The grant of £375,000 – given over three years – will fund the network’s ongoing development and support GLEN as it builds capacity and infrastructure to operate entirely independently of a development partner after this period. 

Outcomes of the continued funding will include aiding GLEN in the production of publications, tools, and resources, researching and developing position Statements and the development of a Consensus Statement.

The grant will also allow GLEN - an independent network representing the community itself - to continue its policy and advocacy work, including responding to consultations, taking part in political discussion and discourse, amplifying membership’s voice and publications.

Zoe Osmond, CEO, GambleAware, said: ‘We recognise the invaluable work  of the Gambling Lived Experience Network and its important role in the sector. 

‘As the largest network of its type, GLEN has diverse and democratic infrastructure allowing it to speak with a representative voice across the whole of Great Britain, underpinning GambleAware’s commitment to championing and supporting the Lived Experience community at large. 

‘GLEN’s continued contribution to our processes, their participation in the broader debate and discourse, and the network’s representatives’ attendance at events and visibility across the sector and in the community will allow GambleAware - and the whole sector - to be truly accountable to the lived experience community.’

David Quinti, Acting Chairperson, GLEN, said: ‘We are delighted that the Gambling Lived Experience Network is now a live charity. As a network representing people who have lived experience of gambling harms in Great Britain, we want to support others in our community to come forward and amplify their voice through our network. 

'GLEN is an independent voice of the gambling harm lived experience community, raising awareness and championing support for all people who have experienced gambling harms. 

‘We can truly make a difference and by adding your voice to ours: together, we can challenge stigma, break down barriers, and collaborate to make a real difference in the sector, and across Britain. If you have lived experience of gambling harm, and would like to be involved in the network or inquire about working for GLEN, please get in touch: GLEN is your network.’

About the Gambling Lived Experience Network:

• GLEN is the only network with a representative diversity and democratic infrastructure allowing it to speak with a representative voice in Great Britain. 
• GLEN is the largest network of its type, with approximately 125 members. 
• GLEN is an independent network representing the community itself, representing the whole lived experience community, with all members of this community able to join, and participate in, the network. 
• The network allows for anonymous participation of these less represented and underserved communities who can elect their own spokespeople and have a voice through them.

GambleAware’s funding of the GLEN network reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to championing and supporting the Lived Experience community at large in Great Britain and ensuring the community’s diverse voices are reflected across our work and the wider system. 

GLEN is in the process of recruiting staff - to become a member of GLEN or find out more information, contact GLEN at info@glenetwork.org.