gambling.
Patsy, one of our dedicated Online Peer Supporters, shares why she got involved as a volunteer:
“My child suffered losses from gambling for nine years, and during that time I contacted GamCare in 2019 through several means. I held several live one-on-one sessions in London and also had some invaluable conversations with the Helpline. I carried the burden on my own and GamCare was the only charity to help at the time. I need someone to listen to me and my pain.
Today, life is very different for me and my son. He has been gambling-free for seventeen months thanks to support from a number of associations, including GamCare. I am passionate about helping parents and loved ones feel supported using my experience and knowledge.”
Read more about Patsy’s story
Our Online Peer Support Team Leaders share how their lives changed after they accessed support for their gambling:
“My life has completely changed since accessing support and reaching out. When I gambled, I was very unhappy with my life, always worried with no ambition to do anything other than gamble. I worked in jobs I found unfulfilling, lost many friends to gambling, and had strained relationships with those closest to me.
Since seeking support, I have successfully finished university, moved into my own home, started a family, and started working for GamCare to support others who were, and are, in the same situation as me a few years ago. I don’t think I could have done it on my own without the support that GamCare gave me when I was having difficulties.”
Read more about their story
What is included in becoming an Online Peer Supporter?
Our Online Peer Support provides face-to-face and group support to individuals who gamble and those affected by the gambling of others. Drawing on their own experiences of the harms of gambling, volunteers will support others digitally as part of our Online Support Service and will include email support as well as facilitating our Forums and Chat Rooms.
Full training and ongoing support is provided to enable volunteers to use their life experience.
What is the training like?
“The session was amazing! Very good! Good planning, sessions are well structured, clear and make learning fun. This team is genuine and humble people, and it really shows in their delivery.”
“As this was the first session for Peer Support, I thought both coaches were very open, honest and supportive of all of us. I feel more confident about my future career path in preventing and supporting people affected by the harms of gambling.”
Help us continue to make a difference. Join us as an Online Peer Supporter!
If you need support at this time, our National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7. Speak to one of our trained Advisors for free and confidentiallyby phone or via live chat.