Local service welcomes pivotal pilot programme for families affected by gambling
M-PACT stands for ‘Moving Parents and Children Together’ and is a whole family programme for children aged eight-years-and-over and their adult family members to talk about gambling related harms in a friendly, open and safe environment. The programme is free to attend and will run for 10 weeks, open to families who have children aged eight to 17 and are based in the Liverpool city region covering Sefton, Wirral, Southport and St Helens.
This family-focused support programme will be delivered from The Brink, Forward’s community drug and alcohol service in Liverpool, as well as the UK’s first dry bar, located on Parr Street in the city centre.
Andrew Greeney, Family Support Therapy Coordinator at The Forward Trust, said: “The programme will help children talk openly and safely about the effects of gambling, giving them a voice.
“We want to bring back that family unity and togetherness. Gambling addiction can be all-consuming, not just for those in active addiction themselves but also their loved ones, especially children. The family members often experience the ripple effect of addiction and need support themselves.
A recent NHS England report revealed that gambling addiction referrals are at a record-high, with 1,389 patients being referred for help last year, compared to 1,013 in 2021 and 775 in 2020.
M-PACT Gambling Facilitator Liza McGee, who runs the programme alongside Andrew, said:
“We want to make sure we are reaching as many people as possible, which is why this programme is also open to extended family members too”, added Liza, “If siblings, aunties and uncles or grandparents want to come along too, they are more than welcome.”
A mixture of private and group sessions will make up the 10 sessions, which will run from 4.30pm to 8.30pm each week, as well as art therapy and role-play, with guidance being provided throughout.
Families who take part will also have any travel expenses covered, as well as a sit-down meal at every session, provided from the team at The Brink. A night of bowling will also be provided on the tenth session of the programme.
Service Manager at The Brink David Humphreys said: “Being able to provide families a sit-down meal at The Brink, some of whom may not have ever had a meal together, without the pressure and away from the hustle and bustle of every-day life is so important.
“While these sessions are focused on a serious subject, we hope that by providing a welcoming, safe environment can really make those who take part feel comfortable and have a home, away from home, even if it’s just for a few hours a week.
“It can sometimes be hard to believe that our venue, based in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling nightlife is a hub for support, but we have been here changing lives since 2011 and we will continue to do so.”
Applications are now open for the programme and participants who wish to sign up should please contact: service coordinators:
About The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust empowers people to break the cycles of addiction or crime to move forward with their lives. Since 1991, we have been working with people to build positive and productive futures. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change, as celebrated in our More Than My Past and Taking Action on Addiction campaigns. Our services have supported thousands of people to make changes to create better lives with jobs, family, friends and a sense of community.
Forward are a national organisation, with services located in England and Wales. Forward now have over 70 separate service delivery projects, with more than 20,000 clients per year supported by 700 staff and 150 volunteers. We are proud that around 30% of our workforce have lived experience of the issues we seek to address.
About GambleAware
GambleAware is the leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment across Great Britain.
About The Brink
Since opening in 2011, the UK’s first ever “dry-bar”, The Brink has been a safe space, a life-changing place – a recovery space. In the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant city centre, people affected by drug and alcohol addiction turn to our award-winning recovery hub to find help, support and access to the treatment they need.
Alongside the cafe and restaurant, we offer a number of services for individuals and families struggling with addiction and its consequences.