GambleAware has announced that Nicola Jaques has been appointed as the new Chair of its Lived Experience Council.

The Lived Experience Council (LEC) plays an integral part in informing, developing and monitoring GambleAware’s plans. It includes a breadth of people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm, including affected others. The LEC builds on GambleAware’s commitment to ensure its work is collaborative and best placed to support the communities most in need.

Nicola has worked in the gambling harms sector at Beacon Counselling Trust, part of the National Gambling Support Network, for the last three years. She has been a valued member of GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council since its inception in December 2022.

Nicola said: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to lead GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council. I am proud to be part of the ongoing fight against gambling harm with GambleAware and exceptionally grateful to help guide plans for the charity which has helped improve the lives of families like mine.”

Robert Parker, from Wales, has also joined the LEC. He is the LEC’s first member from Wales and has joined the LEC to share and use his personal journey of gambling harms to provide hope to others.

Robert said: “I am delighted to join GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council to help increase the understanding of gambling harms amongst professionals and decision makers across Wales. I want to highlight the fantastic work of the GambleAware commissioned National Gambling Support Network and be an advocate of the fantastic work carried out by GambleAware and the regional treatment providers.”