“If I can help one person who feels what I do, then that is a job that is finished”

This volunteer week, we highlighted the work of our extraordinary online colleagues. We spoke with Tracey and Jonathan, two volunteers who had experienced the dangers of gambling through gambling someone close to them, and now use their experience to help others.

“When I first found gamcare, I felt like I was the most lonely person in the world,” Tracey said.

“My child has been a gambler for ten years. I have not told anyone for years, until I sounded the help channel. People at the end of the phone listen to me – I spoke and talk, cry and cry.”

After receiving one-to-one support from Gamcare, Tracey knew he wanted to help people face similar challenges.

“I always say, from when my child is a recovery, I will give back. When I see that role, I think – I am! I say to myself that if I can help one person who feels what I do, then that is the job done.

“One of the people I support is a woman whose son is struggling with gambling. At the end of six months, she told me ‘Because of you, I now have the power to continue ‘. I’m just crying! “

The power of peer support

Volunteers supporting online colleagues use their own experiences about losses related to gambling to support others through one or more of our peer support room.

Whether it exchanging regular emails with someone for several months, facilitating discussions in our chat room, or responding to posts in our forum, these volunteers offer encouragement and motivation for those who experience gambling damage – both through their own gambling or loved ones.

“When I first started to volunteer, I wondered, How much impact can be possessed by email? “Said Jonathan, who had experienced experience supporting close friends with the dangers of gambling.

“But the more I do, the more I realize it is a fantastic tool for people.

“Because it’s all through email, there is less pressure. You have a certain distance level, and I think it really encourages people to open up. It’s almost like a diary, but where someone listens and supports at the other end. That makes people feel a little less alone.”

Build relationships

Often, people call the Gamcare national gambling assistance channel in the moment of crisis. But with the support of online colleagues, this is about building long -term relationships.

“This role offers you the opportunity to use your own experience with the dangers of gambling – things that you have learned, maybe in a dark and difficult place – and use it as a force for good to help others. I think it’s very strong.

“Being a part of the recovery of someone is very useful. One person I supported, he had gone through a lot, and he told me that I was the first person who was once really open about it.

“I was a little worried before I started. Is this right for me? Do I know enough? But the training gives us all the tools we need to do this in our own way. There is a real focus to bring our own voices and experiences to this email.”

Growth and opportunity

Jonathan is currently studying the master of psychology and has been inspired by his experience in volunteers at Gamcare.

“Everything is based on evidence; I feel it’s interesting. So much that I really did my dissertation to people affected by other people’s gambling and the services they used.”

Volunteers also cause a big change for Tracey. Inspired by his experience, he began a career change and is now an advisor to the Gamcare aid channel.

“I want to keep working with the dangers of gambling until I retire – and even later, I know I will return to volunteers.

“My child is very proud of what I do – he thinks it’s amazing. He doesn’t want others to experience what we both experience.

“We are always like two peas in the pod, and then everything is destroyed. But we come back now. Every day my child is in my life is a beautiful day.”

Can you use your gambling life experience to support others? Find out more about volunteer supporters of online colleagues and register today.