The Entain Foundation announced it has agreed to provide funding for the Alumni Project of Gordon Moody, a UK charity that delivers treatment for gambling addiction. The Alumni Project is initially a two-year programme which will establish a network of former problem gamblers who have been successfully treated by Moody and now want to support others who may be seeking, or have recently finished, treatment with the charity.
The project includes a peer mentor programme with high-quality training and supervision capabilities that can be offered both before and after treatment takes place. In addition, the programme will provide a number of flexible part-time and full-time paid positions for alumni. A steering group will also be established in order for the alumni to share experiences and help inform and improve the treatment programmes.
“Entain has been proud to support Gordon Moody for over six years, both through financial donations as well as the provision of a range of other resources,” the Entain Foundation, which is the non-profit charity organization of online gaming giant Entain, said in a statement.
This support has helped the development of Gordon Moody’s Gambling Therapy app, a women’s residential programme and COVID-19 pandemic services, noted Entain. The group has also used its stores to signpost Gordon Moody’s treatment programmes.
Our Alumni Project will establish a network of ex-Gordon Moody service users who want to support those seeking, or recently finished, treatment with GM.
Support from the @EntainFdn is crucial to help us meet the needs of those needing treatment & support.https://t.co/exzfEzNqAD— Gordon Moody (@GordonMoodyOrg) March 27, 2023
The Alumni Project will cost approximately GBP 740,000 over its first two years and is being funded entirely by the Entain Foundation. The project will formally commence in April and will be overseen by Gordon Moody’s Head of Service Development, Clinical Director and the members of its Clinical Governance Committee.
Barry Gibson, Chairman of Entain, said: “We have been proud and active supporters of Gordon Moody for a number of years now, and are delighted to continue that support with the funding of the charity’s Alumni Project. This is in addition to the more than £40m we have voluntarily donated to GambleAware, who commission treatments for gambling addiction across England, Scotland and Wales, free at the point of delivery.”
“Gordon Moody’s Alumni Project will be the first time that those who have completed their treatment will be able to support those seeking treatment. It will provide people who are most at risk from gambling harm with direct support from those who have been in their position and recovered,” he added.
Matthew Hickey, CEO of Gordon Moody, also commented: “The Alumni Project will help Gordon Moody reach more people who need our support by putting the voice of lived experience at the heart of both our engagement and residential services.”
“Support from the Entain Foundation is crucial to help Gordon Moody grow its services and meet the demands of those needing treatment and support. We are delighted to continue our work with Entain and for their ongoing support and financial donations,” Hickey concluded.