GambleAware appoints Nicola Jaques as Chair of Lived Experience Council

UK Gambling Charity GambleAware has announced Nicola Jaques as the new Chair of its Lived Experience Council. The LEC builds on GambleAware’s commitment to ensure its work is collaborative and best placed to support the communities most in need.

According to the UK's leading charity, 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. 

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

Jacques commented: "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.

Parker 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," he added.