Lived Experience Workshop: Preventing Gambling Harms in Barnet

You can help shape Barnet Council’s approach to preventing gambling harms and make a difference in our community.

We would like to understand your experiences and learn what more can be done to improve support for people affected by gambling harms.

• Share your experiences in a safe, supportive environment
• Help shape Barnet’s approach to preventing gambling harms and improve support for others
• Receive compensation (a £22 voucher and lunch) as a thank-you for your time and input

Gambling harms are the negative effects experienced by a person who gambles, as well as those around them. These harms can affect people at any stage of life and can take many different forms including:

• Financial difficulties
• Relationship problems
• Mental and physical health issues
• Problems with work, studies or housing
• Legal problems or involvement with crime

• You are an 18+ resident of Barnet
• You have experienced gambling related harms, either from your own gambling or someone else’s
• You feel safe and able to talk about your experiences and listen to other peoples’
• You’re comfortable seeking support or taking a break if needed during the session

We welcome people from all backgrounds, communities, and beliefs.

“The effort put in to organise this event shows how life is valued. Thank you for everything.” Lived Experience Workshop Participant

“Amazing. Really well run and inclusive… Thank you for handling such a sensitive subject with care and facilitating space for everyone.” Lived Experience Workshop Participant

• Registration from 11:00 for 11:30 start
• An introduction to the workshop
• Discussion in small groups to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share. There will be a focus on listening, learning, and gathering your valuable insights.
• Lunch will be provided after the discussion groups

Barnet Council Public Health leading the development of a borough‑wide approach to preventing gambling harms. This work is about building a better understanding of how gambling harms affect residents, including where harms happen, what seeking support is really like, and what could be improved.

Hearing people’s experiences of gambling harm is essential in building a local picture that will shape future services, support, and prevention work. This workshop is also happening at an important time, with growing focus on preventing gambling harms and new projects and funding becoming available.

Inclusion Unlimited is working with Barnet Council Public Health to make sure the voices of those with lived experience can shape the approach to gambling harm prevention. Inclusion Unlimited is a Barnet-based Community Interest Company (CIC) which provides support, training, and consultancy around co-production and inclusion. We pride ourselves on using lived experience to create more inclusive services and communities.

• Click the “Register” button to register your interest.
• Space is limited. We want to ensure we hear as many different voices as possible, with varied life experiences. Therefore, if the event is oversubscribed, we will aim to have diverse experiences represented.

We would still value your contribution, even if you cannot attend the workshop. You can share your experiences/submit a response through our short online form: Gambling Harms Lived Experience – Online Contribution Form – Collaboration

You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable and your responses will be kept confidential. Please submit your responses by 13th July 2026.

We are committed to making this event as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any specific needs (e.g. accessibility requirements or dietary restrictions), please let us know during registration (by 8th June).

We will have a separate private room for you to visit if you feel you need to step out of the discussion. We will also have a Mental Health First Aid Trained person present.

Please note: We take the wellbeing of people seriously; this session may involve sensitive and emotive topics. Please carefully consider if this could negatively impact your well-being before registering. We encourage you to prioritise your mental health and avoid putting yourself at risk.

Support is available.

is a fellowship of people who meet regularly to support each other in recovery from gambling addiction. There are meetings in Barnet and online.

is a national helpline offering advice and treatment for gambling problems. 08088020133 (open Monday-Sunday, 24 hours a day)

offers peer support network for both people who gamble and families affected by gambling harm

supports families bereaved by gambling-related suicide

provides access to immediate emotional support to anyone over 18 experiencing distress: 020 8343 5704 (open Monday to Friday 4.30pm to 10.30pm and weekends at 12pm to 6pm) [email protected]

is a centre that enables people of Barnet to access services and activities to improve their wellbeing. 03333 449 088

offers 24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone in distress or suicidal

NHS 111, dial 2: Immediate mental health support via NHS helpline

For further mental health support information, visit Barnet Council’s Suicide Prevention Webpage

For any questions or additional details, please contact us: [email protected]

If you need to contact us about the event, please use the email address above. However, as this email is not monitored for mental health crises or safeguarding concerns, if you are in need of support, please reach out to trusted support services or emergency help (listed above).

Event Venue

Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App